As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we’re excited to bring you this special edition Ask a Googler interview with one of Google Maps’ Tech Leads, Xinmei Cai. Xinmei has been with Google for more than 20 years and has worked on teams like AdWords and YouTube, and since 2012, Google Maps. Today, Xinmei leads the Google Geo Engineering site in Tokyo where her mission is to make user-generated content like photos and reviews a vital part of Google Maps.
We are happy to have her share a bit about her experience as a woman in tech!
The questions below have been collected from our amazing group of women Connect Moderators. Before we dive into those, we’ve asked Xinmei to tell us more about herself.
Are you a Local Guide? What’s your favorite type of information to contribute on Google Maps?
Yes! I’m Level 8 and I like to share photos and videos.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Antarctica. I’ve always been drawn to the extremes, and the idea of experiencing the world’s most remote continent is incredibly compelling. I’m fascinated by the resilience of the wildlife that thrives in such harsh conditions — penguins, seals, whales — and I long to witness their lives firsthand.
What’s one question your friends and family always ask you about working at Google/on Google Maps?
The most common question I get is definitely, ‘Can you help me fix something on Google Maps?’ People know I work on it, so they immediately think of me whenever they encounter an issue. It’s actually really rewarding to be able to help them navigate the world a little easier.
Who are some of the women who have inspired you throughout your career, and what qualities do you admire in them?
My greatest inspiration comes from the women managers I’ve worked with. They showed me that you can be both a successful leader and a devoted parent. Their focus on developing people and unlocking their potential has greatly influenced my own leadership approach.
Local Guides Q&A with Xinmei
Editor’s Note: Some questions below have been edited for length and clarity.
@NunungAfuah from Indonesia asked: What initiatives or programs are you most proud of that Google Maps has implemented to empower women?
Answer: One of the initiatives I’m most proud of is the ‘Women-owned’ business attribute on Google Maps. It’s a way for us to connect users with the incredible women entrepreneurs in their communities. We know that visibility is crucial for small businesses and by making it easy to find and support these businesses, we’re fostering a marketplace that helps them all succeed. It’s about empowering both the entrepreneurs and the customers who want to support them.
@SoniaK from the USA asked: What is a challenge you have faced working on the development of Google Maps?
Answer: My own personal difficulty with traditional map reading. However, this became a powerful driver for me. I became a passionate advocate for user-friendly features like Live View. It made me realize that not everyone interprets maps the same way, and that we needed to make navigation more intuitive. I brought a different perspective to the table, ensuring that Google Maps caters to a wider range of users and their needs. It’s about building tools that work for everyone, not just those who are naturally skilled at map reading.
@Velvel from Indonesia asked: With your leadership position, I believe you have a lot of responsibilities, so how do you manage your time at work and your “me” time outside work?
Answer: Absolutely, balancing responsibilities is crucial. I find ‘work-life integration’ more effective than a strict ‘balance.’ My key strategy is intentional time blocking. I schedule everything — work meetings, focused time, but also tennis lessons, friend meetups, and networking events, especially those supporting women. This ensures I prioritize what matters. A tip: Don’t feel guilty about scheduling ‘me’ time, or spending time away from your family. It’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity for sustained productivity and well-being.
@PennyChristie from Australia asked: What would you like to tell your younger self?
Answer: To my younger self, I would say, ‘Seek out those hard-to-reach places. They’ll challenge you, inspire you, and give you a perspective you can’t find anywhere else. And learn to savor time without the internet. It’s in those moments of quiet and solitude that you’ll discover your own resilience and creativity.’
A huge thank you to Xinmei for sharing her insights and journey with us in honor of Women’s History Month.
Inspired by Xinmei? Continue exploring the Women@LocalGuides tag to connect with and learn from other inspiring Local Guides!
post. It’s inspiring for all Women local guide Contributing on Google maps and Connect.
