One Team, Many Cultures
The Dublin Braai

Last week, colleagues from across First Derivative (FD) and EPAM came together in Dublin for one of our most anticipated summer events—a traditional South African Braai. More than just a barbecue, a Braai is a celebration of community, conversation, and connection, making it the perfect backdrop for bringing our teams together.

With many South Africans across our Dublin office, the event offered an opportunity to share an important part of their culture while welcoming colleagues from different teams, backgrounds, and projects. Throughout the afternoon, the office courtyard was filled with the unmistakable aroma of charcoal grills, authentic South African favourites including boerewors and sosaties, and plenty of conversations that extended well beyond day-to-day work.

As our organisation continues to strengthen the relationship between FD and EPAM, events like these play an important role in building the connections that make collaboration successful. While we work together across different clients, projects and locations every day, taking time to meet outside of meetings and screens helps create stronger relationships, encourages knowledge sharing, and reinforces the sense of one team.

The Braai itself reflected exactly what makes the South African tradition so special. There was no rush—just colleagues gathering around the grills, sharing stories, and enjoying fantastic food prepared by our resident Braai experts. Whether people were experiencing a Braai for the first time or reliving a taste of home, everyone embraced the occasion.

Beyond the food, the afternoon was a reminder of the diverse cultures that make up our Dublin office. Celebrating those traditions creates opportunities to learn from one another, appreciate different perspectives, and build an inclusive workplace where everyone feels part of the community.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated to the event, especially our South African colleagues who brought their passion, expertise and authenticity to the grills, and to everyone who joined us and helped make the afternoon such a success. We look forward to many more opportunities to come together, strengthen our connections, and continue building the collaborative culture that defines both FD and EPAM.

Thanks
Federica