From Canada to Bangkok: This Is Scott’s Life at Agoda
- Scott Coates
- Talent Business Partners Principal Consultant, People Team
- Living in Bangkok, Thailand since 1999
I spent 13 years as the co-founder of Smiling Albino, a luxury travel company creating life-changing experiences in Southeast Asia and Nepal. After selling my stake, I managed training and HR teams for a large travel company in Bangkok. In 2020, I lost my job due to the COVID pandemic. A year later, I saw Agoda was hiring for their Talent Business Partners team. I had long admired Agoda and was intrigued by the opportunity to join a team of world-class professionals while continuing to grow my skills in the people space- so I took the chance and here I am!
A Day in the Life of a Talent Business Partner Consultant in the People Team at Agoda
As a Talent Business Partner Consultant, I help run performance reviews to identify employee development needs and use those insights to design tailored development programs. We also conduct people surveys and share the results with department heads, offering data-driven insights and advice to help Agodans have the best possible professional experience. Our goal is to make Agoda a place where people can grow and thrive.
My role involves working closely with stakeholders across the business to draw insights from people-related data and address challenges around talent development. One of my key projects was reviewing Agoda’s job architecture, focusing on job titles and profiles to create more consistency across teams. This work supports internal mobility and helps employees better navigate their growth within the company.
Why Agoda is an Exciting Workplace
Agoda’s work environment is dynamic and full of opportunities. The company encourages employees to take on new challenges, shadow others to learn, and grow their skills. If you work hard and show a willingness to learn, promotions tend to follow naturally. Working for a publicly traded company has elevated my business acumen. I’ve learned to use data to form and prove hypotheses, then pitch projects effectively. It’s been a rewarding experience that has helped me grow professionally.
In addition, the office environment is vibrant and upbeat, and it contributes to making work more enjoyable. The spaces are well-designed, making collaboration easy, and we even have complimentary snacks as a nice bonus.
Relocating to Bangkok: A Dream Turned Reality
I moved to Bangkok in September 1999 with a dream of starting a high-touch travel company, which I successfully ran for 13 years before moving on to new opportunities. I came here with a friend, minimal money, and a lot of passion, which helped me navigate the challenges of starting fresh. Bangkok is a dynamic, busy city with endless things to do.
Living in Bangkok: A City of Endless Possibilities
Bangkok offers an incredible range of experiences. You can enjoy a bowl of street-side noodles, cycle through back alleys, or have a unique fine dining experience. The city has something for everyone, from simple and inexpensive options to the most modern and luxurious ones. I very much enjoy jogging and cycling in various areas of the city, whether it is at the parks near my home like Lumphini, Benjakkiti, or early mornings on the weekend along canals and back alleys. I also love how friendly Thai people are, and the fact that they’re always something interesting to see along every path you take.
Building Community in Bangkok: Embracing the Culture
Adapting to Bangkok takes time, but with effort and an open mind, it’s an easy place to live. Learning some Thai language goes a long way, and Thai people in general are incredibly accommodating and patient. Don’t get me wrong, you can easily get around with just English, since the city welcomes tourists from all around the world. The key is to embrace Bangkok and its culture without trying to compare it to or change it into something familiar. Find beauty in the differences and adapt to them. If you intend to learn the language, I recommend using children’s books to learn how to read and write Thai!
Cost of Living in Bangkok: A Lifestyle for Every Budget
The beauty of Bangkok is it offers a full range of options, allowing you to live as simply or as extravagantly as you like. You can enjoy a meal for $1.50 or dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Here, you can easily afford to have someone clean your apartment weekly, enjoy foot massages, and eat out regularly. It’s a great lifestyle that balances affordability with comfort.
Final Thoughts: Why Consider Agoda?
If you’re looking to be professionally challenged in a positive way, continually improve your skills, and work with smart, inspiring people, Agoda is the place for you. It’s not always easy, but the support and collaboration from colleagues make it worthwhile. Agoda is a fantastic place to work and grow.
