Product Passionate, Metal Fan
Tom Ross, our UK-based Product Manager for Optima at RLDatix, has been with the company for almost 10 years. From his start in Customer Success to his current leadership role in Product Management, Tom has played a pivotal role in shaping our product, Optima, into one of the most important products in the healthcare sector.
We caught up with Tom to learn more about his career journey, his role at RLDatix, and what he enjoys doing outside of work.
What led you to join the team?
Tom’s path to RLDatix first began when he was a customer of the company, implementing Optima at his local hospital. This firsthand experience with the product gave him valuable insight into its impact on healthcare providers. Tom later joined RLDatix as one of the first members of the Customer Success team, a role that allowed him to bring his perspective as a user to help support other customers. His passion for improving products and solving customer challenges eventually led him to transition into Product Management, where he now leads the strategic vision for Optima.
What keeps you here?
When asked what keeps him at RLDatix after over a decade, Tom points to the company’s mission and the meaningful impact it has on healthcare. “The reason I came here and the reason I’ve stayed is because of the difference we make in healthcare,” Tom says. “Our work helps clinicians solve real problems, and that’s incredibly rewarding.”
But it’s not just the work that keeps him engaged; it’s also the people. “I’ve built strong relationships with my colleagues over the years,” Tom explains.
“The people here are genuine, and there’s a strong sense of camaraderie. I’m surrounded by people who care about the work and about each other, and that makes all the difference.”
What has your career trajectory here looked like?
Tom’s career at RLDatix has been shaped by his passion for customer success and product development. After transitioning to Customer Success, Tom realized his desire to be more involved in shaping the product itself. His role in Product Management now allows him to bring the customer’s perspective into the product development process.
“I always wanted to help improve the product,” Tom reflects. “Working in Customer Success gave me so much insight into the challenges that healthcare providers face. That feedback and experience really drove my transition into Product Management.”
What does your current role entail?
As the Product Manager for Optima, Tom is responsible for defining the strategic direction of the product, deciding which features to prioritize, and working closely with internal teams and customers to ensure the product meets the evolving needs of healthcare providers. He also serves as the face of Optima, representing the product to both internal and external stakeholders.
“My role is to ensure that Optima is always improving and evolving to meet the needs of our customers,” Tom explains. “I work with our internal teams and customers to prioritize the most important features and ensure that we’re delivering value to the people who use Optima every day. It’s all about making sure that we’re solving real healthcare problems.”
What’s one of your biggest professional inspirations?
Tom finds inspiration in the work that healthcare professionals do every day. “The dedication and passion that clinicians bring to their work is a huge inspiration for me,” he says. “They face challenges that are far beyond what most people can imagine and knowing that our product helps them do their jobs more effectively is incredibly motivating.”
He also draws inspiration from his colleagues. “I’m constantly inspired by the people I work with. Everyone here is so dedicated to making a difference, and that passion is contagious.”
Do you have any advice for people looking to join the field themselves?
For those interested in Product Management or a similar role, Tom’s advice is to be proactive and open to feedback. “The best product managers are proactive, creative, and open to hearing feedback from everyone. You must understand your customers’ needs and be humble enough to admit when something isn’t working,” he says.
He also emphasizes the importance of empathy. “Product management is all about solving problems. The more you can empathize with your customers, the better you’ll be at identifying the right solutions.”
Tom’s biggest lesson is one that emphasizes the importance of follow-through: “Simply doing what you say you’re going to do will get you further in your career than you realize. Trust is built on consistency, and it’s one of the most important things I’ve learned.”
Outside of work, what are you up to? Tell us a bit about yourself!
Outside of work, Tom is an avid music lover. He enjoys going to live gigs, collecting vinyl records—especially in metal and death metal—and exploring a wide range of musical genres. Tom also has two house rabbits, Eevee and Cloud, who, despite their antisocial tendencies, are part of his family. In fact, he’s even created an Instagram account for them!
He’s also a fan of travel, with his favorite place to travel being Melbourne, Australia. “Melbourne always feels like home to me,” he says. “There’s a certain energy and vibe in the city that I really connect with. It’s one of those places that always feels comfortable and inspiring, and I can’t wait to go back again.”
Above: Tom during his travels | Below: Tom meeting the local fauna in Melbourne
We also asked Tom to share anything he’s recently been reading, listening to, or watching that he’d recommend!
Tom’s Current Favorites
- Music: Touché Amoré’s ‘Spiral In A Straight Line’
- Book: ”The Creative Act: A Way of Being’ by Rick Rubin
Want to work with people like Tom, who are passionate about what they do?
At RLDatix, we’re making healthcare safer together. Our shared passion for meaningful work drives us, while a supportive, respectful culture makes it all possible. As a team, we collaborate globally to reach our ultimate goal—helping people.
Sounds interesting? Check out our Careers site and LinkedIn page for all the latest information on our open roles!
Tom is just one of many awesome team members at RLDatix worldwide. To learn more about the team, be sure to check out our other Employee Spotlights!
