In this special 25th anniversary collection, colleagues share first-day nerves, cultural surprises, travel mishaps, running jokes, and the small traditions that connect us worldwide. From rescuing birds from office ceilings to late-night math debates and Mafia games, these stories show that at AMC Bridge, our connections go far beyond the projects we work on.
Tall Colleagues, Schnitzel Jokes, and Airport Dramas
Oliver Becker, Strategic Sales Manager, DACH
A Decision That Changed Everything
This year marks three years since I joined AMC Bridge—and it’s still one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, right after marrying my wife and having my kids. Here, I found both meaningful work and a company culture I’m proud to be part of.
The Moment That Made Me Laugh
I have plenty of funny memories. One that still makes me laugh happened at last year’s BizDev meeting—our Annual Business Development Summit, where the team comes together to review results, share ideas, and plan for the year ahead. I had only ever seen Oleksii (Editor’s note: Olexii Kilyakov, Director, Tech Sales) on Teams, so I pictured him as tall—but not that tall. I’m tall myself, but when he tapped my shoulder and I turned around, I was looking straight at his chest. I had to look up and just said, “Whoa.” We still laugh about that.
The First Team Meeting—and the Airport Drama
One story I often tell my friends and family is from my very first BizDev meeting. It was during the COVID travel restrictions, and the company booked me a flight from Germany to Boston via Iceland. A storm hit Iceland, so plans changed—I was rebooked to go via Munich.
Everything was fine until Munich, right before boarding, when they suddenly asked for my vaccination certificate. I didn’t have the physical one with me, and I couldn’t understand why I needed it—it was already on the ticket and in the booking. They told me, “If you don’t have it, you cannot fly.” And because I was already stressed about this first in-person meeting, I completely flipped. I kept saying, “I need to go, I have to be there,” and it escalated to the point where they even brought the police over, telling me I couldn’t behave like that. And I had just started at AMC Bridge—imagine calling the team and saying, “Sorry, I can’t come to the meeting because of this.” Luckily, I remembered I’d once taken a picture of my certificate and stored it in the cloud. I found it just in time, and they reopened the gate for me.
Small Traditions and Running Jokes
Andy (Editor’s note: Andy Parnell-Hopkinson, Director of Business Development, EMEA) and I have our own running joke. Whenever he visits Germany and we go to a restaurant, he asks, “Why do you even look at the menu? You’re going to order schnitzel.” I always deny it… and then order schnitzel.
Working Across Cultures
One standout moment was meeting the team in Poland. Usually, I’m the tallest person in the room—but at that meeting, I was average height! More importantly, I was impressed by the passion and knowledge of people who have been with AMC Bridge for 15 years or more.
When I first joined, I noticed colleagues from Ukraine seemed very serious in meetings. I wondered if they ever smiled. But once you get to know them, you see their humor and warmth. Making Alex Buganov (Editor’s note: Director, Interoperability Department) smile felt like a challenge at first—now we joke a lot. So I think the most important thing is to wait a little bit and just keep it real with the people, and everybody will open up.
Looking Ahead
The last three years have been spectacular, and I’m looking forward to meeting even more of my colleagues in person. My dream is that one day soon, we can have a big meeting where everyone is together—sharing stories, hugs, and laughter.
Finding Freedom, Fun, and Unexpected Moments at AMC Bridge
Veronika Demedetska, Delivery Manager, Ukraine
Paying Taxes… to the Wrong Person
Over the years at AMC Bridge, I’ve collected plenty of stories—some funny, some touching, and some that still make me laugh every time I remember them.
One of my all-time favorites happened years ago when I needed to send a payment receipt to our Financial Department, Liuba Shuliaka (Editor’s note: Liubov Shuliaka Director, Global Finance). It was late, I was tired, and I wrote her an email saying, “I’ve paid, now I can sleep peacefully.” The only problem? I didn’t send it to Liuba. I sent it to a client whose name started with the same four letters. The next day, the client replied, saying they didn’t understand the attachment (it was in Ukrainian) but were happy that I could sleep peacefully. We later joked that this was just our way of reminding them that we’re responsible citizens who always pay our taxes.
“Dedication to Work” at Its Finest
Then there was the day during a high-pressure release when I was working in a room with two teammates. It was already past 7 p.m., and everyone was fully focused… until one of them suddenly jumped up, yelled a name, and ran out. Half an hour later, he texted to say he’d completely forgotten to pick up his child from school. By the time he got there, only the child and the teacher were left. We joked that it was “dedication to work” at its finest—and a story his child might one day tell a therapist.
The Case of the Missing Lunch
Food-related stories were also plentiful. Once, Olha Dubiaha (Editor’s note: Manager, Business Solutions) brought in homemade pancakes and left them in the fridge for anyone to try. Later, Zhenya Rakita (Editor’s note: Yevhen Rakita, Director, Training) came by and thanked her for the delicious “cutlets.” That’s when we realized he’d accidentally eaten someone else’s lunch—a very upset colleague’s lunch, in fact. He spent the rest of the day apologizing.
The 50/50 Bird Rescue
One day, I went to the kitchen to make coffee and saw a colleague sitting there, crying. She told me there was a rat in her room, scratching so loudly she couldn’t stay inside. We were on the top floor, so I thought, “Okay, maybe possible, but unusual.”
Later, I heard scratching in my own room—only it was coming from above the ceiling. I called over a tall colleague, and he pulled down part of the ceiling to investigate. Shining a flashlight, he found…a swift.
The problem with swifts is that they can’t take off from the ground—you have to release them from a height. My colleague confidently told me, “We just need to throw it from the balcony, and it will fly.” I wasn’t entirely convinced. “Are you sure this is a swift? What if it’s some other bird, injured, and we’re just throwing it to its death?” He shrugged and said, “It’s 50/50—if it flies, it’s a swift; if not… well, then it’s not.”
Thankfully, it flew. Since then, I’ve rescued a few more swifts—whenever I see one on the ground, I lift it onto a tree so it can take off.
Weddings, Retirees, and Newcomers
Working with colleagues from other locations also brings eye-opening moments that make you appreciate different cultures even more. During a recent team-building event, a colleague from Uzbekistan mentioned he was getting married the following week. Naturally, we asked how big the wedding would be. He said, “Oh, very small.” I imagined maybe 20–30 guests. He replied, “No, no—only about 270.” That’s when I learned that in Uzbekistan, weddings are true celebrations of family and community, and what feels “big” to us can be considered modest there.
In a conversation with a client from Japan—someone I initially thought was in his late 50s or early 60s—he told me he was thinking about retiring soon. He said it almost apologetically, as if he still wanted to keep working. Later, I learned he was already over 80. That really shifted my perspective and left me impressed with his energy and dedication.
And in another meeting, we were chatting with a client about how long they’d been at their company. They casually said, “Oh, I’ve only been here 15 years.” I smiled at the word “only,” and they laughed, adding, “Yes, I’m practically a newcomer.” Moments like these remind you how differently people can view time and commitment—and how much pride they take in it.
The Freedom to Try
If a newcomer asked me to describe AMC Bridge’s culture in one sentence, I’d say: it’s the freedom to grow and try new things. You can explore directions you’re passionate about, share ideas, run experiments, and learn together. It’s a place where you can feel supported and free at the same time.
Tea O’Clock, Late-Night Math, and Other Pune Stories
Shantanu Pagar, Software Development Engineer, India
The First in Pune
I joined AMC Bridge in March 2023—two and a half years ago now—and I was the very first hire in our Pune office. Back then, we didn’t even have a permanent office yet, just a co-working space. Being the first here is something I’m really proud of. Slowly, the team grew, and our office in Pune became a place filled with great people and even greater stories.
A Moment That Still Makes Me Smile
One moment I’ll never forget happened last year during a meetup where I was one of the speakers. It was a big day—our Senior Executives were visiting. I got to the venue early to set up. The AC had just been turned on, so the room was still warm, and I was sweating a bit while arranging everything.
Boris (Editor’s note: Boris Shoov, Executive Vice President of AMC Bridge) came over, probably thinking I was nervous, and told me not to worry, that everything would be fine. I laughed and said, “It’s just warm in here,” but it was still such a nice gesture. It was a funny and memorable moment that reminded me how much AMC Bridge values its people.
Math at 4 a.m.
Our very first team outing is one of my favorite memories. We stayed up talking until 4 a.m.—mostly about math, though none of us remembers exactly what the argument was about. It was full of energy, laughter, and friendly banter — the kind of conversation where you completely lose track of time. It was the first time I truly felt, “Yes, I’m part of a team here.”
A Small but Important Tradition
Every day around 4 p.m., there’s an unspoken ritual in our office. Someone stands up, silently scans the room, and that’s the signal: time for tea. No words, just a look, and whoever’s free heads downstairs, because nobody here likes drinking tea alone at their desk. We chat about everything—sometimes work—and it’s one of the simplest but most important bonding moments of the day.
When We Dropped the Backgrounds and the Barriers
One of my favorite cross-cultural moments came during our first online team-building session with our teammates from Ukraine. I’d been on the project for about three months and knew everyone well from calls, but that day, one of the teammates joined without a background filter. I could see his actual room, just normal everyday clutter—and it instantly felt more personal.
I turned off my background too, and soon everyone followed. We ended up talking for two or three hours about food, travel, whiskey…no project talk at all. It was such a simple thing, but it broke the virtual barrier and made us feel truly connected.
Straight Talk, No Nonsense, Just Good Work
If you’re new here, my advice is: give it a couple of months. You’ll learn a lot—not just technical skills, but lessons for life. The culture here reminds me of an old Sprite tagline in India: “Seedhi baat, no bakwas”—straight talk, no nonsense.
You can speak openly to anyone—your HR, your manager—about what’s on your mind. There’s no politics, just smart people doing their best work and giving honest feedback to help you grow.
Life in Pune—Quirks and Charms
Working in India comes with its own set of quirks. Power cuts can happen in the middle of meetings. Animals sometimes block the roads. Even delivery couriers need extra guidance after you’ve sent them the exact location. But there are perks too—even a junior software developer can afford a cook, which is a big help after a long day.
And here are a few tips: if you visit Pune, don’t just go for butter chicken or samosas—try Thalipeeth, a savory, gluten-free pancake served with ghee. And know that you’re standing in a city with a royal past. Pune was once the capital of the Maratha Empire, one of India’s largest and most influential indigenous empires. Its forts, cultural festivals, and deep pride in Marathi heritage still shine today, even as the city thrives as a modern hub for education, technology, and innovation.
The Work Is Great—The People Are Even Better
Mark Driscoll, Sr. Director, Sales, USA
A Long Connection Before Day One
I’ve been at AMC Bridge for just over six years now, but my connection with the company started long before that. I’ve seen the quality of the work and passion of the team from the outside. So, when the opportunity finally came to join the team, I couldn’t pass it up. I already knew the company had a great reputation—but being part of it from the inside has been very rewarding.
The Birthday Sombrero
Over the past 6 years, I have come to appreciate the camaraderie that exists within the teams of AMC Bridge. We have great storytellers, talented musicians, accomplished athletes, and a lot of laughs. There have been a lot of laughs over the years, but one especially embarrassing moment stands out. We were having a Sales, Marketing, and BizDev team meeting in Boston a few years ago. It was the first week of February, and our meeting coincided with my birthday. After a day of presentations and discussions, we eagerly went to a very nice Mexican restaurant and had a fantastic meal. After dinner, I was surprised by a mariachi band that approached our table, came up behind me, plopped a giant sombrero on my head, and sang “Happy Birthday”. We all had a good laugh, and yes, those embarrassing pictures do exist! Just one of those little moments that make these team get-togethers special.
Resilience That’s Humbling
On the other end of the spectrum, some memories aren’t funny, but they stick with me just as much. Since Russia invaded Ukraine, I’ve been constantly impressed—and honestly humbled— by how positive and resilient our colleagues in Ukraine have remained.
We’ll be on calls knowing there are dangerous, terrible things happening right around the corner from some colleagues, and yet they continue to deliver, to support each other, and to keep a sense of humor. I’ve been in the industry a long time, and that kind of spirit is rare.
Where Work Meets Laughter
Every week, we have department meetings with Delivery Managers to review the status of our projects. What makes them stand out isn’t the status updates on progress—it’s the genuine sense of friendship we seem to have.
We have such different personalities and working styles in these meetings, but they blend into something that feels like family. There’s quick wit, a lot of laughs, and a healthy dose of sarcasm.
Meeting the Team, In Real Life
This past June, we had a Sales, Marketing, and PMO meeting in Poland. It was a highlight for me. I met so many colleagues in person for the first time—people I’ve worked with regularly for years but only ever seen through a camera. We got to talk without time limits, laugh over dinner, and see each other as people, not just names on a screen. Poland itself was wonderful, too. The city, the history, the people—it was all special.
What Makes AMC Bridge Different?
If I had to sum it up for someone new, I’d say: amazing people. The technical depth here is incredible—not just “I can code” knowledge, but a deep and broad understanding of the work, whether it’s software development, marketing, or project delivery.
I’ve been in the engineering software industry for decades, and I’ve never seen such seamless alignment between BizDev and the rest of the company as we have here. We respect each other, we laugh a lot, and we share the same goals. It just keeps getting better.
Looking Back and Ahead
In six years, I’ve celebrated birthdays under a giant sombrero, laughed with my colleagues, been humbled by resilience, and met people who inspire me every day. At the end of the day, a company is more than legal documents. What makes them special is their people. And AMC Bridge employees are some of the best I’ve ever known.
From First-Day Nerves to Feeling at Home
Elbek Xatanboyev, Software Development Engineer, Uzbekistan
Starting My AMC Bridge Journey
I’ve been at AMC Bridge for just over six years now, but my connection with the company started long before that. I’ve seen the quality of the work and passion of the team from the outside. So, when the opportunity finally came to join the team, I couldn’t pass it up. I already knew the company had a great reputation—but being part of it from the inside has been very rewarding.
When I first joined, I’ll admit I was nervous. My first project felt difficult, and I wasn’t sure how I’d keep up. But my teammates were incredibly supportive. One senior developer took extra time to walk me through the code, answer all my questions, and help me get on track. By the end of that project, I felt not just more skilled, but like I truly belonged here.
The Mini Karaoke Meeting
One moment that still makes me smile happened during a project meeting when someone from the team forgot they weren’t muted and started quietly singing while working. At first, no one said anything—then another teammate joined in. Before long, we had a little “mini karaoke session” going on, and everyone laughed as we took a short break to enjoy the moment. It was small, but it showed how friendly and comfortable our team is—even during busy days.
Mafia Nights and Lunchtime Decisions
One of my favorite traditions is playing the Mafia game during our Uzbekistan team-building events. It’s more than just a game — it’s a way to break the ice, especially when new members join. People really get into their roles, trying to outsmart each other, and there are always unexpected twists. Over time, it’s become a tradition that connects us on a personal level and strengthens our team spirit.
Outside of team-building days, we also enjoy regular lunches together. Deciding “what are we going to eat today?” has almost become its own team sport. Even though many of us work on different projects, these activities make us feel like one team.
A Culture of Support
If I had to tell a newcomer one thing about AMC Bridge, it’s that this company feels like one big team. People here don’t just focus on their own tasks—they’re always ready to help when you need it. You’re never alone here, and that makes a big difference compared to other companies.
A Hidden Gem in the Office
Not many people know this, but when I need a break, I like to take a short walk in the garden right in front of our office building. It’s peaceful and helps me clear my mind before getting back to work. It’s one of the best things about our location.
Virtual Jokes, Cultural Gaps, and Fried Eggs
Iryna Kopyl, Software Development Engineer, Ukraine
Building a Team I’ve Never Met
When I joined AMC Bridge, I hadn’t met anyone from my team in person—and four years later, I still haven’t. I started remotely during my final year of university, and at the time, I wasn’t. At first, it felt a bit odd. You hop on a call, talk strictly about work, and then… that’s it. No casual coffee chats, no shared lunches, no small talk in the hallway. I wasn’t even sure how people saw me—did I fit in? Could I make jokes? Was I overthinking it? (Probably.) I didn’t know who was funny, who was quiet, or what kind of jokes were okay. When you join a new team, there’s always an adjustment period, but doing it remotely adds a whole new layer.
The Moment It Clicked
Still, something clicked. I remember one of our first group “what-is-even-happening” bug fixes. That chaos brought us together. And then we started joking. Carefully at first, then more freely. That’s when I knew I had really become part of the group. It became clear: we were a team. We just lived in different windows on each other’s screens.
Over time, we became really close. I still haven’t met any of my teammates in real life, but we work together like we’ve shared an office for years. And maybe that’s the biggest surprise of all—that this kind of connection is absolutely possible through a screen.
Read the Room Even When There Is No Room
There were challenges, of course. Figuring out everyone’s tone and personality took time, especially in a cross-cultural team. There are colleagues from India, Uzbekistan, Estonia, and the U.S. It wasn’t just the language—it was the rhythm, the style, the jokes (or the ones that didn’t quite land). But eventually, I’ve learned to read the room even when there is no room.
But that’s what makes remote work so interesting. One day, you’re talking about API logic, the next you’re learning that there are holidays that are celebrated differently (or not at all) depending on the country. You start to notice the small things—how someone greets you, how they laugh, how they talk about food or family. That’s where the connection happens.
Remote Meetings, Real Moments
Some of the funniest moments happened when we least expected them. Like the time a U.S.-based manager on the client’s side started cooking breakfast during a meeting and gave us a live update on his progress—eggs included—before introducing us to his dog. And then there are our quarterly online team-building sessions, where we talk about anything but work. Sometimes we grab a drink and it turns into a relaxed evening of stories, laughs, and getting to know each other beyond the screen.
Over the years, I’ve also discovered small surprises—like a teammate who turned out to be a political science graduate, or another who plays in a rock band. You start with code reviews and sprint planning, and suddenly you’re sharing hobbies, music, even your favorite extreme sports.
What I’d Tell a Newcomer
If you’re new to AMC Bridge and starting remotely, here’s my advice: be proactive. Don’t wait for someone else to reach out. Set up the call. Ask the question. That’s how you build trust, little by little. The more you initiate, the more natural everything becomes.
Remote work may not give you instant coffee breaks or hallway chatter, but it gives you something else: space, flexibility, and a global team that can still feel surprisingly close-knit.
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