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 careers
• The reality of entrepreneurship in the mental health startup space
• Insights from venture capital investing in neurotech and mental health innovation
• Why AI is reshaping access to therapy and support
• What it means to prioritize quality care and human connection in tech-driven solutions
• The 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.

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 sprint

• How coaching can improve mental health and performance
• Ways 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.

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 leadership

• Why Explainable AI matters for the future of technology

• How AI agents and tools can transform everyday life

• Ways AI can support mental health and help manage social anxiety

• The one mindset shift young people need for authentic growth

Chapters:
00:00 Journey to Forbes Under 30 in Manufacturing and Industry
03:11 Understanding AI: What is Black Box and Explainable AI?
05:41 Current Misconceptions about AI
07:34 Joyjit’s Research in AI for Future Labs
10:05 Explaining AI Keywords
12:45 The Future of AI Agents
15:11 AI in Everyday Life
18:25 AI Tools for Social Anxiety
20:09 Advice for Young People
22:35 Legacy and Impact
25:06 AI and Mental Health
35:32 Outro

Follow 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/⁠

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 growth
• How imposter syndrome silently affects young professionals
• The role cultural identity plays in confidence and connection
• What stakeholder intelligence means in building better relationships
• Why assuming good intent could change your mental health

Follow me on:

Instagram: ⁠@lowtogrowpodcast⁠

TikTok and YouTube: @lowtogrow

https://www.lowtogrow.com

SAY HI at lowtogrowpodcast@gmail.com :)

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Yunsu Tang’s Journey

06:02 Experiences in Hong Kong and Shanghai

10:56 Navigating Imposter Syndrome

15:21 Lessons from Entrepreneurship

19:39 Mental Health and Open Communication

Follow 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.

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 resilience

This one’s for the big-hearted overachievers looking for balance in a chaotic world.

Stay in touch through

Instagram: ⁠@lowtogrowpodcast⁠

TikTok and YouTube: @lowtogrow

https://www.lowtogrow.com

Say hi: lowtogrowpodcast@gmail.com :)

Chapters:

00:00 Finding Balance in a Busy Life

02:20 For Anyone Still Figuring Out Their Life

04:52 The Spark of Social Entrepreneurship

07:44 Volunteering for a Mental Health Charity in Hong Kong

09:24 The Mental Health Conversation in Hong Kong

10:38 Toxic Masculinity

12:47 Building ISSIA HK: From Idea to 500+ Volunteers

15:31 Biggest Failure and Lessons Learnt

18:12 Cultural Transition: Hong Kong to London

20:04 Imposter Syndrome

21:12 Pressures of Youth Leadership

22:45 Path to the Diana Award

23:45 Personal Motivation for Social Impact

27:53 Advice for Introverts: Don’t Be Overlooked

30:12 Burnout and Balance

32:39 Resilience Through Rejection

35:45 Sacrifices for Success

38:26 Inspiration and Mental Health Strategies

Follow Reese Wong:

Website: https://www.reesewong.com

LinkedIn: 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/⁠.

Ever feel like your background is holding you back from big dreams?

In this episode of Low to Grow, Annie sits down with Nathaneo Johnson, co-founder of the Series app, to talk about how he transformed a challenging childhood into fuel for building a VC-backed startup whilst at Yale. From becoming valedictorian against the odds to launching a platform that uses AI to foster authentic social connections, Nathaneo’s story is proof that resilience can reshape your entire trajectory.

Tune in as we explore:

• How Nathaneo navigated Yale without imposter syndrome

• Why doing what you love isn’t a luxury — it’s a mental health strategy

• The one thing young entrepreneurs often overlook but absolutely need

Keep in touch at:Instagram: ⁠@lowtogrowpodcast⁠TikTok and YouTube: @lowtogrow⁠https://www.lowtogrow.com⁠SAY HI at ⁠lowtogrowpodcast@gmail.com⁠ :)

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Nathaneo Johnson and Series
02:13 – Childhood Influences and Early Ambitions
04:14 – Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience
06:31 – Navigating Yale with NO Imposter Syndrome
07:35 – Student Podcaster to Raising Millions
08:21 – Motivation Behind Series
09:29 – Finding the Right Co-Founder
10:23 – Turning Ideas into Reality: The Creation of Series
11:58 – Challenges in Building and Fundraising
14:44 – Current Focus and Future Plans for Series
16:21 – Advice for Aspiring Teen Entrepreneurs
18:04 – Mental Health and Doing What You Love

Follow Nathaneo:Series Website: https://www.series.so
X: https://x.com/Nathaneo_j/with_repliesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathaneo-johnson-86aa4a253/

Please Note: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. If you're experiencing mental health challenges, seek support from a qualified professional. Explore free resources at ⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/⁠.

TRIGGER WARNING: suicide, debt

Ever stood at your balcony contemplating your fall?

Asim Amin did, and it nearly cost him everything. He opens up about hitting rock bottom after going into debt in Dubai, contemplating suicide, and what happened after he made one critical choice: to start therapy.

Asim is the founder and CEO of Plumm, a HR platform with mental health support at its core. Plumm reached multi-million revenue generating status just this year. Asim's raw recount of his story is an inspiring reminder that growth often starts at your lowest point.

In this episode, Annie and Asim explore:

• How cultural stigma around therapy in Dubai nearly kept him from seeking help (and cost him his life)
• The real reason he pivoted Plumm from B2C to B2B
• Why AI might just be the future of mental health
• What companies must do to support employee wellbeing today

If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, emotional exhaustion, or felt alone in your pain, this one’s for you.

Follow me on:

Instagram: ⁠@lowtogrowpodcast⁠

TikTok and YouTube: @lowtogrow

https://www.lowtogrow.com

SAY HI at lowtogrowpodcast@gmail.com :)

Chapters:

00:00 The Journey Begins: Asim Amin's Story

02:45 Contemplating Suicide on the Balcony

04:54 Choosing to Seek Help with Mental Health

06:02 How Debt Led to Suicidal Thoughts

09:28 Most Critical: Taking The First Step to Recovery

12:43 Mental Stigmas In Dubai

18:01 The Birth of Plumm: A Mission-Driven Business

22:24 Adapting to Change: Plumm's Evolution

27:05 AI in Mental Health: Opportunities and Challenges

31:22 The Future of Mental Health Support

34:56 Normalizing Workplace Conversations about Mental Health

Follow Asim & Plumm:

Website: https://www.heyplumm.com/

Podcast: Immigrants Building Companies

Please Note: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. If you're struggling, please seek help from a qualified mental health professional. For free resources, visit ⁠ https://www.mind.org.uk/⁠.

Think you’re too young or too inexperienced to make a global impact?

Meet Elisa Torres-Durney, a 19-year-old Chilean student, UNESCO Advisor, and the visionary behind Girls in Quantum, a UN recognised global initiative making STEM and quantum education more accessible to youth worldwide against financial, political or institutional barriers.

Annie sits down with Elisa to unpack how she turned early curiosity into a worldwide QUANTUM movement all before age 19. Elisa shares the personal and cultural challenges she’s faced, the importance of building community in male-dominated industries, and how she stays grounded while balancing university life with leading a social enterprise.

Celebrate the 2025 International Year of Quantum with us and tune in to learn:

• How online education during the pandemic opened unexpected doors to QUANTUM COMPUTING

• The mindset shifts needed to overcome imposter syndrome

• Why you're never too young to create meaningful change

• What every founder needs to keep going when rejection hits

Whether you're a student, early-career professional, or dreaming of starting your own venture, this episode will challenge your idea of what’s possible... at any age!

Follow me on:Instagram: ⁠@lowtogrowpodcast⁠TikTok and YouTube: @lowtogrow⁠https://www.lowtogrow.com⁠SAY HI at ⁠lowtogrowpodcast@gmail.com⁠ :)

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to a Young Trailblazer
02:34 Elisa's Early Inspirations and Journey
05:58 Overcoming Challenges in Quantum Education
08:49 Building a Global Community in Quantum
11:28 Finding Financing for US University Applications
13:33 Balancing Education and Social Impact
16:42 Cultural Shock and Personal Growth
19:09 Redefining Success Through Community Engagement
21:06 The Essence of Success
22:27 Navigating Career Choices
24:18 Role Models and Inspiration
25:12 Women in Science Facing Rejection Before Breakthrough
26:20 Embracing the Entrepreneurial Journey
26:24 Everything Was Once an Innovation
28:37 Every Founder Needs Perseverance
29:43 Learning from Rejections
32:09 Elisa's Biggest Challenge with Girls in Quantum
35:57 Mental Health and Reflection

Follow Elisa:Website: https://www.girlsinquantum.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisa-torres-durneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisatdney/?hl=en-gb

Please Note: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. If you're struggling, please reach out to a qualified mental health professional. For free resources, visit ⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/⁠.