👉 Start Your Second Act Strategy Call with Shannon here.

What if the career skills you've spent decades building could become the foundation for a completely different and more meaningful second act?

In this inspiring episode #258 of the Second Act Success Podcast, Shannon Russell sits down with Rebecca Bloom, former workplace and benefits attorney, women's health advocate, author, and storytelling coach, to discuss how personal challenges can lead to a powerful career transition and a life filled with purpose.

After Rebecca's mother and sister were both diagnosed with breast cancer, she found herself navigating the complex healthcare system as an advocate for her family. What began as a deeply personal experience eventually evolved into a new career helping women across the country advocate for themselves during health challenges.

Today, Rebecca is the author of When Women Get Sick: An Empowering Approach for Getting the Support You Need and has spent more than 27 years supporting women facing breast and ovarian cancer through her work with Bay Area Cancer Connections.

In this conversation, Rebecca shares how she transitioned from corporate law to women's health advocacy, why storytelling became such an important part of her work, and how women can uncover the skills, passions, and experiences that lead to a meaningful second act career.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• How Rebecca transitioned from attorney to women's health advocate
• Supporting a loved one through breast cancer and becoming an advocate
• The importance of women's health during midlife and beyond
• Why storytelling can be a powerful tool for healing and connection
• Finding purpose after a successful corporate career
• How to identify transferable skills for a second act career
• Creating a meaningful legacy through service and impact
• Building community and support during life's biggest challenges
• Advice for women considering a career transition or reinvention
• How to design a second act that aligns with your values and purpose

Whether you're considering a career change, exploring second act career ideas, or searching for more meaningful work, this episode will inspire you to rethink what's possible and embrace the next chapter of your life.

🔗 Get the full show notes here!

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👉 Start Your Second Act Strategy Call with Shannon here.

What happens when life forces you to slow down?

In this powerful episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, Shannon Russell sits down with Patricia Sasser, independent school leader and incoming Head of School, to talk about taking a mid-career sabbatical, also known as a “mini retirement,” after experiencing profound personal loss.

After years of serving students, families, and school communities while navigating grief and burnout, Patricia made the courageous decision to pause her career and prioritize healing, self-care, and reflection. What followed was a transformative journey of grief, personal growth, career clarity, and ultimately, a bold new leadership opportunity.

In this episode, Patricia shares:

• Why she decided to step away from her demanding career in education
• How grief and burnout impacted her physically and emotionally
• What a purposeful career pause really looks like
• How mini retirements and mid-career sabbaticals can create space for healing and reinvention
• The importance of boundaries, joy, therapy, and self-care during life transitions
• Why women need permission to pause without guilt
• How taking time off led her to a brand-new leadership role and exciting second act

If you’ve been feeling burned out, overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or questioning your next chapter, this conversation will remind you that sometimes stepping away is exactly what allows you to move forward.

Patricia’s story is proof that pressing pause does not mean giving up. Sometimes it’s the beginning of your next great chapter.

🔗 Get the full show notes here!

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Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon

Download Free Resources

➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok

More resources & discounts:

Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99/serving)

Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off 1st year)

Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off 1st order)

Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off)

Podmatch Guesting

(*Some affiliate links)

👉 Start Your Second Act Strategy Call with Shannon here.

What are your children learning from the way you approach work, stress, ambition, and dreams?

In this heartfelt episode #256 of the Second Act Success Podcast, Shannon Russell shares a deeply personal story about attending her son’s school presentation and realizing just how much our children are watching us as we navigate our careers, businesses, and second acts.

From career transitions and entrepreneurship to motherhood and personal fulfillment, this episode explores how the choices we make as adults shape what our children believe is possible for their own lives.

If you are a woman considering a career change, thinking about starting a business, or navigating a midlife career transition, this conversation will remind you that your journey is about more than just you. Your children are learning from the way you show up every day.

In this episode, Shannon discusses:

• Why children learn more from what we do than what we say
• The impact of burnout, stress, and fulfillment on family life
• Leaving a dream career to create a more present life as a mom
• How entrepreneurship and second acts model courage for our kids
• Why it’s okay to reinvent yourself later in life
• The importance of showing children that change is possible
• How career transitions can inspire the next generation

This episode is an honest conversation about motherhood, ambition, work-life balance, and creating a life aligned with your values.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your kids notice your sacrifices, your stress, or your dreams, this episode is for you.

🔗 Get the full show notes here!

--------

Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon

Download Free Resources

➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok

More resources & discounts:

Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99/serving)

Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off 1st year)

Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off 1st order)

Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off)

Podmatch Guesting

(*Some affiliate links)