Connie Wong and Susan Zheng are the founding partners of Planted: a match-making service for job-seekers, and companies in search of entry-level talent. Connie and Susan both know all about the difficulties in making the decision to switch career paths and potentially break out on your own -- this team took an interesting path of calculated learning through employment, before really digging into their own business venture.

Shari Bayer is the founder and president of Bayer Public Relations, a full-service public relations, consulting and marketing agency in NYC that specializes in restaurants and other food-based companies. Shari had a long path to starting her own PR firm, but all the dots connected perfectly to get Shari where she is today.

Robyn Beavers is the Co-Founder and CEO of Blueprint Power--is a real estate and energy tech company that turns buildings into urban power plants. Robyn had a real ‘aha’ moment when she came up for the idea for blueprint, and her journey towards entrepreneurship is one not to miss.

Eliza Blank is the founder and CEO of The Sill -- a retail brick-and-mortar & e-commerce platform designed to bring home gardening back into the mainstream. Eliza and I sat down and talked about how she took The Sill from idea, to business with a mission.

Deborah Koenigsberger is the owner and stylist of brick-and-mortar boutique Noir et Blanc, and Founder of the non-profit organization Hearts of Gold. Deborah is a powerhouse and a real advocate for women and children in need. We sat down this week to talk about the work she does through Hearts of Gold, and how her venture got started.

Shannon McLay is the Founder & President of Financial Gym, a company that provides personal training for your finances, regardless of what’s in your bank account. Shannon told me all about her start as a floor trader for big banks where she was often referred to as “the decoration,” and how she powered through that glass ceiling, built strong networks, and transitioned into fundraising and starting her own business.

Nadia Boujarwah is the Co-Founder and CEO of Dia&Co -- a shopping and styling resource for plus-sized fashion. Nadia and I talked about how she took her career from investment banking analyst to starting her own business, and all the hurdles in between.

Keri Putnam is the Executive Director of Sundance Institute -- a non-profit that yes, runs the Sundance Film Festival, but also serves to support, champion, and promote independent artists in film, theater, and ever expanding medias. Keri and I discussed everything from how she got her career in media started, to what representation means for her, and the future of organizations like hers.

Kate Bradley Chernis is the Co-Founder & CEO of Lately -- a marketing and advertising service that streamlines content creation for everyone from the top marketing companies to the individual blogger. Kate and I talked about what led to her starting Lately after a successful career in broadcasting and advertising, and what it means to balance your strengths and weaknesses in an effective way in order to keep moving your business forward. Great lessons for entrepreneurs at any stage of the game.

Susan Lyne and Nisha Dua are the Founding Partners of BBG - Built By Girls - Ventures, A Venture Capital firm that focuses on women founders and women-led startups. Their story truly defies what comes to mind when you think of VC’s. In this two-part episode, Susan, Nisha, and I had so much to talk about. From the unconventional way that their partnership began, to incredible advice about raising money and common mistakes too many entrepreneurs make. Tons of great tips for anyone on how to get out there and crush it like a girl.