Charis Darninsuang

When did you join Grok?
May 2025

Describe yourself in three words:
Warm, open, charismatic.

What were you doing before working at Grok?
I spent about 5 years leading the Client Success team at QS for their Student Recruitment and Conversion services – this meant working with wide variety of people and institutions to develop and deliver different recruitment strategies.

What was your first job?
In the summer before starting University I got a job at Hobsons as a Student Enquiries Advisor. I was representing UK Universities over the phone to convert their prospective international students. Little did I know that this would be the start of my career in IHE! I would go back to Hobsons in all of my holidays, and before I graduated, they offered me a full time job.

What does international education mean for you?
Education has the power to transform lives and international education in particular can alter your entire life’s trajectory. I care deeply about democratising access to quality education – there is so much that we can learn from each other and the world is a richer place when we connect and exchange ideas, culture and knowledge.

What is one of the most satisfying outcomes you’ve helped a client to achieve?
I’m proud of so many things that I’ve achieved with clients in my career. International Higher Education has been particularly turbulent in recent years and being able to forge strong partnerships that are resilient to policy change, market instability and demographic shifts is hard but good work.

What is your favourite book?
As an English Literature graduate it’s hard to choose just one! I tend to have favourite authors rather than favourite books and have read everything written by Jane Austen, Kazuo Ishiguro and Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche, and almost everything by JM Coetzee and Agatha Christie!

What is your dream travel destination? Why?
Japan. Years ago I had a trip planned during the Rugby World Cup but sadly life happened and I never made it. I’d love to eat my way around the country and see the stunning sights of Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Mt Fuji and many others!

What is your favourite food to eat with friends?
I am a total burger fanatic.

What is something you’ve learned from somebody inspirational?
The things you don’t change you choose, and also, always double toast a crumpet.

What was your favourite subject at high school or university?
I didn’t fully appreciate it at the time, but History of Art. I’m so impressed by people’s capacity for creativity and self-expression and love finding the meaning in art.