Hi, I’m Dr. Tatiana Astray.

Leadership is all about investing in people and systems today so that others can thrive tomorrow.

I specialize in executive education and custom program development that empowers leaders with the tools they need to drive meaningful change. With a strong foundation in organizational behavior and business, I hold a B.Sc. in Psychology, an M.Sc. in Marketing and Consumer Studies, and a Ph.D. in Organization Studies. Over the past 15 years, I’ve designed and delivered leadership development programs for professionals across industries—from aerospace and government to finance, NGOs, and tech start-ups.

My work is rooted in the belief that leadership isn’t just about performance metrics—it’s about fostering alignment, resilience, and trust across teams and systems. I collaborate closely with clients to design evidence-based learning experiences that are deeply practical and tailored to their organizational goals. Whether I’m coaching senior executives, facilitating cross-functional workshops, or building scalable training solutions, my aim is the same: to equip leaders to navigate complexity, build stronger relationships, and lead with clarity and confidence.

One of the stories that continues to guide me is about my great-grandfather’s pear tree. After World War II, he planted it with thoughts of the future—knowing it would take years before it would bear fruit. By the time I was a child, that tree overflowed with pears. There were so many that my cousins and I couldn’t eat them fast enough. He didn’t plant it for himself—he planted it for us. That, to me, is what leadership is all about investing in people and systems today so that others can thrive tomorrow.

In addition to my consulting work, I serve on the board of Jumpstart, an NGO dedicated to the economic empowerment of Canadian refugees. In my spare time, I enjoy long-distance trekking, chasing after my toddler, and sharing great food with my husband—pursuits that, like leadership, call for presence, creativity, and stamina.

If you're building leadership capacity in your organization, I invite you to explore my programs or reach out to discuss how we can design a solution that supports your goals.

Explore The Thoughtful Leader

For deeper insights into the science of human behavior and its real-world applications, I invite you to explore The Thoughtful Leader—a blog where I share evidence-based reflections on leadership, negotiations, and the pursuit of meaningful connection.

Each post blends academic research with lived experience to offer practical strategies that help professionals lead with clarity, navigate complex relationships, and create lasting impact.

My Leadership Philosophy

  • I design and facilitate leadership programs that are evidence-based, psychologically grounded, and deeply human. My approach blends the science of behavior with the art of leadership—helping participants move from insight to meaningful action.

    At the core, I’m a Reflective Catalyst: I guide leaders through moments of clarity and challenge using research-backed tools, thoughtful questions, and real-world relevance. My sessions are structured but conversational, drawing on frameworks from psychology, emotional intelligence, and systems thinking—while always anchoring the content in what matters most to your organization.

    Every program I build is customized to your context, ensuring we’re not just checking boxes, but moving leaders toward the behaviors that drive your strategy forward. I partner with senior facilitators who bring executive presence and deep expertise—and together, we help participants connect high-level concepts to their day-to-day decisions, conversations, and impact.

    Whether I’m working with first-time leaders or seasoned executives, I create a psychologically safe space where people can reflect, experiment, and grow—without losing sight of results. This is not passive learning—it's leadership with purpose.

    Because at the end of the day, everything I design is in service of your mission—and your people.

  • I founded Mastering Leadership because I saw a critical gap in the leadership development space—one that too often left organizations disappointed.

    Programs were being designed without the depth of research, psychological insight, or strategic clarity needed to create real, lasting change. Many learning experiences were inspirational—but not transformational. And far too often, facilitators lacked the competencies to engage leaders at the level required to drive behavior change.

    With a Ph.D. in Organizational Studies and over 15 years of experience teaching and advising leaders, I knew there was a better way.

    At Mastering Leadership, I bring academic rigor, evidence-based design, and practical application together to create transformative learning experiences that serve real business goals. Every program is developed with intention and integrity—and delivered only by expert facilitators who can meet the high standards today’s leaders deserve.

    This is not off-the-shelf content. We tailor every element to your context, culture, and strategic priorities.

    And here’s what I know: once you experience the depth, quality, and clarity of our work—you’ll stay. Because transformation isn't a one-time event. It's a journey. And we’re here to walk it with you.

  • At the heart of my work is a deep duality—I am both a seeker and a teacher.

    As a seeker, I’ve always been drawn to the deeper questions: What drives human behavior? How do we navigate complexity and conflict? What allows people to grow—not just professionally, but personally? This curiosity has shaped my path through psychology, research, and organizational studies. I’ve pursued these answers with academic rigor, emotional honesty, and a constant desire to understand what lies beneath the surface.

    As a teacher, I carry those insights forward—not as prescriptions, but as invitations. I don’t believe in surface-level leadership or one-size-fits-all solutions. I believe in creating transformational learning experiences that allow people to see themselves more clearly, connect more deeply, and lead with greater intention.

    My philosophy is that leadership begins with self-awareness, grows through connection, and comes alive through action.

    I design every program to reflect this: grounded in evidence, tailored to real-world context, and delivered with both structure and soul.

    What I want for every participant is not just to become a better leader—but to become a truer version of themselves. To step into the role with both confidence and compassion. To hold power responsibly, navigate uncertainty with clarity, and foster environments where others can thrive.

    Because to me, leadership is not about performing—it’s about becoming.

    And I’m here to guide that journey.

The Mastering Leadership Advantage

At Mastering Leadership Executive Education, we don’t just deliver training—we design transformational learning experiences that drive meaningful change. Our programs give leaders a distinct edge by blending evidence-based strategies, psychology-informed insights, and a proven track record of unlocking real behavioral shifts that align with organizational goals.

Evidence-Based Strategies with Immediate Impact

We translate cutting-edge research into practical, actionable tools. From real-world case studies to tested frameworks, every element of our programming is designed to ensure participants can confidently apply what they’ve learned to high-stakes conversations, internal decision-making, and external negotiations.

Psychology-Informed Training That Elevates Performance

Understanding how people think, decide, and relate is the cornerstone of great leadership. By applying psychological principles—such as cognitive bias, emotional regulation, and influence—our programs equip participants to lead with greater emotional intelligence, navigate complexity, and build stronger relationships.

A Safe Space for Lasting Growth

Real development doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Our workshops create a psychologically safe environment where participants are encouraged to challenge old habits, experiment with new approaches, and receive direct, constructive feedback. This combination of support and stretch fosters the conditions leaders need for authentic, sustainable transformation.