Talk to a Tykling: getting to know Leonid Bugaev, Head of Engineering

Leonid Bugaev, the Head of Engineering at Tyk, shares insights into his career journey and the evolving role he plays within the company. Having joined Tyk as one of its early employees, Leonid's responsibilities have shifted from being a senior engineer to a managerial role, where he now oversees a large, globally distributed product team. He emphasizes the importance of flexibility and independence in a remote-first work environment, which allows him to balance professional and personal life effectively. Leonid values direct communication, responsibility, and innovation, both within his team and in potential hires, favoring passion and independence over traditional interview methods. His personal background includes a unique career path, starting a business during university, and a strong belief in side projects that foster creativity and engagement. Despite the transition from hands-on engineering work to management, Leonid finds satisfaction in team achievements and continues to thrive in Tyk's supportive and transparent culture.