Rising Stars: Meet Kehan Xiao of Seattle

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kehan Xiao.

Hi Kehan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I came to the United States as a student and slowly found my way into software engineering. I did not grow up thinking I would work in tech. My interest started later when I tried programming for the first time and realized I enjoyed building things that were practical and helpful.

Most of my growth came from hands-on work. I learned through small projects, internships and situations where I had to figure things out on my own. Working in early stage and AI related environments showed me how to stay calm, learn quickly and take ownership when things are uncertain.

Today I focus on backend systems and AI driven tools. My path has not been traditional, but each step taught me something important about who I want to become. I try to stay curious, work hard and keep improving, and that has brought me to where I am now.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. When I first started learning software engineering, I often felt behind because many people around me had years of experience before college. I had to catch up quickly and build confidence while feeling unsure about whether I belonged in the field.

Another challenge came from working in fast paced startup and AI environments. Projects changed often, expectations were high, and I sometimes had to deliver results even when I was still learning the tools or dealing with incomplete information. It took time to learn how to stay steady, manage pressure and keep moving forward.

Studying and working in a new country also added its own difficulties. I had to navigate school, career and visa related responsibilities at the same time. There were moments when everything felt uncertain.

Looking back, these challenges helped me grow. They taught me to be patient with myself, to learn quickly and to keep going even when things are unclear.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I work as a software engineer with a focus on backend systems and AI related development. My role usually involves building reliable services, solving practical engineering problems and supporting teams through fast moving projects.

I enjoy working in environments that require quick learning and clear thinking. I have often taken ownership of features where the path was not fully defined, and those experiences taught me how to stay steady and deliver results.

What I am most proud of is my ability to learn, adapt and handle ambiguity. I care about building things that are thoughtful, useful and dependable, and I try to bring that mindset into every project I work on.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
For me, the most helpful approach has been reaching out to people whose work I genuinely admire and asking simple, specific questions. I found that most people are willing to help when they see real interest and respect for their time.

I also learned that good mentorship can come from many places. Sometimes it is a manager or professor. Sometimes it is someone you meet briefly who gives you one piece of advice that stays with you. Being open and curious makes these connections easier to build.

What has worked well for me is staying consistent, showing gratitude and keeping the relationship natural. I try not to force anything. When the fit is right, mentorship grows naturally from honest conversations and shared goals.