The VOICE of Carol Essex, Class of 1988

How does a "painfully shy" student who struggled with O-Level English end up leading global communications for Coca-Cola? In this episode, Development Director Tamlyn Worrall sits down with Carol Essex (OA 1986) to trace a journey that spans from the pottery classroom of North London to the boardrooms of Bahrain and the communities of central Africa. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of creativity, business, and social impact. The Power of Curiosity: How the "King Alfred’s spirit" gave Carol the confidence to skip university and dive straight into the London advertising scene of the 80s. The Global Nomad: Life in Saudi Arabia, Los Angeles, and Casablanca—and why a KAS background makes you "unphasable" in any culture. The "Physics" Moment: A tribute to the legendary John Peisley and the day science finally clicked. Redefining Success: Why Carol’s school reports didn’t define her, and why she values "the art of argument" over prescriptive testing. The "Happy Place" Memory: > "I can still feel the warmth and smell the ink of the lino print room. It’s a comforting thought to think back to those rooms—isn’t that what every parent wants for their kid?"