Dr Austin Tay | Chartered Organisational Psychologist

Dr Austin Tay CPsychol · FBPsS · FHKPS · PhD

Organisational psychologist. Executive coach. Based in Oxfordshire, working globally.

I have always been curious about how people think and make decisions. That curiosity is what drew me to psychology and it is what has kept me in this work ever since.

My first 15 years were in sales and business development in security, construction, food and beverage in Singapore and Hong Kong. I retrained as an organisational psychologist in 2008. Since then, I have worked with organisations and executives globally on selection, leadership development, executive coaching, and workplace intervention.

I still remember my first executive assessment. After the session, both the client and the person being assessed told me how accurately I had captured the behaviours they observed. That moment confirmed something. I had a genuine ability to see people clearly, and when people feel truly understood, something shifts.

Over the years, I have watched the world of work change. Wellbeing has taken centre stage. But organisations continue to look for quick and easy fixes to complex people problems, treating the symptoms rather than the root causes. The real issues, culture, structure, work environment, and how people are developed and retained still don't get the attention they deserve.

I don't push ready-made solutions. I take the time to understand what is really going on and work with people to find answers that actually last. What I care about most is that the people I work with remember not just what they learned, but what changed.

What clients come to me for

Executive coaching for senior leaders
Talent assessment and leadership development
Workplace bullying — diagnosis, intervention, prevention
Career transition and outplacement
Evidence-based training programmes

Credentials

PhD, Organisational Psychology · MSc Psychology of Work · LLM International & Commercial Law

Chartered Psychologist (BPS) · ICF PCC · EMCC Senior Practitioner · ACT Practitioner · Level A & B Occupational Testing

Fellow, British Psychological Society · Fellow, Hong Kong Psychological Society · Former President, HKPS (2019–2021)

Psychometrics: SHL, Hogan, Saville Wave, Talent Q, 15PF, Cubiks

What clients say

"Dr Tay's coaching style is tailored to the specific needs of each individual, ensuring that his clients reach their full potential. His empathetic and practical approach has consistently garnered positive feedback from executives who have benefited from his guidance. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr Tay."

Roger Liang, General Manager, China, Malvern Panalytical

"He does not refer to standard frameworks. His style is very personal, and he actively listens and challenges your thinking of how you lead and engage your teams and clients. Really helped me become more confident and clearer in my communication. I recommend Austin to anyone who is looking to accelerate their leadership development and confidence."

Matthew Harrison, Senior Director Operational Excellence, Arcadis

"As a natural sceptic, I did not entirely know what to expect from my first coaching session with Dr Tay. However, my scepticism evaporated quickly, and I got plenty of value out of the session. Dr Tay provided me with practical tools that helped me efficiently address some work-related obstacles. I wish I had had the opportunity to meet Dr Tay earlier in my career."

Tuna Bozalan, UNODC

"What sets Austin apart is his ability to translate complex concepts into actionable strategies. He is both collaborative and insightful and any team would benefit greatly from his knowledge. I highly recommend Austin for any organisation seeking expertise in competency modelling, leadership development or HR strategy."

Reina Cheng, Board Member, CareER