Peng Li’s Journey as Deputy General Manager at Squirrel AI: Leading with Heart, Building Futures for Children

It’s a vision that has grown over time. In the beginning, the focus was on meeting yearly goals and making sure the company stayed on track. But as the years passed, that vision widened. It became less about just hitting targets and more about shaping strong teams, guiding future leaders, and creating technology that could transform how children learn.

A Growing Mission

When Peng Li first joined Squirrel AI, the company was working to prove itself in the competitive world of education technology. The aim was clear: meet annual targets and make a strong name in the market. Over time, something shifted.

It became clear that real success wasn’t just about growing fast — it was about growing right. That meant building middle-level leaders who could carry the vision forward, keeping teams connected to the mission, and making sure the company’s work truly helped students.

Today, Squirrel AI is known for its adaptive learning systems — technology that adjusts to each student’s needs, making learning more personal and effective. For Peng Li, this is where business meets purpose.

Making Hard Choices

Every growing company faces tough decisions, and Squirrel AI was no different. In its early days, the company received a tempting investment offer. Many would have taken it without hesitation. But Peng Li and the team decided to walk away.

The reason was simple: the terms didn’t match the company’s values. Accepting it could have sped up growth, but at the cost of culture and independence. By saying no, the company kept its freedom to stay true to its mission — and that decision paid off in the long run.

A Clear Way to Decide

Peng Li believes that good decisions come from clear thinking. Whenever a big choice needs to be made, there’s a simple checklist:

1. Make sure cash flow can recover quickly.
2. Solve a real problem in the education sector.
3. Look for long-term benefits, not just quick wins.
4. Protect the company’s unique technology.
5. Build a path toward sustainable profitability.

This method has helped the company avoid rushed moves and focus on what really matters.

Standing Firm

Not everyone agreed with Peng Li’s steady, foundation-first approach. Some wanted to push for faster expansion. But Peng Li believed that strong roots would lead to stronger growth later. That patience proved right — the company’s growth today is steady, sustainable, and built on trust.

Leading in Tough Times

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it shook the education industry. Many companies struggled to adapt. Peng Li acted quickly. The company cut unnecessary costs, closed over 4,000 physical campuses to protect its reputation, and mapped out three transformation paths to keep moving forward.

This careful planning helped Squirrel AI stay stable while still supporting students during a global crisis.

Leadership Built on Trust

For Peng Li, leadership is not about controlling every detail. It’s about trust. The belief is that when people understand the mission and feel part of it, they give their best work.

That trust is built by open communication, making space for people’s ideas, and involving the team in important decisions. This approach has kept employees motivated and connected to the company’s purpose.

Working Across Generations

Squirrel AI’s team includes people of different ages and backgrounds. Peng Li makes sure everyone feels valued by encouraging learning, sharing knowledge openly, and creating opportunities for younger employees to take on leadership roles. This mix of experience and fresh ideas keeps the company moving forward.

The Bigger Picture

Peng Li’s dream is not just about company success. It’s about creating a future where every child, no matter where they live, has access to quality education that adapts to their needs. Even small changes in a student’s learning experience can spark confidence and open new doors.

This belief drives every project at Squirrel AI. Technology is not just a tool — it’s a way to make learning fairer and more effective for everyone.