Capital One Boston: A culture of connection

Matthew’s first week at the Capital One Boston office was full of newness: new role, new city rhythms and his first real taste of in‑office life after years of working from home. After graduating and working remotely at other companies, even simple things like grabbing lunch with coworkers or chatting at his desk felt fresh and exciting.

“Just being in the office, meeting people face-to-face, that was a whole new experience,” he said. 

Then he discovered chumming: Capital One Boston’s one-to-one community-building program that intentionally pairs associates from different teams to connect with their colleagues on a personal and recurring basis. For Matthew, a senior software engineer, the program immediately made a difference. His first “chum” was with another engineer, and they clicked instantly.

“We started talking, found out we both love chess and now we play in the office regularly,” he said. The connection also created a bridge. “Later, when our teams had to collaborate on a project, it was natural to reach out because we already knew each other.”

Located in Kendall Square, the Boston office buzzes with energy from nearby universities, research centers and of course, plenty of great coffee shops. That environment fuels curiosity, and collaboration builds on that energy by making sure associates connect across teams.

From coffee chats to improving processes

The blend of relationship-building and connection is what makes chumming such a staple at Capital One Boston. For Matthew, one chat did more than expand his network—it reshaped his team’s workflow.

He was exploring ways to improve a tech tool his team used to monitor data. “Someone casually mentioned they’d just led a project to create an alternative within their department,” he said. “I never would’ve known about the tool if not for that chat. Now I’m working on a similar solution to bring to my team.”

What started as a simple conversation turned into an opportunity to improve how his entire team works, a reminder that great solutions can emerge from casual conversations over coffee.

Confidence grows with connection

For Anna, a principal project manager who joined Capital One through our Management Rotational Program, the impact of chumming has been just as real. She remembers walking into the Boston office not knowing a single person. Despite her nerves, as soon as she joined, she felt part of the team. 

“So many associates introduced themselves and invited me to our office events. I've always felt so welcomed,” she said. “That made all the difference in how I grew here.”

Since starting in 2022, Anna has taken on enterprise-wide projects and cultural initiatives in the Boston office. Chumming gave her the confidence to raise her hand for stretch opportunities and share new ideas. From there, she was inspired to lead volunteer events with the Greater Boston Food Bank and organize virtual service projects for children in hospitals.

“Feeling connected to your colleagues gives you confidence,” she said. “It helps you try something new because you know someone has your back.”

Connection, by design

For Brian McMahon, managing vice president of software engineering and Boston site lead, chumming isn’t just a fun office tradition, it's a reflection of the culture Boston associates are intentionally creating together.

“Our Boston team has always been about being connected, energized and inspired,” Brian said. “Chumming gives everyone the same opportunity to shape what this community feels like.”

Chumming has sparked hundreds of meaningful connections, turning strangers into friends, collaborators and trusted colleagues. The impact is visible everywhere: associates are forging friendships that extend beyond their immediate teams, sometimes over lunch, games of chess or pinball after work.