Survival and growth aren’t always the same thing. In this interview, Weiwei Liu-Schröder, Data & Measurement Lead at Google, shares how AI became an everyday sparring partner, and why she’s borrowed a metaphor from plants to think about what it really means to thrive.
Weiwei Liu-Schröder Is Rethinking What It Means to Grow
What has been the biggest change in your life over the past year?
“Embracing AI as an everyday sparring partner. At Google, this might sound expected, but it has truly shifted my daily life—acting as my “gardener in crime,” troubleshooting a broken washing machine, or fueling late-night curiosity. It often makes me wonder: how would my university days twenty years ago have differed if this instant research companion had existed instead of endless hours in the library?”
What’s one goal or intention you’re carrying into the second half of the year?
“To keep growing. Like plants, we humans often retreat and focus on survival when times get tough or uncomfortable. But the true meaning of life is to evolve, not just survive the winter. For the rest of the year, I intend to lean into growth, using it as a vital indicator of whether I am truly thriving in my natural habitat.”
What’s one thing the Roots Inspire community has given you that you didn’t expect?
“A sense of belonging. It has been incredibly validating to connect with peers who also felt out of sync with their immediate circles, having outgrown their origin groups where corporate careers were entirely unfamiliar. Finding a community where those nuanced professional and personal experiences are instantly understood and shared has been a truly comforting gift.”
