Merit

Matthew Debelak

(He/him)

Senior Product Manager at Expedia GroupPhoenix, AZ, USA · Product Management

Experience

Expedia Group
NextCapital
University of Illinois Chicago

Education

University of Illinois System
University of Illinois Chicago

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Available times (30 mins)

⭐️Why I mentor

Give back to the communityLearn from OthersMeet PeoplePractice Coaching

Mentorship has been a constant in my career—both as a mentee and a mentor—and I see this program as an opportunity to continue that cycle of learning and growth. While I have over a decade of experience in product management, I believe that every conversation with a mentee offers a fresh perspective, a chance to reflect on my own experiences, and an opportunity to refine how I articulate complex concepts. I also hope to learn about the challenges they face in different industries and roles. The best product managers can continuously adapt, and mentoring gives me insight into emerging trends, evolving mindsets, and new ways of approaching problems. I’ve always believed that growth in product management isn’t just about individual success—it’s about lifting others up along the way. I know firsthand how valuable it is to have a mentor who can help navigate tough decisions, provide clarity, and challenge assumptions. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who’ve done that for me, and I want to pay it forward. Beyond that, I genuinely enjoy helping others unlock their potential. Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation with someone outside your immediate team to shift perspective, spark a new idea, or break through a career plateau.

Talk to me about

🌱 Technical career paths

👩‍👩‍👦‍👦 Team happiness & productivity

🚀 Launching products and measuring success

📜 Writing docs people will read

🎯 Setting team goals and metrics

🤖 Prototyping that works

🔭 Product vision and strategy

💞 Working in cross functional teams

💰 Negotiating a promotion/offer

🔬 Useful user research

🛰️ Working remotely for the first time

💻 Running effective meetings

🛠 Year One in Product

💫 Managing up, down and around

🐣 Becoming a people manager

🗺️ The technical or people track?

💬 Giving and receiving feedback

📽 Presenting your work

👩🏽‍💻 Launching side projects

💫 Breaking into tech

👀 Dealing with imposter syndrome

🎭 Mock interviewing

🖌 Resume and portfolio review

💻 Managing remotely

🌟 Preparing for the next level

🏃 Getting the most out of my internship

Recommendations

Here’s what Merit users have said about Matthew

Matthew is a considerate PM who came well-prepared for our coffee chat. For example, He offered me a fresh way to see my teaching experience: being an instructor showcases a commitment to facilitating others' success, a key responsibility of a product manager. I expect I can learn more from him. Thank you!

Brandy Li

Interpublic Group

Manager, Client Solutions, Analytics · 501-1,000 employees

Apr 5th 2024
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