8 Years at Preply: Aleksandra Malomuzh and Her Story of Growth, Transformation, and Trust

We sat down with Aleksandra Malomuzh, Senior PM at Preply, to chat about her insights from 8 years with the company. The winning formula for success at Preply, how to stay loyal to the company, and Sasha’s journey in mastering the work-life balance in Barcelona — this and much more in the new interview with Sasha.

Let’s get back to 2016. Do you remember your interview? What was it like?

When I initially joined, there were only ten employees, and the hiring process was quite different compared to now, back in 2016. At that time, I didn’t even have a CV, and it was mainly Kirill (CEO of Preply) asking for recommendations to bring in new team members.

I wasn’t very familiar with the startup world back then, and I had never heard of Preply. I was working at a marketing agency. When Kirill contacted me through social media about this opportunity, I was a bit apprehensive. Preply offered me the position of Head of SEO, as they were looking for someone to take charge of it from the start. At the first meeting, Kirill wanted to give me a glimpse of what the startup culture was like — everyone gathered together, some working while others were drinking coffee. It was a whole new world for me, coming from an agency setting. After having two rounds of conversations/interviews with the co-founders of Preply, they offered me the role. I had my doubts because the world of startups was new to me. But, at the same time, I was drawn to the team’s ambitious goals. I reached out to my friends and colleagues to gather more information about the company but received mixed feedback. Some people didn’t believe that a platform like Preply could raise its first round of funding. Looking back now, with Preply’s recent success in closing Series C in 2023, I smile at those conversations. I accepted the offer, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.

Now, we understand that success only exists with those who are ambitious.

In what ways has your job changed over time?

I would say that it has taken on various forms and directions, but my job title has remained similar. However, the understanding of what it means to be a Head of SEO and the overall role of SEO as one of the main marketing channel has evolved significantly. I pioneered this direction, and then I brought together a team to work alongside me. At one point, my team consisted of about five to seven people , including developers. Each year has marked a dynamic evolution to our department: different experiences and shapes of the team (e.g. switching from the functional focus structure to the market focus), rapid team growth (scaling 3x), introducing new markets and new processes, etc.

This is a normal process for a rapidly growing company like Preply. We adapt as the product and company evolve with the market. We stay current with trends and understand the importance of being flexible and changing our priorities when we need to. I took part in building the first International team at Preply. We started with just one person for marketing, but eventually, we had a large department working with different markets. It was an interesting experience to have native speakers from various countries come to the Kyiv office.

For seven years, I have been working as a Head of SEO. Staying with the same title in a company that is growing significantly each year means that you also grow professionally at the same pace. The new employees at Preply brought fresh perspectives, and by being open to their knowledge, I have also evolved professionally and personally. Working with people who come from different companies and backgrounds has played a key role in expanding my knowledge.

What is your current role and the impact you have on the company?

My current position involves leading the product team, which focuses on inspiring students to start a seamless journey through a guided and personalized experience that connects them with a tutor who perfectly fits their needs. Our primary objective is to simplify the process of finding the teacher, as well as support and motivate students throughout their journey. Currently, we are heavily investing in personalization.

How did you transition from being the head of SEO to a senior product manager?

It was just the right time for me to move forward after 10+ years in Marketing and Preply offered me this opportunity inside the company. Without a second thought, I was happy to accept this challenge and take a new leap in my career. What made it even better was that I already knew my future (current) manager and the awesome team I’d be working with. Switching to a new role is always tough. Having a product mindset helped me a lot, even though I worked in Marketing. I was able to grow in my previous role and gain extensive experience working with developers. I had a good understanding of the technical aspects involved since I technically operated as an SEO product manager, managing the backlog and delivering SEO marketing products. Of course, I faced some challenges when first joining the product team, but with the help of my amazing peers, I was able to adapt and excel quickly.

What stands out as the most significant lesson you’ve learned over the past eight to nine years?

1. Taking risks and making bold decisions are often necessary to achieve true success.

2. Embrace challenges without fear; they are opportunities for growth.

3. Believe in the mantra that nothing is impossible, as it has proven to be the most crucial lesson for me.

Nearly two years ago, you relocated to Barcelona. How has this move impacted your job and workflow?

Before the move, my entire development team was in Ukraine, and we used to meet in the office almost every day. After relocating, we shifted to more online collaboration, obviously. We also integrated well into the product squad here in Barcelona, and overall, the transition has been smooth from both sides.

Are there any top tips on how you keep a healthy work-life balance?

I might not be the best person to answer this, but I can share my experience trying to find it. Balancing work and life, especially as a working mom, is tough. Despite being responsible and passionate about my work, achieving that balance is a challenge. When you love what you do, it’s easy to forget about getting enough sleep or taking time for Netflix — work often takes over.

I feel like I’m in the right city. In Barcelona, from what I’ve observed, the locals seem to be experts at finding that work-life balance. Also, my daughter motivates me to recharge since I’ve established her weekly routine which heavily impacts my schedule.

What advice would you offer to succeed at Preply?

1. Engage with diverse people by asking questions and seek involvement in various projects. Foster connections with people from different departments to gain insights into the company’s culture, its people, and overall business dynamics. Embrace risk-taking and demonstrate ambition in driving projects forward.

2. Initiate actions that contribute positively to the business and take ownership of projects. The company values proactivity and a hands-on approach.

3. Embrace a continuous learning mindset. Learn from mistakes, and use them as opportunities for growth.

What inspires you to remain committed to Preply for eight consecutive years?

One of the reasons is my trust in the CEO, who was the one who hired me and managed the company for eleven years. Despite now having different managers and levels, I continue to follow his leadership. The company has grown significantly since I joined, and I believe it is due to his strong involvement. I am dedicated to Preply, and the company is dedicated to me. Another reason is that I still have enough challenges while also having a comfortable work environment. This balance is crucial, as being too comfortable without any challenges can be detrimental. I am confident I can step out of my comfort zone anytime in this company.

Inspired by Sasha’s growth at Preply? If you’re driven by going the extra mile to raise the bar, hungry to have a visible impact on the business, and would like to join a fast-paced company where growth and learning go hand in hand, then check out our open positions here.