This study explores reflections from academics (N = 13) from 12 higher education institutions in eight countries who relied on informal conversations in an online community of practice to switch to emergency remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the absence of formal academic development, they needed to develop themselves in collaboration with international colleagues. The interviewees emphasised the need for a bottom-up informal approach to academic development and considered it essential in times of crisis. The implications of our study advocate a holistic approach to academic development to prepare higher education institutions for similar emergencies.