In this episode of Message in the Middle, Marianne is joined by Shannon Russell, a woman who truly understands what it means to pivot with purpose. Shannon is a Career Transition and Business Coach, speaker, author of Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life, and the host of the Second Act Success Career Podcast.

Shannon’s own path has taken her from producing for major networks like MTV, E!, TLC, and Yahoo!—to launching a successful STEM franchise for kids—and now, coaching women through their own major life and career transitions. Through her story and expertise, she helps women redefine success on their own terms and embrace the opportunity that lies in their next chapter.

We talk about:

• What led Shannon to make bold moves in her own career—and how she knew it was time
• The less obvious signs that might be nudging you toward a change
• Why so many of us tie our worth to a job title—and how to begin unraveling that
• Exercises to help you identify your true strengths, apart from the roles you’ve been playing
• What a thoughtful exit strategy looks like (and why you need one)
• How generational shifts are changing the way women think about reinvention
• And one message Shannon hopes every listener walks away with

Whether you're actively planning your second act or just starting to ask “what else might be possible?”—this conversation is packed with insight, encouragement, and practical tools to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Connect with Shannon Russell:

• Website: www.secondactsuccess.co
• Book: Start Your Second Act — Available on Amazon
• Podcast: Second Act Success Career Podcast
• Instagram: @secondactsuccess
• LinkedIn: Shannon Russell

Connect with Marianne:

• Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

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