
From Corporate Layoff to Business Success: How Kristen Lettini Built Her Fairytale Career | #183
02/17/25 • 26 min
What if getting let go from your corporate job was actually the best thing that ever happened to you? That’s exactly what happened to Kristen Lettini, host of the Build Your Own Fairytale Podcast, who turned a career setback into the ultimate opportunity to build a thriving business.
In this episode #183 of Second Act Success, Kristen shares how she transitioned from a stable corporate job in marketing and communications to entrepreneurship, helping solopreneurs streamline their businesses with smart systems. She opens up about the shock of being laid off, the challenges of navigating corporate career changes, and the moment she finally decided to take control of her future.
If you’re feeling stuck in your 9-to-5 and wondering what’s next, this conversation will give you the motivation—and the practical tips—you need to start building your own second act.
Tune in to learn:
✔️ How getting let go led Kristen to discover her true passion
✔️ Why taking small action steps is the key to transitioning into entrepreneurship
✔️ The importance of business systems for creatives and solopreneurs
✔️ How she scaled her business while maintaining work-life balance
💡 Ready to escape the corporate grind and create a business that lights you up? Hit play now!
📌 Connect with Kristen Lettini:
Website: KristenLettini.com
Instagram: @kristenlettini
🎧 Listen to more career transformation stories at SecondActSuccess.co
________
You are listening to the Top 2% globally ranked podcast Second Act Success!
READ Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life at https://startyoursecondact.com.
Book a FREE Strategy Call with host and business coach Shannon Russell - https://www.calendly.com/second-act-success/coaching-strategy
FREE Resources
https://secondactsuccess.co/resources
LISTEN to the How To Quit Your Job and Start A Business Podcast!
https://secondactsuccess.co/listen
LET’S CONNECT!
Instagram - https://instagram.com/secondactsuccess
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/secondactsuccess.co
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@secondactsuccess
FREE Resources - https://secondactsuccess.co/resources
What if getting let go from your corporate job was actually the best thing that ever happened to you? That’s exactly what happened to Kristen Lettini, host of the Build Your Own Fairytale Podcast, who turned a career setback into the ultimate opportunity to build a thriving business.
In this episode #183 of Second Act Success, Kristen shares how she transitioned from a stable corporate job in marketing and communications to entrepreneurship, helping solopreneurs streamline their businesses with smart systems. She opens up about the shock of being laid off, the challenges of navigating corporate career changes, and the moment she finally decided to take control of her future.
If you’re feeling stuck in your 9-to-5 and wondering what’s next, this conversation will give you the motivation—and the practical tips—you need to start building your own second act.
Tune in to learn:
✔️ How getting let go led Kristen to discover her true passion
✔️ Why taking small action steps is the key to transitioning into entrepreneurship
✔️ The importance of business systems for creatives and solopreneurs
✔️ How she scaled her business while maintaining work-life balance
💡 Ready to escape the corporate grind and create a business that lights you up? Hit play now!
📌 Connect with Kristen Lettini:
Website: KristenLettini.com
Instagram: @kristenlettini
🎧 Listen to more career transformation stories at SecondActSuccess.co
________
You are listening to the Top 2% globally ranked podcast Second Act Success!
READ Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life at https://startyoursecondact.com.
Book a FREE Strategy Call with host and business coach Shannon Russell - https://www.calendly.com/second-act-success/coaching-strategy
FREE Resources
https://secondactsuccess.co/resources
LISTEN to the How To Quit Your Job and Start A Business Podcast!
https://secondactsuccess.co/listen
LET’S CONNECT!
Instagram - https://instagram.com/secondactsuccess
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/secondactsuccess.co
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@secondactsuccess
FREE Resources - https://secondactsuccess.co/resources
Previous Episode

Turn Your Skills Into a Business: Business Brainstorming Strategies | #182
Have you been wondering if you have what it takes to start a business with your skills and experience?
In this special episode of Second Act Success Episode #182, host Shannon Russell shares a replay of her popular Business Brainstorm Masterclass. You'll learn how to plan your exit strategy, discover the right business idea for you, and take the first steps toward entrepreneurship. Whether you're in the early stages of brainstorming or ready to take action, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you transition from employee to entrepreneur with confidence.
Takeaways from this episode:
- Plan Your Exit Strategy: Learn the importance of timing, financial preparation, and maintaining professional relationships when leaving your job.
- Validate Your Business Idea: Discover how to assess your skills, conduct market research, and ensure your idea has a strong chance of success.
- Explore Business Models: Gain clarity on whether an online business, service-based business, or franchise is right for you.
- Build a Support System: Understand the value of mentors, coaches, and networking during your transition.
- Take Imperfect Action: Start small, test the waters, and make progress toward launching your dream business.
Get ready to grab a notebook, take notes, and map out your journey to Second Act Success! For show notes and resources mentioned, visit www.secondactsuccess.co. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend!
SHOW NOTES:
https://secondactsuccess.co/182
------
You are listening to the Top 2% globally ranked podcast Second Act Success!
READ Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life at https://startyoursecondact.com.
Book a FREE Strategy Call with host and business coach Shannon Russell - https://www.calendly.com/second-act-success/coaching-strategy
FREE Resources
https://secondactsuccess.co/resources
LISTEN to the How To Quit Your Job and Start A Business Podcast!
https://secondactsuccess.co/listen
LET’S CONNECT!
Instagram - https://instagram.com/secondactsuccess
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/secondactsuccess.co
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@secondactsuccess
FREE Resources - https://secondactsuccess.co/resources
Next Episode

Breaking Barriers in Tech: Kerry Ann King's Journey to Becoming a Founder in Her 50s | Ep #184
Are you thinking about pivoting into tech or launching your own business later in life? In this episode of Second Act Success, host Shannon Russell sits down with Kerry Ann King, CEO of Eluminate Labs, to discuss her inspiring journey from multiple career transitions to becoming a tech founder in her 50s.
Kerry Ann shares how she navigated layoffs, career shifts, and the challenges of being a woman in tech, ultimately building a software company focused on inclusivity and human well-being. She also dives into how her FIN Positive Productivity app is transforming task management by helping users create sustainable habits with real-time coaching.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Embracing career pivots: How Kerry Ann transitioned through multiple industries before launching her business
✅ Breaking into tech as a non-technical founder: Finding the right team and learning to lead in a male-dominated industry
✅ Building inclusive technology: Why tech should serve people, not exploit them
✅ The power of habits in career transitions: How small, consistent actions can prepare you for entrepreneurship
✅ Navigating layoffs and uncertainty: Turning setbacks into opportunities for growth
Tune in for an insightful conversation on entrepreneurship, resilience, and redefining success at any stage of life!
🔗 Connect with Kerry Ann King:
📍 Website: eluminatelabs.com
📍 App: FIN Positive Productivity (Available on iOS & Android)
📍 LinkedIn: Kerry Ann King
📍 Instagram & Facebook: @EluminateLabs
🎧 Subscribe & Review Second Act Success for more inspiring career and business advice and career transition stories!
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You are listening to the Top 2% globally ranked podcast Second Act Success!
READ Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life at https://startyoursecondact.com.
Book a FREE Strategy Call with host and business coach Shannon Russell - https://www.calendly.com/second-act-success/coaching-strategy
FREE Resources
https://secondactsuccess.co/resources
LISTEN to the How To Quit Your Job and Start A Business Podcast!
https://secondactsuccess.co/listen
LET’S CONNECT!
Instagram - https://instagram.com/secondactsuccess
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/secondactsuccess.co
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@secondactsuccess
FREE Resources - https://secondactsuccess.co/resources
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