Every Thursday at 9 a.m PT, something quietly powerful happens at BAM.
It’s not a client meeting. Not a strategy session. Not even a team sync. It’s something else entirely—a space to slow down, sip something tasty, and talk about the things that make us, well, human.
It’s called Mochas with ‘Mel, and it's locked in weekly on BAM's calendar. There’s no agenda, no slide decks. Just open conversations about us, life, and everything in between.
I’m Ramel Wallace (aka “Mel”), BAM's Senior Community Manager, and for us, culture isn’t just a word in a company handbook. It’s something we create together, week by week, in real time.
Initially, Mochas with ‘Mel was just an idea—a digital coffee club dreamed up by a teammate. The premise was simple: let’s connect as humans, not just coworkers. Let’s make space to talk about more than deadlines and deliverables.
And it stuck.
When I took the baton as Mocha's host, I knew I wanted to keep that heartbeat going. But I also wanted to make it my own. So we landed on a creative name. We inspired a vibe. And we leaned in.
Mochas with ‘Mel isn’t about ticking a box or delivering company updates. There’s no agenda to follow, no notes to take. Instead, we show up as we are.
We talk about burnout, imposter syndrome, or what’s happening in the world. Other times, we dive into music, healing, or whatever show everyone's binge-watching.
Every week is different. But every week, it’s real.
Remote work has endless benefits, but we all know what gets lost: those hallway run-ins, those spontaneous kitchen conversations. It’s not just about updates, but connection.
Mochas with ‘Mel brings that back.
New BAMfs have said it’s helped them feel welcomed. Others say it’s that “water cooler” break between meetings. For me, it’s one of the most honest, energizing parts of my week.
It’s also how we honor equity, empathy, and culture. Because at the end of the day, culture isn’t just what we say we care about. It’s what we show up for.
Real talk: Inclusion doesn’t happen because you wrote a mission statement. It happens when you make room for someone’s voice. When you invite the quiet person in. When you listen without rushing to fix. When you say, “Yeah, I’ve felt that too.”
That’s what we do in this space. And while it’s just 15-minutes, if you’ve joined, you know it’s deeper than that.
It’s a reset. A reminder that you’re not alone. A space to be human at work.
So if you’re new to BAM and you see that invite pop up, here’s my advice: Come through. Bring curiosity. Bring your full self.
We’ll be here. Every Thursday. 9 a.m. PT. Mochas in hand.
We’d love to hear from you. Email us at talent@bambybig.agency.