Before joining Agoda, I spent over 15 years in recruitment in the UK, building a diverse career. I started with seven years in IT recruitment, covering both permanent and contract hiring at an agency, then moved into the RPO world, where I spent another seven years as a Director in a global role, partnering with clients across various industries. After that, I transitioned in-house to Amazon Prime Video and Studio as a Senior Manager, leading tech recruitment across Europe. Finally, I made the leap to Agoda in Bangkok.

What drew me to Agoda was the scale and complexity of the recruitment challenge. Agoda was transforming its Talent Acquisition function and facing some tough hurdles in tech hiring. I saw a unique opportunity to work on fascinating, high-impact projects, leave my mark, and help shape Agoda’s TA function into a best-in-class organization.

A Day in the Life of a Talent Acquisition Leader at Agoda

No two days are ever the same at Agoda. My role is a dynamic mix of partnering with the business to improve how and where we recruit talent, leading a large team, and focusing on people management, coaching, and engagement.

I collaborate with a wide range of internal stakeholders, including Compensation & Benefits, Employer Brand, Onboarding, Relocation, HRBPs, Sourcing, Coordination, and more.

Why Agoda is an Exciting Workplace

What makes Agoda special is the pace and the data-driven culture. I thrive in fast-paced, analytical environments, and Agoda is the perfect fit. My team works on projects that are absolutely critical to Agoda’s growth and revenue. As a leading tech and product company in the OTA industry, we’re not just keeping up with trends—we’re building the future.

Many of our projects are confidential and involve launching new products and features on the Agoda app, from flights to activities. It’s exciting to know that the engineers we hire are helping shape the future of travel.

Career Growth at Agoda: A Place That Challenges You to Think Bigger

Agoda is a performance-driven company where growth is real and tangible. If you love being challenged, thrive in a fast-changing environment, and can adapt quickly, you’ll find endless opportunities here. Agoda pushes you out of your comfort zone, encourages resourcefulness, and rewards creative thinking.

Personally, Agoda has helped me sharpen my time management, focus on data and impact, and constantly challenge the status quo. I’m always thinking about what will bring the best ROI, and that mindset is encouraged and celebrated here.

Relocating to Bangkok: A White-Glove Move from London

Although I’m French, I relocated from London, where I’d lived for 16 years. Moving to Bangkok with Agoda was incredibly smooth and supportive. I had a dedicated relocation specialist who was always available to answer my questions and make sure I felt comfortable. Agoda took care of everything, from packing and shipping my belongings to handling visas, flights, and even providing temporary accommodation for my first month. I was even greeted at the airport by a chauffeur. It truly felt like a white-glove experience.

If you’re considering relocating, my advice is to leave most of your furniture behind. Most condos in Bangkok are fully furnished, so you won’t need to bring your bed or desk, which is something I learned the hard way.

Living in Bangkok: Big-City Energy, Great Food, and an Active Life

Bangkok is an incredibly vibrant city. Having lived in Paris and London, I love the energy of big cities, and Bangkok delivers with its rich culture, amazing food, and constantly changing vibe. The city is full of beautiful parks, which is perfect for running, something I really enjoy.

Outside of work, I spend a lot of time staying active. I’m into climbing, tennis, padel, and weight training, and Bangkok has it all. There are endless activities to try, and if you’re a night owl or a foodie, the cocktail and club scene is fantastic.

Building Community and Settling In: Making Friends Through Work and Shared Interests

Agoda’s company culture is truly special. People are incredibly supportive and welcoming, and I’ve made lots of friends here, whether through sports, pottery, or simply going out for food and drinks. Starting fresh in a new city can feel daunting, especially if you’re on your own, but my advice is not to be shy. Connect with your colleagues! A lot of Agodans have relocated and know exactly what you’re going through. Everyone is ready to help.

I also recommend joining clubs, whether that’s running, board games, or anything else you enjoy. These groups are full of newcomers and long-time residents alike, which makes them a great way to meet people quickly. Apps like MeetUp also helped me find activities and build connections early on.

Cost of Living in Bangkok: More Space and Better Value Than London

The cost of living in Bangkok is much lower than in London. While sports activities are similarly priced, everything else—especially accommodation—is much cheaper. In London, I shared a house in Brixton; in Bangkok, for the same price, I have my own spacious two-bedroom condo. Food and transportation are also very affordable. Overall, I’d estimate Bangkok is about 30% cheaper than London.

Final Thoughts: Why Consider Agoda?

If you love fast-paced environments, are data-driven, and enjoy being pushed out of your comfort zone, Agoda is the place for you. You’ll work in a truly international environment (we have more than 57 nationalities in the Bangkok office!) and get to experience life in an amazing country. Don’t overthink it, just go for it! It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey for me, both professionally and personally.