Adrian RaudaschlAdrian Raudaschl

About me

Hi, I'm Adrian

Physician turned product manager, currently at the crossroads of technology, creativity, and the occasional absurdity. I swapped patient rounds for product roadmaps, blending writing, coding, and quirky comics to simplify life's complexities.

On my blog, I explore the intersections of product management, technology, leadership, and creativity. My annual reflections, compiled into popular Medium articles, somehow attracted nearly 2,000 followers—probably thanks to cartoon cats, who inexplicably make better sense of things than most humans (including me).

My curiosity ranges widely, from deep dives into RAG-Fusion algorithms to unconventional methods like tarot-driven sprint planning—trust me, it's oddly effective. I've discovered that my best ideas usually come from long walks, strong coffee, and philosophical podcasts that make everyday life surprisingly profound.

Experience

Principal Product Manager

Elsevier
January 2020 – Present

Leading AI and search innovations across Elsevier's flagship products. Proudly spearheaded Scopus AI, significantly improving academic discovery, and managed the strategic transition to advanced vector search technologies.

Product Manager

Mendeley
October 2017 – March 2019

Directed strategies to enhance user experience and engagement, combining data-driven insights with user empathy to drive significant growth.

Digital Director

Medikidz
October 2013 – September 2017

Developed digital strategies and products to dramatically expand Medikidz's reach and revenue, using storytelling to make complex medical topics accessible to children.

Medical Doctor

NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
August 2011 – August 2013

Clinical practice across general medicine, acute assessment, surgery, obstetrics, and gynaecology. Creator of an award-winning medical education app—my gateway into the tech world.

Adrian during a hospital nightshift with multiple bleepers

Nightshift with multiple bleepers around my neck — the beginning of my multitasking career.

Fun Facts

Things I've Written That Sound Made Up (But Aren't)

Career Path That Somehow Makes Sense (At Least to Me)

Medicine
Comics for Kids
Academic Search
AI Algorithms

The common theme? Simplifying complexity—whether it's translating medical jargon for patients, explaining science through comics, or building AI tools to empower researchers.

When Not Working...

You'll usually find me wandering through East London's parks, attempting (and often failing) to brew coffee without causing a minor kitchen disaster, or getting overly enthusiastic about philosophical podcasts. I'm into hiking and running—mostly because I listen to music that's way too good to pause, ranging from classic rock anthems to obscure Japanese city pop.

Interests & Hobbies

  • Exploring the UK's quirky local celebrations and traditions, which expose me to diverse perspectives
  • Cooking with AI assistants (with varying degrees of culinary success)
  • Sketching comics to explain complex ideas in simpler terms
  • Reading about fashion history and its intersection with technology

Current Obsessions

  • Finding practical applications for philosophical ideas in everyday contexts
  • Sci-fi novels by Neal Stephenson and Andy Weir
  • Japanese city pop and classic rock anthems
  • Coding for fun—some childhood habits never fade

My Philosophical Side

My broader passion is finding practical applications for philosophical ideas in everyday contexts. Somehow I find myself translating abstract concepts into actions that make daily life a bit more intentional. And there's nothing better than a great meal and a laugh-filled conversation with friends and family, where we solve the world's problems over dinner—ideally both at once.

My personal manifesto

"What does a good outcome look like?"

Random Musings

Every morning, my colleagues enjoy (or endure) my carefully choreographed chaos of brewing V60 coffee. You're welcome to join virtually and witness why, if tech doesn't work out, there's always Adrian, the philosophical barista, ready to overthink your coffee order.

If all else fails, maybe I could become a barista...

Adrian as a barista

Early Creator Days

Long before I was building products or thinking about AI, I was just a kid with colored pencils and big dreams. I was completely obsessed with Sonic the Hedgehog – not just the games, but the whole universe, characters, and that distinctive visual style. Something about those bold colors and dynamic designs sparked my imagination in a major way.

Adrian's childhood sketches of Sonic-inspired characters

Evidence that I spent way too many hours creating my own Sonic-inspired characters and comics! That "FOOD!!" sign really captures my artistic priorities age 10.

I filled countless notebooks with stories and characters, dreaming that someday I'd create something that could bring joy to as many people as Sonic did for me.

Fashion Adventures

I'm a bit of a fashion geek on the side! I love how clothes can tell stories and blur the lines between art and everyday life. My wardrobe occasionally ventures into the experimental zone—especially when I find pieces with cool textures and unusual designs.

Adrian in blue outfit resembling Dune aesthetics

That time I accidentally dressed like an extra from Dune! This blue number made me feel like I should be harvesting spice on Arrakis instead of just grabbing coffee in London.