[Instructor Spotlight] Denys Kulyk, Guiding Aspiring Product Managers to Success

Today, we highlight Denys Kulyk, the inspiring instructor of our Product Management Bootcamp. With a passion for technology and a unique background, Denys is committed to helping students achieve their career goals in product management. Here’s a closer look at Denys’s journey, teaching philosophy, and what makes him a standout member of our team.

Meet Denys Kulyk

Denys Kulyk’s journey into the world of product management is both unconventional and inspiring. Skipping college, Denys went straight to work for a startup and pursued computer science and business studies online. This path taught him to be resourceful and find alternative solutions to challenges. He now serves as a Product Manager for Grammarly, where he has been enhancing product experiences for over five years. In this role, he works with the Feature Scaling team at Grammarly. He defines the vision, plans the roadmap, and oversees day-to-day execution, including alignment, prioritization, and dependencies. His work ensures that Grammarly’s products are both consistent and accessible, involving close collaboration with area leads to track progress and support other teams. His career reflects a deep-rooted passion for technology and its positive impact on people’s lives. Denys is particularly fascinated by the connection between the digital and physical worlds and constantly seeks to understand this interplay better.

Outside the Classroom

When not teaching, Denys is always ready to geek out about urbanism, city planning, public transit, and tiny homes. He never says no to a walk, hike, bike ride, or other outdoor activity. His enthusiasm for these interests reflects his broader curiosity about how digital and physical environments shape our lives.

Teaching Philosophy and Methods

Denys's teaching philosophy and advice for prospective learners entering the field of product management is straightforward yet impactful,

"Embrace growth mindset. This approach is central to my teaching philosophy. I view the role of an instructor as similar to that of a Product Manager. My students are like my customers—I seek to understand their aspirations, challenges, and needs. With this understanding, I aim to foster a positive and supportive classroom environment, helping students navigate uncertainty both in the classroom and in their future careers.”

Denys employs various teaching methods to engage his students, including whiteboarding, case studies, brainstorming sessions, and hands-on exercises alongside theoretical instruction. This diverse approach ensures that students are actively involved in the learning process and can apply their knowledge in practical scenarios.

Rewards and Impact

For Denys, the most rewarding aspect of being an instructor is connecting with students, understanding their career aspirations, and collaborating to build a path toward their goals. A particularly memorable experience for him was receiving emails from students who applied concepts from his lectures during their interviews and subsequently received job offers. While he attributes their success to their own determination and hard work, Denys is pleased to know that his teaching contributed to their achievements.

Staying Current and Advice for Aspiring Product Managers

To stay current with the latest trends and developments in product management, Denys follows leading industry newsletters, podcasts, and thought leaders. Additionally, Denys values personal catch-ups with industry professionals, not only to gain insights into their perspectives but also to hear about their interests and stay informed about current priorities.

Denys Kulyk’s unique background, passion for teaching, and dedication to his students make him a key part of our Product Management Bootcamp. We are excited to have him on board, guiding the next generation of product managers toward success.

Ready to embark on a journey into product management? Join our Product Management Bootcamp and learn from industry experts like Denys Kulyk. Connect with Denys on LinkedIn.