The Neo4j Breakfast Club: A Tale About Company Culture in a Mind-Boggling Pandemic

The author reminisces about the winter of 2020 when Neo4j was growing rapidly, and they were organizing "GraphTour" events across Europe. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic hitting in early March 2020, things took a dramatic turn, and the company had to adapt. As a response to the lockdown, the author started a daily call with colleagues from different countries and time zones, which became known as the "Breakfast Club." The call was informal, without an agenda or leader, but provided a sense of community and connection among participants. Over time, it led to the formation of real friendships and reinforced the company's values of relationships and support. The author reflects on how this experience not only helped them cope with the pandemic but also strengthened their culture and sense of belonging within the organization.