Low to Grow

Low to Grow

Natalie Chung Sum Yue on V'air, Imperfect Environmentalism and Climate Adaptation

51 min · 15 de mar de 2026
Portada del episodio Natalie Chung Sum Yue on V'air, Imperfect Environmentalism and Climate Adaptation

Descripción

Why does the world need more IMPERFECT environmentalists? How do you balance building a social enterprise with university? What does moving abroad to study mean for your relationships? In this episode of Low to Grow, climate advocate and social entrepreneur Natalie Chung traces the path from an 11-year-old school project to becoming one of the region’s leading voices in sustainable tourism and climate education. As the co-founder of V’air, Natalie breaks down how the platform grew from a student-led digital initiative into a hands-on eco-tourism movement creating real impact on the ground. She dives into the complexities of modern climate policy, the rise of philanthropy in funding climate solutions, and the hidden challenges social entrepreneurs face behind the scenes—from team dynamics to financial sustainability. Natalie also speaks openly about the emotional side of purpose-driven work: navigating personal relationships, coping with burnout, and learning to care for your mental health while caring for the planet. If you’re passionate about environmental impact or building a purpose-led career, this conversation offers a grounded and refreshing take on what sustainable leadership actually looks like. What you’ll walk away with: * A behind-the-scenes look at building a climate-focused social enterprise as a young founder * A clearer understanding of the gaps and opportunities in today’s climate policy landscape * Insight into how sustainable tourism can drive meaningful climate education * A realistic picture of team dynamics, and why interpersonal trust is a make-or-break factor * Tools for staying adaptable when a mission-driven project evolves with V'air * A fresh perspective on environmentalism that makes space for nuance, diversity, and real-world constraints * Strategies for protecting your mental health while working in high-pressure, purpose-led fields * A reminder of how meaningful relationships fuel long-term resilience and creativity Follow Low to Grow ⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠@lowtogrowpodcast⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/lowtogrowpodcast/] ⁠⁠YouTube: @lowtogrow⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@lowtogrow] ⁠Substack Newsletter⁠ [https://lowtogrowpodcast.substack.com/] Connect with Natalie on her profile page on ⁠our website⁠ [http://⁠⁠https:/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 [https://www.mind.org.uk].

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Portada del episodio Sam Smith's IPO Experience and Why She Founded Superscalers

Sam Smith's IPO Experience and Why She Founded Superscalers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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