In ‘meet the team’ you will get to know all Raw Stadia team members. Next up: Thomas Van der Auwermeulen, a digital health enthusiast with an economics background who is excited to tackle challenges in scaling production lines, improving products, and enhancing customer experience. All this while nurturing his passion for sports, family and visual arts. Let's quick-fire some questions.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background, and what brought you to join our team?
I have always been captivated by the intersection where science, digital innovation and entrepreneurship meet. I have an economics background and have always submerged myself in how digital technologies can impact people's well-being and health for the better.
After building a previous digital health venture in long-term care, I met Raw Stadia's cofounder Jan at a dinner event from one of our investors. Raw Stadia's story stuck with me and after a few months Jan reached out, and we got talking. Not too long after I've joined the Raw Stadia team to help build this beautiful story.
What excites you the most about your role here?
The fact that I get in touch with every part of the business. Being in the centre of the spider web allows me to help people so that they can do what they do best. I really enjoy seeing our company grow on every aspect. Contributing to that daily excites me a lot. Next to that, I get really excited about contributing to athlete well-being whilst measuring something new.
How do you envision contributing to the team’s goals and objectives?
In any capacity necessary, I can be a sparring partner, build plans or put on my boots and help. I'd like to think we're building something special, like an elite sports team, where each member brings their unique skills to the table. Whether it's in the trenches working through complex challenges or on the front lines navigating through key operational work. We have a clear vision and each of us plays a specific part in steering towards the goal.
Are there any specific challenges or opportunities within your role that you’re looking forward to tackling?
I'm mostly looking forward to scaling our production lines and developing product improvements serving different user groups in different sports. Finding ways to keep enhancing customer experience in each part of the user and customer journey.
Do you have any previous experience or projects that you're particularly proud of and would like to share with us?
I'm incredibly proud we've solved some problems for caregivers in my previous venture. Before that, I supported entrepreneurs at imec.istart, the world's number 1 university-linked accelerator, bringing digital health solutions and ventures to the market.
Outside of work, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
I love being around my 2-year-old daughter. Seeing her explore, grow, and laugh brings me a lot of joy. I'm navigating the space of visual arts, which brings calmness and allows me to see the world differently, which I believe helps me to attain personal and professional goals. I have played basketball all my life, but the player-surface interaction is taking its toll ;). At the moment I'm focusing on shorter triathlon distances. The combination of swimming, running and cycling is very rewarding.
Lastly, is there anything unique or unexpected about you that you think the team would find interesting?
I've been living in India for a while. Really looking forward to introducing our products to the amazing cricket market!