The Best Part of Work? The People.
A few days ago, I attended another “Epocrates Noodle Shop” lunch — a tradition that’s been going strong for years among a small group of Epocrates alumni. We gather at our favorite Sichuan spot, devour our usual massive order, swap stories about our families, and debate the latest AI promises and pitfalls, as well as the state of the world we live in. The restaurant knows us, knows our dine-in orders, and knows that we’ll be ordering a lot more for takeout at the end.
These lunches always leave me reflecting on one thing: After all these years, one of the most meaningful parts of my career hasn’t been the products we built, the titles I’ve held, or the accolades we earned. It’s been the people I’ve had the privilege to work with — people I now consider family.
This group (as well as my other Epocrates colleagues) has been there through the highs and lows, major product launches, sleepless nights before deadlines, and problem-solving marathons. But they’ve also been there for life outside of work — weddings, travels, celebrations, and challenges. These aren’t just “former colleagues.” They are lifelong friends.
Sadly, I’ve noticed a shift in the working world. Relationships today often feel more transactional, built for short-term projects or fleeting virtual collaborations. Even in companies that have returned to the office, teams are more fluid, people change roles frequently, and the bonds that once grew over years of working side-by-side are harder to come by.
The rise of AI and efficiency-driven restructuring has also changed workplace dynamics. We may be getting faster at the work itself, but often it is at the expense of the small, human moments that forge deep trust and camaraderie. Those moments don’t just make work more enjoyable. They build the kind of culture where people thrive and do their best work. They create loyalty and champions for the organization.
At Epocrates, we didn’t just work together; we grew together. We learned each other’s strengths, navigated uncertainty as a team, and created something we were proud of while in the trenches day in and day out together. That culture made all the difference, and it’s why our connections have lasted well beyond the company’s walls.
It’s a reminder that great culture isn’t about perks or slogans. It’s about people.
If you’re fortunate enough to work with colleagues you admire, invest in those relationships. They may turn out to be the most enduring — and valuable — part of your career.
