Bart’s Amazon Alumni Network (BAAN) Connects Bart’s Favorite Former Amazonians in a Dynamic and Supportive Private Community

Bart's Amazon Alumni Network (BAAN) launched today to solve a common challenge facing former Amazonians: maintaining access to the exceptional colleagues and engaged culture they experienced while at Amazon. This private community reconnects Bart's former teammates through digital platforms and in-person gatherings, enabling creative discussions, opportunities for support, collaboration, and staying connected with high-caliber people. Joining is free and by invitation only, ensuring the community maintains high standards.

FAQs

Who is BAAN for?

Former Amazonians who worked directly with Bart’s while at Amazon

What can I do as a participant in BAAN?

Here are some ideas…

  • Connect with and support/be supported by a capable and networked group of people

  • Ask for help with something that has you you stuck

  • Ask others to participate in a doc review for an idea you’re developing

  • Get feedback on writing (if AI tools aren’t good enough)

  • Discuss ideas on how to bring the best of Amazon into your new role or project

  • Share opportunities with a group who might be able to connect you to the right people

  • Ask for introductions to people at other organizations

  • Ask for information or opinions about other organizations

  • Share what you’re working on now

What should I NOT do as a participant in BAAN?

Don’t sell things - share ideas, insights, and assistance, don’t sell

Don’t complain about Amazon or people who did or still work at Amazon - use Blind or some other platform for that

Don’t discuss politics - there are plenty of other forums for that and it tends to turn negative very quickly

What does it cost to participate?

Nothing - except for what you spend to have an internet connection, mobile phone/computer/tablet, get to and be at in-person events (gas, parking, flights, hotels, drinks, food, etc)

How do people connect through BAAN?

Discord for chat, and voice/video meetups

Monthly in-person gatherings in different cities

How do I join and participate in BAAN?

Ask Bart for an invitation - Email, text, LinkedIn message, other - if Bart knows you and you worked together at Amazon you’ll get an invitation link to join the Discord server (Discord is the primary hub for the group)

Why not use existing social media services like LinkedIn and Blind?

These services are too large and too open - BAAN derives value from being a smaller (50-100 great people), private community

They’re not specific enough - BAAN is focused on Bart’s network from Amazon

They contain too much negativity - BAAN is a positive environment and anyone who doesn’t play nice with others will be removed

Why not just stay in touch 1:1 or in small groups?

It’s too much work to update everyone individually and there is value in seeing what the group is doing and discussing

Do I have to use my real name and identity within BAAN?

Yes, that’s the whole point

Can I use this as a template to create my own Amazon Alumni Network?

100% yes - please invite me to your network as well :)

Will I encounter people who I had conflict with while working at Amazon?

Maybe, but you no longer work together or at the same company so maybe this is an opportunity to get to know each other with less conflict