Kate Fonseca Williams CO12

In the last edition of The Truronian 2023/24, we were delighted to share even more stories about just a few of our Old Truronians who have kindly shared their journeys after leaving Truro School with the Development and Alumni Relations team.

Truro School, known for its rich blend of academic rigor and extra-curricular opportunities, has shaped countless students’ futures. One such student, a recent alumni Kate Fonseca Williams CO12, reflects on her time at the school, the memories she cherishes, and the path it paved for her successful career as a business coach.

Truro School has long been a bastion of academic excellence and personal development. For many, it is a place where lifelong friendships are forged, and aspirations take shape. This sentiment rings true for one particular Old Truronian, whose journey from Truro School to a fulfilling career in Occupational Psychology serves as an inspiring testament to the School’s lasting impact.

Kate was at Truro School between 2010 and 2012, having joined from another school. She told us: “I joined Truro School for Sixth Form after previously being at the High School,” she recalled. The transition marked a significant shift in her educational journey. “I immediately responded to the more relaxed, independent, and creative culture and felt my years there were formative. I made some amazing and lifelong friends during my two years there too.”

Among her numerous cherished memories, one stands out vividly: “I have so many! But I will always remember completing my Gold Duke of Edinburgh award and getting to do the final expedition in Slovenia, which was an incredible experience.” These formative experiences not only enriched her time at Truro School but also instilled a sense of adventure and resilience.

Her connection to Truro School extends beyond her own experience. Her older brother, Harry Fonseca Williams CO10, also attended the school. “He now lives on the Kenyan coast and is a serial entrepreneur, running an environmental charity (LEAF) as well as an Indian Biotech company specialising in snakebites (ToxiVen),” she shares proudly.

From an early age, she knew she wanted a career that would help people. “I left Truro School just before Psychology was offered as an A-Level but I remember being given the chance to do a short course in it. The minute I started, I knew that it was what I wanted to study at university.”

Following her time at Truro School, she embarked on a gap year that included studying French in Paris and traveling through Southeast Asia and Australia with two friends. Upon her return, she pursued a degree in Psychology at Cardiff University. A professional placement year as a Forensic Psychologist in London sparked her interest in workplace behaviour, leading her to specialise in Occupational Psychology. “I decided to do a master’s degree in occupational psychology (the study of applying psychological principles to improve productivity, job satisfaction, and effectiveness within an organisation) in London.”

After seven years in London, she and her husband, Jordan Soltys CO12—whom she met at Truro School—moved back to Cornwall. “We bought a house outside of Mylor – we’re very happy to be back!” she exclaims.

Her professional journey has been as dynamic as it is impactful. After completing her master’s degree, she worked in Management Consultancy in London, specialising in Employee Engagement and Change Management. “During this time, I collaborated with international organisations like Mars and Saudi Aramco, helping them with wide-scale transformation projects aimed at enhancing employee engagement,” she explained.

Since returning to her home county, Kate has successfully founded her own business, Karibu Coaching Limited. “I work with businesses to support their employees, whether through creating better organisational cultures or by creating development opportunities through individual and team coaching. I also work with individuals navigating career challenges, whether that’s leading a team, becoming a first-time manager, or wanting a career change.”

Reflecting on her career, her job fulfilment is clear. “I’m really happy that I have developed a career that helps people in such a tangible way. As the lines between work and life continue to blur with technological advancements, it is more important than ever that we look after people at work so that this has a positive impact on all aspects of their lives.”

For those considering a similar career path, her advice is simple yet profound: “Any experience is good experience! If you’re interested in human behaviour at work, you’ll learn important lessons regardless of where you work. Soak in as much experience as you can—whether that’s working in hospitality, volunteering, or doing any other job. Don’t stress too much about having a perfectly linear career journey; every role provides transferable skills that will be valuable in the future.”

Her personal life is as rich as her professional one. “My parents live in Lelant, near St Ives. My dad, Nick, is an artist and obsessive gardener (our garden became one of the National Gardens of England last year) and my mum, Sara, is a counsellor. We’re very close, and I’m very happy that I get to see them more often now I’m back in Cornwall.”

Kate and Jordan

A keen traveller, she and Jordan recently enjoyed a three-month-long honeymoon backpacking through Central America. “I’m also enjoying getting back into hiking now we’re in Cornwall and working my way through the Southwest Coast path.”

We asked Kate if she had kept in touch with any friends since leaving: “Too many to name! Especially having married someone I met at School – our wedding felt like a school reunion!”

As she looks to the future, her focus is on growing her business and reconnecting with the Cornish way of life. “My immediate focus is on building my business down here and expanding my professional network. I’m also really looking forward to getting back into the Cornish way of life and being back with our oldest friends.”

Her journey, deeply rooted in her formative years at Truro School, underscores the enduring impact of education, friendships, and the pursuit of a fulfilling career.

Are you an Old Truronian? Can we share your story in The Truronian? Simply complete the interview questionnaire online or contact the Development and Alumni Relations team at tsconnections@truroschool.com. We want to hear from absolutely everyone – every single Old Truronian story is interesting and important.