We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Rupert C. Yan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Rupert C. below.
Dr. Rupert C., so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
As a chemical engineer driven by a passion for using science to improve lives, I’ve often found myself as the only one in the room pursuing a particular vision. Whether working on breakthroughs in nanomaterials, plasma applications, or agricultural technologies, my journey has been filled with challenges and moments of solitude. Yet, it’s in these moments that I’ve discovered the power of resilience, creativity, and perseverance.
Failures in the lab taught me to see setbacks not as dead ends but as stepping stones to growth. Every challenge became an opportunity to refine my ideas, learn, and innovate. I’ve come to realize that being the only one in the room isn’t a disadvantage—it’s a unique opportunity to bring fresh perspectives, advocate for possibilities that others may not see, and lead with authenticity. This mindset has shaped my work and allowed me to inspire others to embrace resilience and a growth-oriented mindset.
To those who feel alone in their pursuits, my advice is simple: hold onto your vision. Every small step forward, even in solitude, lays the groundwork for something meaningful. Remember, even the smallest sprout can grow into a towering tree with patience, care, and belief.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
This journey of resilience and vision fuels my work as the CTO and Managing Partner of Tiny Sprouts®, where we aim to bridge the gap between science and everyday life. Our mission is to cultivate emotional intelligence, empathy, and meaningful connections so that no one feels alone on their growth journey.
At Tiny Sprouts®, we use evidence-based methodologies to turn validated strategies into practical, engaging tools such as gamified board games, personalized consultations, and systematic learning frameworks. These tools seamlessly integrate into daily life, making growth intuitive and enjoyable. Whether it’s strengthening family bonds, enhancing workplace relationships, or fostering interpersonal skills, we guide individuals step by step in ways that feel natural and rewarding.
What sets Tiny Sprouts® apart is our commitment to making every individual feel truly seen. From parenting workshops that deepen family connections to gamified experiences that spark meaningful conversations and broaden perspectives, our work is centered on building trust, empathy, and understanding in every interaction.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: resilience, a growth mindset, and the ability to integrate interdisciplinary knowledge. These have shaped not only my work but also my approach to leadership and collaboration.
For those just starting out, my advice is to be patient with yourself—growth takes time, and setbacks are simply part of the process. Treat challenges as learning opportunities and seek out mentors or role models who can provide guidance and perspective. Stay curious and take risks; often, the greatest breakthroughs come from stepping outside your comfort zone. Lastly, remember that success is rarely achieved alone—embrace collaboration, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to the growth of others.
Above all, remain true to your values and commit to lifelong learning. With resilience, a growth mindset, and a willingness to explore new ideas, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate challenges and create meaningful change.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
Our most recent challenge is the development of an innovative app that combines AI-powered chatbots with interactive gameplay to guide users through self-discovery, personal growth, and community building.
Integrating AI into this platform presents unique hurdles. The chatbot must be empathetic, scientifically accurate, and adaptable to a diverse range of user needs. Yet, we view these challenges as opportunities to push the boundaries of what AI can achieve in fostering emotional well-being and meaningful connections.
Our goal is bold yet clear: to create a platform that bridges technology, psychology, and human connection. With AI at its core, this app will empower individuals to thrive emotionally, strengthen communities, and transform lives—one meaningful interaction at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mytinysprouts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytinysprouts
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mytinysprouts
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/mytinysprouts
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mytinysprouts
Image Credits
Images by Tiny Sprouts®
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