Brilliant Ideas

#23: Reframing Your Skills: How to Navigate Career Transitions with Confidence with Shannon Russell

• Alyssa Bellisario • Season 1 • Episode 23

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Shannon Russell shares her journey from being a TV producer for 16 years at MTV, VH1, and TLC to becoming a career transition and business coach who helps women create their second act success. She discusses transferring skills from a traditional job to entrepreneurship and the importance of mindset shifts when changing careers.

• Identifying transferable skills is crucial when pivoting careers
• Planning a strategic exit requires research and financial preparation
• The UMAP assessment helps identify values, strengths, and skills for career alignment
• Creating a career story that shows the thread between experience and future goals helps with positioning
• Dedicate 15 minutes weekly to researching your ideas and studying others already in your desired field
• Keep your dreams close while in research mode to avoid discouragement from others
• Research equals confidence when making a transition

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Shannon:

I do often say, like, think about what it is that you might want to do. That's different. Why do you want to do it?

Alyssa:

And research Welcome to Brilliant Ideas, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of some of the most inspiring digital products created by solopreneurs just like you. I'm your host, alyssa, a digital product strategist who helps subject matter experts grow their business with online courses, memberships, coaching programs and eBooks. If you're a solopreneur with dreams of packaging your expertise into a profitable digital product, then this is the podcast for you. Expect honest conversations of how they started, the obstacles they overcame, lessons learned the hard way and who face the same fears, doubts and challenges you're experiencing, from unexpected surprises to breakthrough moments and everything in between. Tune in, get inspired and let's spark your next big, brilliant idea.

Alyssa:

Hello and welcome back to the Brilliant Ideas Podcast. I'm your host, elisabel Serio, and my guest, shannon Russell, is here today to talk about her journey as a TV producer for 16 years for MTV, vh1, and TLC to a career transition and business coach where she helps women ditch the nine-to-five and create their own second act success. If you ever thought I need to change, but where do I start, this episode is for you. Let's dive in. Welcome to the show, shannon. I'm so excited you're here.

Shannon:

Thank you so much for having me.

Alyssa:

I'm excited for the conversation. Of course, I've read about your story extensively and one thing that I found interesting was your pivot from your TV producer role to becoming a business owner. Now, typically what I know is when you're working in a role for so long, you know the ins and outs of what you're doing, You've mastered the skills you can do really the job in your sleep and for a lot of people there's a certain level of confidence and also comfort that comes with that. But when you step outside or into your own business, suddenly you're not just responsible for one area of expertise, you're in charge of everything the marketing, the sales, the systems, the decision-making. It kind of all falls on you and that shift can feel equal parts exciting but also scary. So I'd love to hear your perspective, Like what was the hardest part about going from being a TV producer to becoming a business owner?

Shannon:

in a completely different field.

Shannon:

Yeah, you're right, it was intimidating and scary, but I think the hardest part was trying to figure out what else I could do with those skills, because we all have skills and experience.

Shannon:

But it's really we're so siloed into thinking that this is all we can do. And it's once you start thinking, oh, I think I can transfer those skills into this and be successful. So I think that was the hardest part is me thinking that that very niche entertainment industry role could be utilized anywhere else. And once I started shifting my mindset to say, no, I've, you know, worked with marketing, I've written scripts, I've hired teams, all of those things can be used in a business. And then I started getting a little bit more confident, saying, yeah, I think I can produce this business, like I produced that show. And then it kind of went on from there for me to just figure it out. It's still scary and still a lot of the unknown, but I think it's that mindset shift of saying no, I really can transfer those skills and utilize them in a different way and I'm now bringing all that experience with me and that is something to be proud of.

Alyssa:

I love that and such an interesting take as well. Like, I feel like that transition is, as you said, like a mindset shift and you know, for 16 years you were saying you know, I'm sure at some point the way that you thought about your work, how you define success, even kind of your identity overlapped with work in a way, because it was your life for such a long time and I feel like for some people who are leaving what they know and into something different, is scary. But I also think that when you do switch, I feel like if you're just playing it safe, it doesn't give you what you really want, which is essentially you want. The reason that you're leaving your corporate job is to have more freedom and have more time with your kids. And so this really leads me to my next question about exit strategies.

Alyssa:

You talk about this in your podcast, second Act, success, and I was listening to it I was I was think it was number 182. And you mentioned things like timing. You mentioned being financially prepared. Can you share some of the key steps? So, as they're thinking about okay, I have all this experience, I have done all these things for the past how many decades? What can I do now. So where do they start to prepare and plan for all this to happen?

Shannon:

Yeah, this is the most important part too, because you don't. I think there's a lot of gurus out there that'll say, put that date on the calendar and say I quit and just figure it out. And I'm not that person. I think you, I want you to be successful by planning it and researching it and feeling that confidence so that you're not wreaking havoc and chaos in your life and, you know, causing your family trauma by making this change. So I do often say, like, think about what it is that you might want to do. That's different. Why do you want to do it? And research it, and research?

Shannon:

Because a lot of times the grass looks greener and it's not until we really research what the day-to-day and that role looks like, that we can say, oh, maybe that's not really for me after all, because I've learned more about it. Or you can find something that you're like yep, that's what's going to fulfill me. I feel like I'm going to be strong in that role, let me take it on. And then, once you feel confident, you can look at things like your finances and you can say, oh, maybe I do have to stay in this role and earn X amount more before I make that pivot Because a reminder is you know, for entrepreneurs or want to be entrepreneurs like usually it's the first year or two that you start a business.

Shannon:

You're not making money that you're bringing in, you're investing whatever you do make back into the business. So you wanna have that cushion set. And so for me and my clients I really say let's look at finances, let's look at what it is you wanna do, and then we'll look at the calendar and maybe it's six months from now and we'll pick that date. But then we'll reverse engineer and kind of see what you can do while you're still working and earning that paycheck to prepare you, because the more confident you are, the more confident you can step out and tell other people about your change and really be successful.

Alyssa:

That's a great point, and do you find that it's custom for every client that you work with? Where do you have like a model that you go by, or is it mostly just um custom, for it's different? It looks different on everybody. Their exit strategies look different based on where they're working and their experience and all those things yeah it's.

Shannon:

It's really different for everyone. I have some clients that have absolutely no idea what they want to do. So we really have to break it down and narrow into that. You know that one thing because you don they want to do. So we really have to break it down and narrow into that one thing, because you don't want to leap into something and find yourself in the same position.

Shannon:

And then there's other clients who have launched a business but they don't know what to do next and they don't know how to scale it and they're trying to figure out this really isn't working. How can we fix it and how can we bring in other revenue streams? So it's really working with each person individually to figure out what their needs are and to look at the timeline and kind of make that roadmap from there. And I'm certified in UMAP, so I use that with my clients, your values, your strengths and your skills, so that you can have that in front of you when an opportunity comes along and you can kind of say, oh, that's really not aligning with what I want and what's on my UMAP. So it's just this nice profile that you get. That kind of keeps you heading in the right direction.

Alyssa:

Okay, and so with the UMAP assessment, does that change? Like after like six or 12 months? Do they have to take it again?

Shannon:

No, actually no, Unless you feel like your values or your strengths have changed or you've up-leveled in some way. It really is just that roadmap. You know, for example, if you're an accountant and you're trying to switch into a business, maybe you're really good at numbers, but maybe you just don't want to work with numbers anymore. So it keeps you on that line of saying you know what, if I'm making this leap, I want it to, you know, check all the boxes and make sure that it is exactly what I want, because you can be a little choosy when you're starting a second act, and so, yeah, it just kind of leads you in that right direction.

Alyssa:

That's. That's kind of perfect for you. Wow, I wish I had that a few years ago. You know, that sounds so good. It's like it gives you a pathway, at least some direction, because I found also, like a lot of my clients, they just need that guidance at first, just some, a little bit of more handholding to get to know where, exactly what the next step is for themselves.

Alyssa:

Because it is scary, I feel, like for myself, like when you first start your business, you do lose that safety net that you've always known where the paycheck was coming in. Every two weeks you knew what was going on. And suddenly you go into a business and you know, when you're first starting, the checks are not, or you know the money is not consistent because you're just starting out, and so you have that roller coaster of revenue and then you think to yourself is it me, is it my business? Is it? What is it Like? Why is this happening to me? And it's not anyone's. I feel like it's not anyone's fault or it's not you or the business itself. It's just that it takes time to scale and grow.

Alyssa:

And, um, it comes almost as a shock for some people when they do see, like how long it takes, or you know, to do all the things to make consistent revenue. So, yeah, like I, I totally can relate, um, but for someone who is, you know, there have all these skills that they have gained in their career and they want to translate it all into their business, now, obviously, some things like they're going to have to learn as they go like that's for every business owner. But I'd like to know, like, what is your advice for figuring out where to start and then how to position themselves? Like, if they do go into a brand new space, they have skills that are, I mean, hopefully transferable, but how would they position themselves in a brand new space that maybe they're not even totally familiar with?

Shannon:

Well, I think you know the UMAP can help, but not only that, like just looking at the skills and looking at what that thread is from what you were doing to what you want to do. And I always try to have my clients write kind of a career story of you know, okay, I did this, now I want to do this. What is that line? That is, you know, common throughout both. And then it actually helps you position yourself as that business owner when you're marketing the business. So for me, going from television to, say, coaching, I was able, or actually I went from television into owning a franchise business and then coaching. So I was able to, when promoting my coaching business, say I went from this to a business.

Shannon:

My business was service-based, it was a brick and mortar.

Shannon:

So I have experience in all these different areas and now I can teach other people how to do that too. So it's like that story leading throughout those different stages. And so if you're thinking about going from the classroom into, say, teaching swimming lessons to kids, for example, you're still teaching in these different avenues of you know, from the classroom to now teaching through your own business. So finding that story, if you will, will help you market and then, as you're doing that, you can start to say, okay, looking back at the skills, these are the things I'm really strong at, that I can bring with me, and here's what I'm not as strong at and maybe I need to outsource those or hire people to help me with those. And here's what I'm not as strong at and maybe I need to outsource those or hire people to help me with those. But it's really getting clear on what you bring to that business and that in your role that you're playing in the business, and then seeing where those holes are and how you can fill a team to help support you.

Alyssa:

That's a really great way to looking at it, because it's not just about starting over. You're not starting over because you bring a wealth of experience, it's just in a different way. Um, I feel like that a good word with that would be like reframing, like what you already know and then like using it a new way, like I I mean for myself, like I struggled with long, I struggled a long time to like figure out, like I'm a professor, like how does that relate to like coaching, and it's like well, you're teaching, mentoring, it kind of all is in the same category, and so I had to stop thinking that they're that they're siloed, like they're different, they're it's the same, it's similar and they use the same principles. So I think that's just you know, reframing and having that mindset shift that you do bring a lot to the table and it's not just you're not starting from the absolute beginning, which is such a relief for many, for many people.

Alyssa:

Now I'm actually curious. So I'm actually curious about what advice you have. We do this segment called Brilliant Bite of the Week, and it's something where I asked my guests to share one quick, actionable piece of wisdom that our listeners can take and apply to their own journey right away. And so I'm curious if you have any advice to someone who is ready to step into their second act and build a business. To someone who is ready to step into their second act and build a business, what would you say to that person, or what strategies can you give to them to kind of spark some ideas that they have?

Shannon:

I love this. I would say give yourself 15 minutes on your calendar, maybe once a week, maybe daily, if you can afford it, but 15 minutes over your lunch break, before bed, whenever it is, and take down your ideas even if it's three ideas, two ideas that you're thinking about and spend those 15 minutes researching. Just go on to LinkedIn, find someone who's already running a business that's similar or someone who's in that role that you're thinking about, and just study them. Study what they're posting, what they're sharing. If it's a website for a business that already exists, what is the pricing? What are their customers saying as reviews? So do that research to kind of get a better idea of what that day-to-day looks like and, even better, schedule a call with that owner.

Shannon:

I tell clients sometimes if they're thinking about, say, opening a boutique, clothing store or a gym or some kind of a brick and mortar, if they can find one that's maybe outside of their state, not in competition, but they can reach out to the owner and say you know, I found your business, I'm really impressed.

Shannon:

I would love to chat with you for five minutes and just ask you some questions, because I'm thinking of opening a similar business.

Shannon:

A lot of owners will take that as a compliment and want to share, especially if it's not in the competitive space. But really that research, that time you take to give to yourself to study what you're thinking about moving into, is so valuable and we don't often give ourselves that time. But then you'll learn more. You'll learn what you do want out of that, you'll learn what you don't and then you can really be confident. And my other thing, real quick, is to keep your thoughts to yourself. I often say like hold your dreams close to the vest while you're in this research mode, because the last thing you want is to tell everyone what you're thinking and having other people who are not so risk averse, you know, or people who are risk averse to just say, oh, I don't know if you should do that, why don't you stay in the safe lane and keep going? You just don't want people's opinions getting in your head while you're figuring it out and doing your research.

Alyssa:

Those are really great, I feel like. I feel like that's such an actionable tool that they can implement right away. They can do tonight and just start Now. My question is how long now? I'm thinking in my mind. In my mind there's like a phase, like there's you start with the research, then you go to the next stage. So is this for people who are just thinking of like they're still working in their corporate job and they're just thinking of what possibilities? Is this like phase one, and then there's like they go through phases. So is there like a certain timeline that they have to do research for? Is it kind of just like whenever they want, type of thing?

Shannon:

It's really individual and, like when I work with clients, it'll be eight weeks, six months or longer, depending on what their timeline is, and so it's not a rush. You definitely don't want to rush into a big change like this, so sometimes I'll have clients who come and have no joke like 10 different ideas. So obviously it's going to take time to whittle those down, and then eventually you get down to that one that really feels right and you've done your research and you've looked into the cost of starting it and how long until you'll be profitable, and then you can do the next step or you can figure out okay, now I feel confident, I'm ready to look at my finances, make sure I have enough money saved. Okay, I'm ready to give my two weeks, I'm ready to do this and do that.

Shannon:

And then there's other people who might know right off the bat what they want to do, but their finances aren't set or they're a little bit more timid, and so we say, okay, well, let's take three months, let's make your logo, let's start the website, let's get some things going, start the LLC, whatever it is that you can do while you're still working, that at least you're checking a few things off of your list and you're feeling like there's momentum happening. So, yeah, I feel like the first stage, if there's phases, is really that research piece, because you want to know what you're working towards and that can take some time. So, yeah, it really just depends on where you are and how urgent it is for you to move. If you're obviously in a really toxic job and you need to move out sooner than later, then we speed that up. But I think that's the most important piece, because research equals confidence.

Alyssa:

For sure. And then, at what point do they do the UMAP assessment?

Shannon:

Well, usually when you start working with me, we do the UMAP right away. That's actually the first thing we do. So we do the UMAP, we have our debrief about what it actually says and then we get into like goal setting and really starting from there. So yeah, that is actually the first thing. And then I do work with clients who just come in and they just want the UMAP and we'll do the UMAP and what comes with that is like three 60-minute coaching calls where we debrief everything and then they can go take it and run on their own.

Alyssa:

So that's another option as well. Oh, that's awesome.

Shannon:

I'm even curious about the UMAP. I'm going to go check that out. It's really fun. I've done it for my son, my husband yeah, I really. It makes you look at people differently, whether it's in relationships or at work. It's really great for leaders who want to know more about their team members. Yeah, it's a fun tool.

Alyssa:

That's really cool, and I know there's a lot of listeners right now who are thinking, well, I'm ready, I'm ready to take that next step. You know whether it's, you know, finally quitting their job or starting their own business or kind of just figuring out like what their next move looks like. So this has this has really been a really fun and inspiring chat. So how can people connect with you?

Shannon:

You can well. I have a book coming out and it's called Start your Second Act, so that I'm really excited about because it's a way to learn my strategies and learn more about the things that I coach and teach in book form. So that's a great way you can go to startyoursecondactcom and there's a free resource there and you can get on the list for when the book's available in may, um, and then you can also link to my regular website, which is second act, successco, and there's my podcast and blogs and free resources there as well well.

Alyssa:

Thank you, shannon, for those resources. I will be sure to link them in the show notes, so please check her out and check out the book that's coming out in May. That's so exciting. And, of course, if you love this episode, hit that follow button so you don't miss out what's coming next. Thank you so much for hanging out with us today and I will catch you next time. Thank you so much, shannon, for coming on the show today. Thank you, alyssa. This is so fun. I know it's great. I love this chat and I love talking about all things building your own business, so it's been great For everybody else who's listening. I will catch you next time on another brilliant idea. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Brilliant Ideas. If you love the show, be sure to leave a review and follow me on Instagram for even more insider tips and inspiration. Ready to bring your next big, brilliant idea to life? Visit AlyssaVsrcom for resources, guidance and everything you need to start creating something amazing.