About Rafi

PhD researcher. Professor at University of Chicago & University of Michigan. 15 years building AI-powered products at scale.

Background

I'm a PhD researcher in Computer and Information Science (University of Michigan), a professor of Product Management at the University of Chicago and University of Michigan, and a product and engineering leader with 15 years of hands-on delivery across SaaS, enterprise, manufacturing, legal, and AI-driven platforms.

That combination — academic rigor plus real P&L accountability — is what I bring to every engagement. I know the theory because I've studied it rigorously, and I know the practice because I've lived the consequences of getting it wrong.

My work sits at the intersection of AI strategy, software architecture, and product leadership. I've directed $17M in product investment, built platforms that scaled to 10K+ users, and contributed to a $50M company acquisition through operational technology improvements.

Experience

Professor

University of Chicago · 2022 – Present

Designed and teach the graduate-level Product Management curriculum — shaping how future product leaders think about strategy, prioritization, and building for outcomes.
Integrated generative AI frameworks into curriculum, ensuring students understand both the business opportunity and the organizational readiness required.
Mentored students who went on to product and engineering roles at top-tier tech firms.
Contributed to curriculum development across UChicago and University of Michigan.

Product Director

Workd Inc. · 2021 – 2024

Led a cross-functional team of 15+ across Product, Design, and Learning & Development — driving 10K+ users and 4× revenue growth.
Integrated LLM-powered features — including predictive analytics and personalization — directly contributing to $3M in VC funding.
Designed and scaled onboarding playbooks enabling 800+ successful customer launches.
Overhauled GTM strategy: increased MQLs by 40% and cut customer-reported issues by 30%.

Technical Product Manager

Developrise LLC · 2018 – 2021

Tripled company size and drove 250% revenue growth — establishing 6+ new roles and building the operational foundation that made scaling possible.
Led development of a Case Management System: 80% adoption across Michigan legal aid organizations, serving 300+ attorneys with a 40% reduction in case processing time.
Directed ERP modernization for a manufacturing client — cutting order fulfillment time by 50%, contributing to a $50M company acquisition.
Managed ERP upgrade for a global manufacturer: reduced procurement errors by 30%, decreased unplanned downtime by 20%.

Senior Software Engineer

Developrise LLC · 2015 – 2018

Architected and launched SaaS platforms in financial services and tax resolution with AI-driven analytics dashboards.
Established engineering standards that supported the company's expansion from a boutique team to a scalable software consultancy.
Built modular, maintainable systems that reduced long-term technical debt and accelerated feature delivery.

Software Engineer

Ford Motor Company · 2014 – 2015

Built a Lab Management System deployed across Ford facilities in North America, Europe, and Australia — delivering a 20% efficiency improvement across global operations.
Developed enterprise-scale production software used by thousands of workers across multiple continents.

Want to work together?

I work with CTOs, VPs of Product, and founders making large technology decisions. If that's you, let's talk.

→ Let's Talk See My Work