Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Xiaoheng Li. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

XIAOHENG, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Talk to us about building a team – did you hire quickly, how’d you recruit the first few team members? Any interesting lessons?

At the very beginning, it was just me, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become a team effort. Starting alone was both exciting and overwhelming. I had to wear many hats, juggling everything from product design to business development. However, as the vision for the business grew, I knew I needed to bring in more people to truly bring the idea to life and scale it effectively.

Recruiting the first few team members was a pivotal moment. I wanted people who shared my passion for using design and technology to make a meaningful social impact. Interestingly, my first hires came through my network. Yicheng and Yuxiang, both UX designers, and Haoyun, our data scientist, were individuals I had collaborated with on previous projects. Their skill sets perfectly aligned with the direction I wanted the company to go, and they understood the mission from the start. The interview process was more of an in-depth conversation about our shared goals and how their expertise could help achieve them, rather than a formal, rigid process. What made it unique was that we focused heavily on cultural fit and passion for the work, more than just technical skills.

Training was hands-on and collaborative. Since we were a small team, we all contributed to shaping processes together, experimenting with different workflows until we found what worked best for us. If I were starting today, I might focus more on building a stronger foundation for operations and structure early on, but I wouldn’t change much about the team-building approach. The organic growth and deep trust we built early on have been invaluable.

XIAOHENG, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Certainly! I’m passionate about solving real-world problems through the intersection of design, technology, and human-centered thinking. My journey into the design industry began with a deep curiosity for how creative solutions can improve people’s lives. I have a background in GIS and UX design, which gives me a unique perspective on how spatial data, user experience, and innovative design can work together to address complex challenges. Over time, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with some amazing individuals and organizations on a range of impactful projects.

Our business focuses on creating human-centered products, with a strong emphasis on social impact. We specialize in solutions for emergency response, healthcare accessibility, and other areas that help marginalized communities. Our flagship product, MediConnect, is designed to bridge healthcare gaps in rural areas, ensuring timely delivery of essential medicine to vulnerable populations. This product leverages cutting-edge technology like GIS and real-time data analytics to optimize delivery routes and improve volunteer coordination, ultimately saving lives.

What sets us apart is our deep commitment to not just the functional aspects of design, but also the emotional and social impact of our products. We believe in balancing technical innovation with empathy and accessibility. We’re not just solving a problem; we’re making sure the solution is intuitive, user-friendly, and brings happiness to the people using it.

I’m especially proud of the collaborations we’ve built along the way, working closely with NGOs, legal consultants, and delivery companies to ensure that our solutions are feasible, scalable, and truly serve the communities we aim to help. Our award-winning work, including MediConnect, highlights how design and technology can come together to create meaningful change.

For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that our work goes beyond just delivering a product. We’re dedicated to understanding the core challenges you face and providing solutions that are not only practical but also forward-thinking. We’re passionate about design that makes a difference, and we’re always exploring new ways to use technology to drive social good. Whether you’re looking for innovation in healthcare delivery, improved user experiences, or solutions that address larger social issues, we are here to help create impactful results.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, there is a clear mission that drives my creative journey: to design solutions that make a meaningful social impact by addressing critical, real-world problems. I’m deeply committed to using design and technology to bridge gaps in essential services, particularly in healthcare, and to support vulnerable and marginalized communities. My goal is to create products that not only solve functional issues but also improve the quality of life for those who are often overlooked or underserved.

At the heart of this mission is the belief that design should be inclusive and human-centered. Whether it’s improving healthcare access in rural areas through MediConnect or designing more user-friendly digital tools, my focus is always on creating solutions that are accessible, sustainable, and impactful. The intersection of empathy and innovation is what fuels my creative process, and I’m constantly inspired by how design can bring positive change to people’s lives.

Ultimately, my goal is to continue pushing boundaries, collaborating with like-minded individuals, and using creativity to solve problems that truly matter.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale requires open communication, collaboration, and recognition. Encourage your team to share ideas and provide feedback openly, which builds trust and keeps everyone aligned. Celebrate achievements regularly, both big and small, to show that their efforts are valued. Support their growth by offering opportunities to learn and develop, and always lead by example—your actions set the tone for the team.

Empathy is key; showing genuine care for their well-being helps foster a positive work environment. Balancing clear expectations with flexibility, and incorporating moments of fun into the workflow, keeps motivation high and stress low. A supportive and inclusive atmosphere naturally leads to a more productive and engaged team.

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xiaoheng-li/