Low to Grow

Annie Yu Wenmiao
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Education
  • Updated Biweekly

For the ambitious, third culture young professional. Where extraordinary people with migration in their life path, open up about how they navigated identity, non-linear careers and relationships. Hosted by Annie Wenmiao Yu (Oxford/ForbesU30/HurunU30) "I believe that asking the right questions is a productive way to navigate uncertainty and hope that the insights here will be useful to the thoughtful listeners of Low to Grow!"

  1. Aug 6

    Creanna Dodson: From Homeless at 22 to Barrister and Founder

    Barrister Creanna Dodson joins Annie Wenmiao Yu to trace her extraordinary journey from being homeless at 22 with a newborn to becoming a probation officer, qualified social worker, founder of Soaring Heights Care, and a practicing barrister in criminal and family law. She shares hard-won lessons on resilience, deferred gratification, building a support system, and protecting mental health while raising four children and running a business. The conversation covers career reinvention, poverty and inequality, and adapting to AI in the legal sector.

    Creanna Dodson: From Homeless at 22 to Barrister and Founder

  2. Jul 19

    Kushal Choski on Surviving 9/11 and Goldman Sachs to Life Scanning

    In this episode of Low to Grow, I sit down with Kushal M. Choksi, a survivor of the 9/11 attacks whose life has spanned Wall Street, entrepreneurship, and a deeply influential spiritual path. Once a quantitative analyst at Goldman Sachs who later led portfolios at Ethelium and BlackRock, Kushal shares how that single, devastating morning in Manhattan shattered his sense of control and completely reframed his understanding of success, purpose, and what it means to truly live. Today, Kushal co-runs Elements Truffles with his wife, blending creativity, patience, and purpose into a business rooted in wellness and ethical practice. He also works as an intuitive life scanner and sits on the U.S. board of the International Association for Human Values. We explore the Institute of Absolute Intelligence, a new initiative inviting scientific inquiry into consciousness, and dig into intuition, scanning, and the fascinating idea that time isn't linear at all. This episode is an invitation to anyone who feels curious about the unseen, anyone who suspects life is more than a straight line, anyone yearning to reconnect with the quiet place inside themselves. What you’ll walk away with: A grounded look at how a life-altering event can reshape ambition and identity Practical, compassionate advice for young professionals feeling out of alignment Insight into meditation, breath work, and tuning into your inner voice A thoughtful exploration of intuition, consciousness, and the science behind it An inside look at the joy and patience of entrepreneurship beyond hustle culture Follow Low to Grow ⁠⁠Instagram: @lowtogrowpodcast⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠YouTube: @lowtogrow⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Substack LIFT with Low to Grow⁠ ⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ Connect with our podcast guests via their profile page on ⁠⁠www.lowtogrow.com⁠⁠! Please Note: Low to Grow is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. For free mental health resources, visit ⁠⁠https://www.mind.org.uk⁠⁠.

    Kushal Choski on Surviving 9/11 and Goldman Sachs to Life Scanning

  3. Jul 5

    Sam Smith's IPO Experience and Why She Founded Superscalers

    In this episode of the Low to Grow podcast, Annie Wenmiao Yu interviews Sam Smith, the first female CEO of a City stockbroking firm and co-founder of Super Scalers. Sam shares her journey of building FinnCap into a leading investment bank for growth companies in the UK, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and empathetic leadership in driving both profit and growth. She reflects on her experiences, including the challenges of leading a company through an IPO whilemanaging personal responsibilities, such as motherhood. Annie and Sam discusses the significance of maintaining a positive mindset, learning from losses, and the necessity of support systems for entrepreneurs, particularly women and underrepresented founders. Chapters 00:00 The First Female Stockbroker in The City of London Samantha Smith 01:56 Who should listen this episode with Samantha Smith 02:20 Samantha's Entrepreneurial Journey in Finance 04:21 Reframing failures 12:17 Gender Representation in Finance 15:22 Creating an Inclusive Culture 18:15 An IPO Before Motorbiking to Her Daughter's Nativity Play 22:32 Giving herself to work and family 25:19 How Sam Smith Teaches Her Daughter About Clarity of Thought 27:40 Leadership Style After Motherhood 29:01 Launching Superscalers 32:27 Samantha Smith reflects on self-awareness in building the Superscalers 36:04 Final Thoughts on Mental Health Follow Low to Grow ⁠⁠Instagram: @lowtogrowpodcast⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠YouTube: @lowtogrow⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Substack LIFT with Low to Grow⁠ ⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ Connect with our podcast guests via their profile page on ⁠⁠www.lowtogrow.com⁠⁠! Please Note: Low to Grow is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. For free mental health resources, visit ⁠⁠https://www.mind.org.uk⁠⁠.

    Sam Smith's IPO Experience and Why She Founded Superscalers

  4. Jun 21

    Dr Mitch Abrams on Cultivating Coherence After Open-Heart Surgery and The New Paradigm In Healthcare

    Dr. Mitch Abrams shares his transformative journey from a successful radiologist to a holistic health advocate after undergoing open heart surgery. He discusses with Annie the profound impact of his experiences on his understanding of health, wellness, and the importance of heart coherence. Dr. Abrams introduces the Global Heart Sync project, which aims to gamify the practice of heart coherence, fostering individual and collective well-being. Dr Abrams and Annie debate on the need for a new paradigm in healthcare that integrates both scientific and spiritual perspectives, encouraging listeners to connect with their hearts and embrace their inner potential. What you will gain from listening to this episode: Awakening to consciousness can stem from profound experiences.Coherence is essential for emotional and physical health.The heart's intelligence plays a crucial role in healing.Collective coherence can impact global well-being.The Global Heart Sync project aims to gamify heart coherence.Practicing coherence can lead to significant personal transformation.Integrating Eastern and Western medicine is vital for future healthcare.Follow Low to Grow ⁠⁠Instagram: @lowtogrowpodcast⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠YouTube: @lowtogrow⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Substack LIFT with Low to Grow⁠ ⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ Connect with our podcast guests via their profile page on ⁠⁠www.lowtogrow.com⁠⁠! Please Note: Low to Grow is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. For free mental health resources, visit ⁠⁠https://www.mind.org.uk⁠⁠. Chapters   00:00 The Journey of Dr. Mitch Abrams 06:15 Awakening After Open Heart Surgery 10:39 The Disconnect in Western Healthcare 15:17 Understanding Heart Coherence 20:29 Measuring Coherence and Collective Impact 25:47 Global Heart Sync Project 28:02 The Science of Connection and Empathy 29:26 Activating the Heart: Personal Journeys 32:42 The Global Heart Sync Methodology 37:32 Shifting Perspectives in Healthcare 42:38 Bridging Eastern and Western Medicine 47:54 The Path to Coherence and Better Mental Health

    Dr Mitch Abrams on Cultivating Coherence After Open-Heart Surgery and The New Paradigm In Healthcare

  5. Jun 7

    Eileen Wada Willett of East Asian Girl Gang: A Third Culture Take on Identity, Fashion and Community

    In this episode of Low to Grow, Eileen Wada Willett takes us on a heartfelt journey from the world of fashion design to the deeply meaningful work of cultural community building. She reflects on the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the abrupt challenges brought on by Brexit and COVID-19, and the personal growth that emerged after closing her clothing brand. Through it all, her story is woven with resilience, identity, and a commitment to creating spaces where people feel seen and connected. Eileen also shares how the East Asian Girl Gang came to life—a community rooted in celebrating cultural identity, supporting mental health, and amplifying the voices of the East Asian diaspora. With warmth and clarity, she talks about the “mosaic” of heritage, the power of shared stories, and why connection is one of the most healing forces we have. This episode is rich with lessons for creatives, founders, and anyone navigating the complexities of identity and belonging. What you’ll walk away with: A grounded look at resilience through the unpredictable challenges of entrepreneurship Insights into cultural identity and the experiences of the East Asian diaspora Practical ideas for building community around shared heritage and values Reflection on how loss, transition, and reinvention shape personal growth A reminder that connection and community are vital pillars for mental well-being Follow Low to Grow ⁠Instagram: @lowtogrowpodcast⁠ ⁠YouTube: @lowtogrow⁠⁠Substack LIFT with Low to Grow Newsletter⁠ Connect with our podcast guests via their profile page on ⁠www.lowtogrow.com⁠!Please Note: Low to Grow is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. For free mental health resources, visit ⁠https://www.mind.org.uk⁠.

    Eileen Wada Willett of East Asian Girl Gang: A Third Culture Take on Identity, Fashion and Community

  6. May 24

    Dhritiman Mitra Investment Banker and Political Strategist: Insights on Harnessing AI for India's Future

    How can an MBA lead to a political career? What is the future of AI in India? What should more youths in India do? In this episode of Low to Grow, investment banking professional and political strategist Dhritiman Mitra shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Bihar to becoming a rising business and political voice in India’s next era of innovation. He opens up about navigating family expectations, shifting from the tech world to the political arena, and how each chapter of his life shaped his perspective on leadership, risk-taking, and nation-building. Dhritiman also digs into the transformative role of AI in India’s economic future—from new startup opportunities to the skills young professionals need to stay ahead. He offers a grounded look at entrepreneurship, the cultural and historical weight of politics in Bengal, and why embracing discomfort may be the most valuable career decision a young Indian can make today. This conversation is energizing, candid, and full of clarity for anyone standing at a crossroads. What you’ll walk away with: A practical roadmap for navigating big career transitions with purpose Insight into how AI is reshaping opportunities across Indian industries A fresh perspective on risk-taking as a catalyst for growth Cultural context on political engagement and leadership in India Encouragement to take bold steps—even when the path isn’t obvious Follow Low to Grow ⁠Instagram: @lowtogrowpodcast⁠ YouTube: @lowtogrow⁠⁠Substack LIFT with Low to Grow Newsletter⁠ Connect with our podcast guests via their profile page on ⁠www.lowtogrow.com⁠! Please Note: Low to Grow is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. For free mental health resources, visit https://www.mind.org.uk⁠.

    Dhritiman Mitra Investment Banker and Political Strategist: Insights on Harnessing AI for India's Future

  7. May 10

    Ariel Sit on Turning Down Google, Burnout and Building MindBeauty

    How to recover from burnout? Who turns down Google? What happens before a spiritual awakening? In this episode of Low to Grow, Ariel Sit opens up about her profound transition from corporate burnout to a spiritually aligned career that finally felt true to who she is. She walks us through the winding path from her early creative pursuits to entrepreneurship, unexpected pivots, and the emotional toll of chasing the “dream job.” Along the way, Ariel shares how meditation, self-awareness, and intentional reinvention became the tools that helped her rebuild her life and work from the inside out. Ariel also breaks down the practical side of transformation: how to network with authenticity, why your CV should reflect your emotions as much as your skills, and what it actually looks like to position yourself for opportunities that match your values. This conversation is warm, honest, and deeply human—perfect for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready for a more meaningful chapter. What you’ll walk away with: ​A realistic roadmap for reinventing your career after burnout in your 30s​Practical strategies for developing self-awareness through meditation and reflection​Tools for long-term, relationship-driven networking​Guidance on positioning yourself in a way that opens doors you want to walk through​A reminder that emotional well-being is foundational to sustainable growthFollow Low to GrowInstagram: @lowtogrowpodcastYouTube: @lowtogrowSubstack LIFT with Low to Grow NewsletterConnect with our podcast guests via their profile page on www.lowtogrow.com! Freebie 1 The first is a free copy of Ariel’s Life Artistry Journal (digital). It walks through life design, identity, and intentional goal-setting in a practical way. Ariel has set up a 100% discount code exclusively for the Low to Grow audience. Journal sign-up page: https://arielsit.com/journal Coupon code for free checkout: LOWTOGROW Freebie 2 The second is for anyone in the LowtoGrow community who's sitting on a method, a healing path, or hard-won knowledge they want to share with the world. Ariel is offering $100 off a business consultation to look at what they know, who it's for, and what a knowledge business around it could realistically look like. It starts with a free discovery call, they can apply here: https://forms.gle/Wz43ks1AVHcTJNNq6 Please Note: Low to Grow is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. For free mental health resources, visit https://www.mind.org.uk.

    Ariel Sit on Turning Down Google, Burnout and Building MindBeauty

  8. Apr 26

    Getting Fired 5 times with Karina Robinson, Redcliffe Advisory CEO & The City AI and Quantum Summit

    How does one deal with getting FIRED FIVE TIMES? In this episode of Low to Grow, Karina Robinson, CEO of Redcliffe Advisory Ltd. and Non-Executive Director on the Board of Atlanti an Anglo-Swiss Fund Management firm amongst other roles, takes us through her extraordinary career pivot at midlife, from high-finance journalism to global security, and the cutting-edge world of Quantum and AI. She shares how curiosity, resilience, and compassion have shaped her working style and driven her to tackle some of the most complex challenges at the intersection of technology and international collaboration. Karina also opens up about the personal lessons behind her professional journey, including navigating career setbacks, extending compassion to herself, and maintaining mental well-being while building influence in high-stakes environments. This conversation is both practical and inspiring, offering insights for anyone considering a bold career change or striving to lead with empathy in an evolving world. What you’ll walk away with: A reference map for navigating a major career transition while staying true to your passions Practical lessons on building resilience through personal and professional challenges Strategies for integrating compassion and mental health into leadership practices Insights on the transformative potential of quantum computing in security and finance Guidance for cultivating curiosity and lifelong learning to sustain growth and influence Follow Low to Grow Instagram: @lowtogrowpodcast YouTube: @lowtogrow Substack Newsletter Connect with Karina Robinson via LinkedIn: Karina Robinson Please Note: Low to Grow is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. For free mental health resources, visit https://www.mind.org.uk. Chapters: 00:00 IntroducingKarina Robinson! 01:56 Liking this? 02:49 Introductionto Personal and Professional Challenges 03:10 Karina'sJourney from Journalism to Headhunting 04:01 NavigatingPersonal Tragedy and Professional Change 15:29 Karina'sreflections on personal change 17:50 TheCompassionate Core 20:28 Karina'sexperience extending compassion to herself 21:32 How Karina navigated getting FIRED FIVE times 25:38 What keepsKarina going and learning throughout life 29:18 Reflectionsfor young journalists in the age of AI 30:45 Establishingan India UK Business Corridor 33:30 KarinaRobinson's one thing for better mental health 34:58 Follow@lowtogrowpodcast

    Getting Fired 5 times with Karina Robinson, Redcliffe Advisory CEO & The City AI and Quantum Summit
See All (36)

Trailer

About

For the ambitious, third culture young professional. Where extraordinary people with migration in their life path, open up about how they navigated identity, non-linear careers and relationships. Hosted by Annie Wenmiao Yu (Oxford/ForbesU30/HurunU30) "I believe that asking the right questions is a productive way to navigate uncertainty and hope that the insights here will be useful to the thoughtful listeners of Low to Grow!"

Information

  • Creator
    Annie Yu Wenmiao
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Annie Yu Wenmiao
  • Show Website
    Low to Grow