Shannon Russell: From MTV Producer to Empowering Women in Their Second Act
From Producing Hit Shows to Producing Her Best Life
What happens when a successful television producer trades Hollywood glitz for purpose-driven entrepreneurship? Meet Shannon Russell, a former MTV and E! News producer who walked away from a 16-year career in the entertainment industry to “produce her own life.” Now the CEO of Second Act Success® Coaching, Shannon is a career transition and business coach helping women leave unfulfilling careers and launch businesses that light them up.
In this episode of Direct Or Detour, Shannon joins Brian to share her deeply personal and empowering journey—from chasing childhood dreams in Hollywood to discovering fulfillment in helping others unlock their “second act.”
Pivoting from the Spotlight to Purpose-Driven Coaching
Shannon’s story begins on the East Coast, where she grew up dreaming of Hollywood. With determination (and a piggy bank labeled “California”), she pursued a degree in communications and film, landing her first major role behind the scenes at MTV in New York City. Her career took off from there, eventually moving her to Los Angeles where she worked on big-name projects across TV and entertainment.
But life took a turn.
Motherhood, a grueling 90-minute commute, and the desire to be present for her growing family sparked a life-changing realization: she was ready for a new chapter. Instead of producing shows for others, she would start “producing” her own life.
Shannon launched a Snapology franchise focused on children’s STEM education, which became one of the brand’s top-performing locations. Her success caught the attention of other parents and professionals who began asking for advice on how they, too, could pivot. That’s when Second Act Success® Coaching was born.
Now, Shannon helps women build fulfilling second careers through personalized coaching, a signature strategy process, and a growing online community of like-minded entrepreneurs.
Key Takeaways from Shannon Russell’s Journey
- Your past experience is never wasted – Shannon’s skills as a TV producer transferred seamlessly to business ownership.
- Success doesn’t have to come at the expense of family! – Her transition was driven by the desire to be more present and intentional with her time.
- Big leaps start with small questions. – Asking “Am I happy?” on a train ride home was the spark that changed everything.
- Support systems matter! – Shannon’s story highlights the power of mentorship, franchise support, and surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision.
- Give yourself permission to change – Shannon encourages others to “produce their best life” by taking that first courageous step toward change.
Why You Should Listen to This Episode
Whether you’re stuck in a career that no longer serves you or just curious about what it takes to reinvent yourself, Shannon’s story will motivate you to think bigger and act boldly. Her journey is proof that career pivots are not only possible—they can lead to greater alignment, joy, and purpose.
Tune in to hear how Shannon:
- Left a thriving media career for entrepreneurship
- Built and scaled two businesses from scratch
- Created a coaching framework that helps others follow suit
- Published her new book Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode Here:
📢 Connect with Shannon Russell
- 🌐 Website: secondactsuccess.co
- 🆓 Free Journal: startyoursecondact.com
- 🎙 Podcast: Second Act Success on Spotify
- 💼 LinkedIn: Shannon Russell Career Coach
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