Low to Grow
Low to Grow

Low to Grow

Annie Yu Wenmiao

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Episodes

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For you, who want intentional growth. Hi, I’m Annie Wenmiao, a Forbes Under30 tech founder. My entrepreneurship journey ran parallel to my mental health awakening - I got through tough times by talking to people around me at all stages of life. Learn with me from inspiring individuals who faced incredible lows to emerge stronger. If you’re stuck at a turning point in your life or just need a kick of inspiration to keep going, this is your space for honest and uplifting conversations. If you know someone who's struggling, help out and share this with them!

Recent Episodes

Investment to Impact: ex-BlackRock investor's Journey in Mental Health Innovation
DEC 7, 2025
Investment to Impact: ex-BlackRock investor's Journey in Mental Health Innovation
Ever wonder what happens when a high-performing investor faces burnout and decides to rebuild her life around mental health and purpose?In this episode of Low to Grow, Annie Wenmiao Yu sits down with Caitlin Ner, a global investor turned mental health tech leader and venture capitalist at PsyMed Ventures. Caitlin opens up about her personal experiences with mental illness, the pivotal role of therapy in her recovery, and how her journey inspired her to back innovative neuroscience and AI-driven startups improving access to care.Together, Annie and Caitlin explore what it really takes to maintain mental well-being in high-pressure industries, how to navigate complex healthcare systems, and why the future of mental health care lies at the intersection of technology, neuroscience, and empathy.You’ll learn:How personal mental health challenges can inspire purpose-driven careersThe reality of entrepreneurship in the mental health startup spaceInsights from venture capital investing in neurotech and mental health innovationWhy AI is reshaping access to therapy and supportWhat it means to prioritize quality care and human connection in tech-driven solutionsThe therapy modalities that transformed Caitlin’s perspective — from CBT to brain spottingFollow Low to GrowInstagram: ⁠@lowtogrowpodcast⁠TikTok and YouTube: @lowtogrowhttps://www.lowtogrow.comSay hi: [email protected]:00 Introduction to Caitlin Ner's Journey03:12 Transitioning to Mental Health14:28 Navigating Professional Support17:27 Exploring Therapy Modalities20:09 From BlackRock to Startups22:45 Lessons from Scaling Mental Health Startups25:49 Caitlin's Venture Capital Insights28:31 Innovations in Neurotechnology31:01 From Harvard to King's College London34:00 Advice for Aspiring Founders36:27 Mental Health in the Filipino Community38:58 Caitlin’s Advice to Her Younger Self41:54 AI in Mental HealthFollow Caitlin NerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlinner/Website: https://psymed.ventures/X: https://x.com/caitlinnerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlinclarisse/Please Note: Low to Grow is for educational and awareness purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. If you’re struggling, please reach out to a licensed therapist or mental health professional. Free resources: https://www.mind.org.uk.
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44 MIN
The Entrepreneur’s Marathon: Finding Balance, Funding, and Freedom
NOV 23, 2025
The Entrepreneur’s Marathon: Finding Balance, Funding, and Freedom
Is entrepreneurship really about hustle, or is it more about resilience and balance?In this episode of Low to Grow, Annie sits down with Erika Brodnock MBE, a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, philanthropist, and champion of inclusivity in the tech industry. Together, they explore how knowledge, coaching, and mental health practices can transform not only careers but also lives.Erika shares her personal journey of building companies, navigating the challenges of securing funding in tech, and creating innovative solutions like KinHub to make coaching and mental health support more accessible. From the role of AI in democratizing coaching, to why saying "no" is a radical act of self-care, this conversation will inspire you to rethink success, well-being, and the future of work.You’ll learn:Why entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprintHow coaching can improve mental health and performanceWays AI can enhance coaching and reduce stigma The importance of inclusivity in the workplace for growth and innovation How to balance work-life pressures without burning out Why knowledge outweighs recognition when building long-term successIf you’ve ever struggled with self-limiting beliefs, work-life balance, or finding the right coach or therapist, Erika’s insights will give you practical strategies to move forward with confidence.Follow Low to GrowInstagram: ⁠@lowtogrowpodcast⁠TikTok and YouTube: @lowtogrowhttps://www.lowtogrow.comSay hi: [email protected] :)Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Erika Brodnock05:23 – Childhood Influences and Early Education11:51 – Realizations in the Tech Industry21:15 – Self-Limiting Beliefs and Therapy29:07 – The Birth of KinHub and Its Mission36:31 – Overcoming Stigma with AI Coaching40:17 – MBE or MBA? The Value of Knowledge vs. Recognition43:07 – Exploring Inclusivity and Economic Empowerment45:27 – The Future of Coaching: Human and AI Collaboration48:15 – Balancing Work and Well-being in Entrepreneurship50:42 – OutroFollow Erika BrodnockWebsite: https://www.kinhub.com/LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/erikabrodnockPlease Note: Low to Grow is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. If you’re experiencing challenges with your mental health, please reach out to a qualified professional. Free resources are available at https://www.mind.org.uk.
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51 MIN
Introverted Forbes Under30 AI Innovator
NOV 9, 2025
Introverted Forbes Under30 AI Innovator
Wondering if introversion is holding you back from success?In this episode of Low to Grow, Dr. Joyjit Chatterjee shares how he transformed from a shy introvert into a Forbes Under 30 honoree in Manufacturing and Industry. His journey is a story of empowerment, personal growth, and leadership—showing young professionals that introversion can be a strength, not a limitation.Joyjit also dives into his cutting-edge research in AI and Explainable AI, breaking down why transparency in technology is crucial for building trust. We discuss how AI can reduce social anxiety, improve mental health through simulations and companionship, and empower the next generation of leaders.🎙️ In this conversation, you’ll learn:How to embrace introversion as a tool for confidence and leadershipWhy Explainable AI matters for the future of technologyHow AI agents and tools can transform everyday lifeWays AI can support mental health and help manage social anxietyThe one mindset shift young people need for authentic growthChapters:00:00 Journey to Forbes Under 30 in Manufacturing and Industry03:11 Understanding AI: What is Black Box and Explainable AI?05:41 Current Misconceptions about AI07:34 Joyjit’s Research in AI for Future Labs10:05 Explaining AI Keywords12:45 The Future of AI Agents15:11 AI in Everyday Life18:25 AI Tools for Social Anxiety20:09 Advice for Young People22:35 Legacy and Impact25:06 AI and Mental Health35:32 OutroFollow me on:Instagram: ⁠@lowtogrowpodcast⁠TikTok and YouTube: @lowtogrow⁠https://www.lowtogrow.com⁠Say hi at ⁠[email protected]⁠ :)Follow Dr. Joyjit Chatterjee:LinkedIn:http://linkedin.com/in/joyjitchatterjee/ Website: https://www.hull.ac.uk/staff-directory/joyjit-chatterjee Please Note: This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical or mental health advice. If you’re struggling, please consult a qualified professional. Free resources are available at ⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/⁠
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35 MIN
Born into HongKong's Oldest Lineage Family to Bridge East and West
OCT 23, 2025
Born into HongKong's Oldest Lineage Family to Bridge East and West
Ever feel like you're stuck between cultures or like you're constantly proving yourself just to be seen?Meet Yunsu Tang, an entrepreneur, writer, and advocate for mental health whose journey from Hong Kong to the UK led her to explore the intersections of cultural identity, mental well-being, and career growth.In this episode, Annie and Yunsu unpack the emotional layers of being an Asian woman in professional spaces, the pressures of imposter syndrome, and how understanding your story can become your superpower. From founding Senie at the LSE, a mental health platform, to launching From East to West, a newsletter exploring cultural identity, Yunsu shares candid insights about what it means to build a life that feels true to you.Tune in to learn:Why storytelling is essential to personal growthHow imposter syndrome silently affects young professionalsThe role cultural identity plays in confidence and connectionWhat stakeholder intelligence means in building better relationshipsWhy assuming good intent could change your mental healthFollow me on:Instagram: ⁠@lowtogrowpodcast⁠TikTok and YouTube: @lowtogrowhttps://www.lowtogrow.comSAY HI at [email protected] :)Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Yunsu Tang’s Journey06:02 Experiences in Hong Kong and Shanghai10:56 Navigating Imposter Syndrome15:21 Lessons from Entrepreneurship19:39 Mental Health and Open CommunicationFollow Yunsu:Newsletter: https://yunsutang.substack.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yunsu.tang/https://syncro-ai.com/Please Note: This podcast is for general awareness and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional mental health advice. If you’re in need of support, visit ⁠ https://www.mind.org.uk/⁠ for free resources.
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37 MIN
Reese Wong on Coasting, The Diana Award and Building Impactful Communities
OCT 9, 2025
Reese Wong on Coasting, The Diana Award and Building Impactful Communities
What does it take to build a social enterprise in your teens and go on to win The Diana Award before the age of 21?Reese Wong knows the pressure. As a young social entrepreneur, speaker, and community builder, he opens up to Annie about what it really takes to lead with purpose without losing yourself. From his upbringing in Hong Kong to studying in London, Reese opens up about the cultural shifts, identity challenges, and mindset tools that helped him grow into the leader he is today.Reese has spoken at more than 100 global events and has been recognised as a Young Fellows Advisory Board Member at the Royal Society of Arts, Aspen UK Rising Leader, a Future Minds 25 Under 25 and Project Management Institute UK Scholar.Learn practical strategies for:– Avoiding burnout while still staying ambitious– Creating your own network as an introvert– Turning rejections into resilienceThis one’s for the big-hearted overachievers looking for balance in a chaotic world.Stay in touch throughInstagram: ⁠@lowtogrowpodcast⁠TikTok and YouTube: @lowtogrowhttps://www.lowtogrow.comSay hi: [email protected] :)Chapters:00:00 Finding Balance in a Busy Life02:20 For Anyone Still Figuring Out Their Life04:52 The Spark of Social Entrepreneurship07:44 Volunteering for a Mental Health Charity in Hong Kong09:24 The Mental Health Conversation in Hong Kong10:38 Toxic Masculinity12:47 Building ISSIA HK: From Idea to 500+ Volunteers15:31 Biggest Failure and Lessons Learnt18:12 Cultural Transition: Hong Kong to London20:04 Imposter Syndrome21:12 Pressures of Youth Leadership22:45 Path to the Diana Award23:45 Personal Motivation for Social Impact27:53 Advice for Introverts: Don’t Be Overlooked30:12 Burnout and Balance32:39 Resilience Through Rejection35:45 Sacrifices for Success38:26 Inspiration and Mental Health StrategiesFollow Reese Wong:Website: https://www.reesewong.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reesewong1/Please Note: This podcast is for general awareness and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with qualified mental health professionals for specific concerns. For free resources, visit ⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/⁠.
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41 MIN