Low to Grow

Annie Yu Wenmiao
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  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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!

  1. Embracing the Undefinable Self with Charlie Rogers: Multi-Passionate Living, Emotional Integration & A Profitable Portfolio Career

    FEB 15

    Embracing the Undefinable Self with Charlie Rogers: Multi-Passionate Living, Emotional Integration & A Profitable Portfolio Career

    Charlie Rogers, entrepreneur, community builder, and founder of undefinables, opens up about what it really means to design a life that doesn’t fit inside a neat box. Charlie shares his winding journey through national level sports, entrepreneurship, and self-discovery, highlighting the power of embracing multiple passions rather than forcing yourself into a single identity. He talks candidly about motivation, vulnerability, emotional integration, and the surprising lessons that cycling off a cliff, rewiring academic expectations, and grinding through the book-writing process taught him. Charlie also reflects on the moments when “giving up” is actually a form of reinvention, and how community can help you rebuild with clarity and purpose. Whether you’re multi-passionate, creatively stuck, or redefining who you want to be, this conversation offers tools for navigating change without losing yourself. What you’ll walk away with: Permission to pursue multiple passions without apologyA new understanding of motivation—and how purpose, profit, and play each fuel itA framework for emotional integration to support healthier mental and emotional balancePractical steps to build community and deeper connections through vulnerabilityLessons from sports that can sharpen resilience and strengthen self-beliefA grounded look at what it really takes to write a book (and how to start your own)A mindset shift around “giving up” as a strategic reset, not a failureTools for managing your energy and mental health during seasons of reinventionInsight that understanding your interests is the gateway to genuine expertise and fulfillmentFollow Low to Grow ⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠@lowtogrowpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠YouTube: @lowtogrow⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Substack Newsletter⁠⁠ Connect with Charlie on his profile page on ⁠⁠our website⁠⁠!   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 Embracing theUndefinable Self 06:39 The Journey ofEntrepreneurship 10:47 Motivation andCommunity Building 11:23 Lessons fromSports and Personal Growth 11:50 ResittingA-Levels, From ACC to A*AA! 12:30 How cyclingoff a cliff got him to TEAM GB at European Triathlon 25:08 ReframingSuccess and Enjoying the Process 26:01 EmotionalThawing: A Journey of Self-Discovery 32:39 TheTransformative Process of Writing a Book 38:55 The Balance ofPerseverance and Reinvention 44:11 EnergyManagement for Better Mental Health

    47 min
  2. Think Like a Billion-Dollar Mogul: Ari Rastegar on Language as Power and How He Teaches His Kids About Failure

    FEB 1

    Think Like a Billion-Dollar Mogul: Ari Rastegar on Language as Power and How He Teaches His Kids About Failure

    In this episode of Low to Grow, real estate entrepreneur AriRastegar unpacks the mindset behind building a billion-dollar portfolio and why fulfillment, not just achievement, should be the real target. He shares how a small law-school investment sparked his career, how meditation fuels his productivity, and why emotional health is non-negotiable for long-term success. Ari also gets personal about teaching his kids to embrace failure, navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and how cultural influences shape our approach to business. The conversation wraps with a grounded look at AI’s role in the nextera of human potential. What you’ll walk away with: A roadmap for turning early-career confusion into clear, forward motionA mindset reset that helps you prioritize real fulfillment over performative successA simple, repeatable meditation approach to boost focus and cut through your mental clutterA resilience playbook for recovering quickly when plans fall apartA healthier way to teach your kids about failure so you can all take bolder risks without the fear spiralA new lens on how your language and cultural roots quietly influence your ambition and outcomesA future-ready perspective on using AI to amplify your strengths  Follow Low to Grow ⁠Instagram: ⁠@lowtogrowpodcast⁠⁠ ⁠YouTube: @lowtogrow⁠ Substack Newsletter Connect with Ari on his profile page on our website!   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 Ari Rastegar on the Low to Grow Podcast - helping young professionals navigate change 00:30 Follow @lowtogrowpodcast on Instagram! 01:23 Introducing Ari Rastegar on Low to Grow Podcast 02:02 Who Ari Rastegar thinks will benefit from Low to Grow episode 02:25 How Ari Rastegar started his Real Estate Titan Career 05:51 Success vs. Fulfillment 11:24 The Power of Meditation 15:47 Resilience and Overcoming Challenges 21:04 Teaching Kids About Failure 24:18 The Importance of Emotional Resilience 28:23 Cultural Influences and Language 31:25 Meditation for Mental Health 32:43 AI: The Fourth Industrial Revolution

    35 min

  3. JAN 28 · BONUS

    Running OffScript with Calypso Rose and Guest Features Max Fosh, William Hanson, Reese Wong and Charlotte Liebling

    Step inside a special behind-the-scenes episode of Low to Grow. Annie takes you along to South Kensington for the very first Offscript Generation Summit, a fresh, future-facing gathering built for 16 to 25-year-olds who are determined to carve their own paths beyond the traditional career rulebook. Armed with her mic and her usual dose of curiosity, Annie Wenmiao Yu sits down with Calypso Rose, the serial entrepreneur behind this brand-new venture, to explore why this moment in 2026 matters so deeply and what inspired her to create a socially meaningful space for the next generation of creatives, coders, thinkers, and doers. But the conversations don’t stop there. You’ll also hear from: Matt Fosh, YouTuber and comedian, on breaking through an already crowded platform William Hanson, Britain’s etiquette coach, on why good manners still open surprising doors Charlotte Liebling (the Fluffy CEO), on building a business with heart and social impact—already partnering with Fenwick and Bloomingdale’s Reese Wong, Diana Award recipient and returning Low to Grow guest, on the art of personal branding for young changemakers This bonus episode captures the energy, candour, and ambition that made the Offscript Summit such a powerful space. If you’ve ever wished for guidance that felt real, relevant, and rooted in possibility, you’ll feel right at home. Settle in for an inspiring, intimate look at the voices shaping a less-linear, more meaningful future.

    22 min
  4. Empowering Women Through Entrepreneurship with Geeta Sidhu-Robb

    JAN 18

    Empowering Women Through Entrepreneurship with Geeta Sidhu-Robb

    How do you build self-confidence, create workplace equity, and thrive as a woman in business? In this episode of Low to Grow, Annie Wenmiao Yu speaks with Geeta Sidhu-Robb, entrepreneur, coach, and founder of Nosh Detox and WCorp. Geeta shares her inspiring journey from corporate law to entrepreneurship, the lessons she’s learned building businesses, and her mission to create equitable workplaces for women. Together, they dive into the challenges women face in the workplace, especially around self-esteem, financial independence, and career growth after motherhood. Geeta also explores the role of AI in business and coaching, why movement and nutrition are essential for mental health, and how to find the right coach to unlock your potential. You’ll learn: Why self-confidence and self-esteem are different and crucial for successHow WCorp is reshaping workplace equity for womenPractical tips for building better mental health and resilience If you’re navigating career transitions, leadership challenges, or seeking tools for personal development and empowerment, this conversation offers actionable insights you can apply today. Follow Low to Grow Instagram: ⁠@lowtogrowpodcast⁠ TikTok & YouTube: @lowtogrow https://www.lowtogrow.com Say hi: lowtogrowpodcast@gmail.com :) Follow Geeta Sidhu-Robb Website: https://www.geetasidhu-robb.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geetasidhu/ Listen to Geeta's podcast: https://ukhealthradio.com/program/activate-yourself/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geetasidhurobb/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoFjSNPzskT59eAdSXpEXaw TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@geetasidhurobb?lang=en 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.

    41 min
  5. The True Cost of Telling the Truth: Shiv Bhavnani’s Mental Health Revolution

    JAN 4

    The True Cost of Telling the Truth: Shiv Bhavnani’s Mental Health Revolution

    What if AI could help redefine how we diagnose and treatmental health conditions? And how can investors, founders, and startups come together to make care more accessible worldwide? In this episode of Low to Grow, Annie Wenmiao Yu speaks with Shiv Bhavnani, a healthcare investor andfounder of GIMBHI, a global initiativedriving investment into mental health innovation. Shiv opens up about his career pivot from finance into mental health,the turning points that reshaped his path, and why self-awareness is one of the most important traits for foundersand professionals alike. Together, they explore: What investors look for when evaluating mental health startupsThe reality of today’s mental health funding landscapeThe importance of career pivots, resilience, and self-reflectionPractical ways to improve your own mental health and work-life balance Whether you’re a founder, investor, or young professional interested in innovation, healthcare, and personal growth, Shiv’s story shows how challenges like being fired can become the catalyst for a more meaningful career.   Follow Low to Grow Instagram: ⁠@lowtogrowpodcast⁠ TikTok and YouTube: @lowtogrow https://www.lowtogrow.com Say hi: lowtogrowpodcast@gmail.com :)   Chapters 00:00 – Introductionto Mental Health Innovation 02:41 – TheImportance of Mental Health 04:40 – Future ofMental Health Startups 07:33 – AI in MentalHealth Diagnosis 10:31 – Shiv'sCareer Journey 12:42 – TurningPoints and Starting GIMBHI 17:27 – Advice forCareer Transitions 19:22 – GIMBHI'sMission and Impact 22:17 – Trends inMental Health Funding 23:18 – Shiv'sStart-Up Spotlight: Third Space Mental Health 25:29 – WhatInvestors Look For 28:31 –Self-Awareness in Founders 29:27 – Keys toBetter Mental Health 30:39 – Outro   Follow Shiv Bhavnani & GIMBHI LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivbhavnani?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3B0AWIbXYoQVGGJJ%2BEVNMXRQ%3D%3D Website: https://www.gimbhi.com/ X: https://x.com/ss_bhav Please 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 areavailable at https://www.mind.org.uk

    31 min
  6. Why Healing-Centered Leadership is CRITICAL for Digital Inclusion

    12/21/2025

    Why Healing-Centered Leadership is CRITICAL for Digital Inclusion

    Looking for a story that blends resilience, entrepreneurship, mental health, and inclusive technology? In this episode of Low to Grow, Annie Wenmiao Yu speaks with Linda Hong Cheng, founder of InfraLabs and advocate for healing-centered leadership in the tech industry. From overcoming a challenging childhood to launching startups focused on age-inclusive and digitally equitable solutions, Linda shares how her journey shaped her vision for a more inclusive future. The conversation explores the power of personal narrative in leadership, why autonomy is essential for mental health, and how technology can—and must—serve marginalized communities. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or someone navigating adversity, Linda’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and purpose. Follow Low to Grow Instagram: ⁠@lowtogrowpodcast⁠ TikTok and YouTube: @lowtogrow https://www.lowtogrow.com Say hi: lowtogrowpodcast@gmail.com :) Learn about: • Why healing-centered leadership is critical for the future of tech • How digital inclusion can empower marginalized communities • The role of autonomy in mental health and well-being • What it means to design age-inclusive technology • How resilience shapes identity, purpose, and entrepreneurial success Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Linda's Journey 07:38 – Overcoming Adversity and Finding Purpose 13:44 – The Impact of Environment on Identity 21:51 – Launching Mung! and Addressing Digital Inequality 25:52 – Healing-Centered Leadership in Tech 37:03 – The Importance of Autonomy for Mental Health Follow Linda Hong Cheng Gossip Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gossip-group/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lindahongcheng Instagram: @lindahongcheng Please Note: This podcast 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.

    40 min
  7. Investment to Impact: ex-BlackRock investor's Journey in Mental Health Innovation

    12/07/2025

    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 spotting Follow Low to Grow Instagram: ⁠@lowtogrowpodcast⁠ TikTok and YouTube: @lowtogrow https://www.lowtogrow.com Say hi: lowtogrowpodcast@gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Caitlin Ner's Journey 03:12 Transitioning to Mental Health 14:28 Navigating Professional Support 17:27 Exploring Therapy Modalities 20:09 From BlackRock to Startups 22:45 Lessons from Scaling Mental Health Startups 25:49 Caitlin's Venture Capital Insights 28:31 Innovations in Neurotechnology 31:01 From Harvard to King's College London 34:00 Advice for Aspiring Founders 36:27 Mental Health in the Filipino Community 38:58 Caitlin’s Advice to Her Younger Self 41:54 AI in Mental Health Follow Caitlin Ner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlinner/ Website: https://psymed.ventures/ X: https://x.com/caitlinner Instagram: 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.

    44 min
  8. The Entrepreneur’s Marathon: Finding Balance, Funding, and Freedom

    11/23/2025

    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 success If 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 Grow Instagram: ⁠@lowtogrowpodcast⁠ TikTok and YouTube: @lowtogrow https://www.lowtogrow.com Say hi: lowtogrowpodcast@gmail.com :) Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Erika Brodnock 05:23 – Childhood Influences and Early Education 11:51 – Realizations in the Tech Industry 21:15 – Self-Limiting Beliefs and Therapy 29:07 – The Birth of KinHub and Its Mission 36:31 – Overcoming Stigma with AI Coaching 40:17 – MBE or MBA? The Value of Knowledge vs. Recognition 43:07 – Exploring Inclusivity and Economic Empowerment 45:27 – The Future of Coaching: Human and AI Collaboration 48:15 – Balancing Work and Well-being in Entrepreneurship 50:42 – Outro Follow Erika Brodnock Website: https://www.kinhub.com/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/erikabrodnock Please 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.

    51 min
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About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Annie Yu Wenmiao
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Annie Yu Wenmiao
  • Show Website
    Low to Grow