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The Business of Good
You care about making a difference—and building a business that means something. The Business of Good is the go-to podcast for entrepreneurs, coaches, and creators who want to grow a business that gives back, reflects their values, and supports their life. Hosted by award-winning strategist and former nonprofit leader Jan Ditchfield, each episode delivers ethical sales training, purpose-driven marketing advice, and real strategies for growing a business that does good and does well. Whether you’re building a mission-led brand, launching digital offers, or simply craving more meaning in how you grow—this show will help you get paid for your impact, lead with clarity, and create a business that stands for something.
The Business of Good
032: How to Leave Your 9–5 and Start a Business with Shannon Russell
You’ve done everything “right.”
The career, the credentials, the calendar that somehow stays full year after year. But underneath the success, you’re quietly wondering…
Is this really it?
In today’s episode, I’m joined by business coach, author, and top podcast host Shannon Russell—who walked away from a successful career in television to start a business that finally fit the life she actually wanted.
Shannon shares the truth about pivoting out of a 9–5, how to start over without starting from scratch, and what it really takes to move from burnout to alignment. Whether you're still working the job that drains you or you've already taken the leap into entrepreneurship, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.
This isn’t just about leaving a job. It’s about claiming your next chapter—with purpose and a plan.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:
✅ Why “success” in your first act might still feel misaligned
✅ The biggest mindset shift you need to go from employee to entrepreneur
✅ What stops most women from starting their second act—and how to move anyway
✅ How to build a business that gives you more freedom, not just another to-do list
✅ Shannon’s personal story of pivoting from producer to CEO and author
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
1️⃣ You don’t have to burn it all down to start over—you just need to be brave enough to shift.
2️⃣ Your 9–5 gave you skills. Your business gives you freedom.
3️⃣ The best time to start your second act isn’t someday—it’s now.
LINKS & RESOURCES:
Grab Shannon’s book → Start Your Second Act
Connect with Shannon → secondactsuccess.co
Listen to her podcast → Second Act Success
MORE FROM ME:
Follow me on Instagram → @janditchfield.co
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"Jan’s advice on building a business that aligns with my values is exactly what I’ve been looking for!" <– If that sounds like you, I’d love for you to take a moment to rate and review The Business of Good.
Your feedback helps me reach more purpose-driven women like you who are ready to create profitable businesses that make a difference.
Simply click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, don’t forget to share what resonated most with you in this episode!
And if you haven’t done so already, be sure to hit the follow button. I’ve got even more actionable strategies, inspiring stories, and tools to help you grow your business of impact—don’t miss a thing!
JOIN THE FREE COMMUNITY:
Want to dive deeper into the conversations we’re having here? Join me in The Business of Good Collective, my free community where we share resources, support, and strategies to help you turn your mission into a thriving business. Head over to janditchfield.co/good to join today!