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 kno...
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Episode List

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

Jan 4th, 2026 6:00 AM

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 balanceWhether 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 GrowInstagram: ⁠@lowtogrowpodcast⁠TikTok and YouTube: @lowtogrowhttps://www.lowtogrow.comSay hi: lowtogrowpodcast@gmail.com :) Chapters00:00 – Introductionto Mental Health Innovation02:41 – TheImportance of Mental Health04:40 – Future ofMental Health Startups07:33 – AI in MentalHealth Diagnosis10:31 – Shiv'sCareer Journey12:42 – TurningPoints and Starting GIMBHI17:27 – Advice forCareer Transitions19:22 – GIMBHI'sMission and Impact22:17 – Trends inMental Health Funding23:18 – Shiv'sStart-Up Spotlight: Third Space Mental Health25:29 – WhatInvestors Look For28:31 –Self-Awareness in Founders29:27 – Keys toBetter Mental Health30:39 – Outro Follow Shiv Bhavnani & GIMBHILinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivbhavnani?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3B0AWIbXYoQVGGJJ%2BEVNMXRQ%3D%3DWebsite: https://www.gimbhi.com/X: https://x.com/ss_bhavPlease 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

Why Healing-Centered Leadership is CRITICAL for Digital Inclusion

Dec 21st, 2025 6:00 AM

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 GrowInstagram: ⁠@lowtogrowpodcast⁠TikTok and YouTube: @lowtogrowhttps://www.lowtogrow.comSay 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 successChapters00:00 – Introduction to Linda's Journey07:38 – Overcoming Adversity and Finding Purpose13:44 – The Impact of Environment on Identity21:51 – Launching Mung! and Addressing Digital Inequality25:52 – Healing-Centered Leadership in Tech37:03 – The Importance of Autonomy for Mental HealthFollow Linda Hong ChengGossip Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gossip-group/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lindahongchengInstagram: @lindahongchengPlease 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.

Investment to Impact: ex-BlackRock investor's Journey in Mental Health Innovation

Dec 7th, 2025 6:00 AM

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: lowtogrowpodcast@gmail.comChapters00:00 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.

The Entrepreneur’s Marathon: Finding Balance, Funding, and Freedom

Nov 23rd, 2025 6:00 AM

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: lowtogrowpodcast@gmail.com :)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.

Introverted Forbes Under30 AI Innovator

Nov 9th, 2025 6:00 AM

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 ⁠lowtogrowpodcast@gmail.com⁠ :)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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