Toni Kent Profile Picture

Keynote SpeakerToni Kent

Visionary Voice in Social Mobility and Social Equity

Toni is a powerhouse speaker who doesn’t just talk about social mobility—she redefines the conversation. As the founder of The Common Good Network, she has built a groundbreaking platform connecting service users, providers, corporate partners, and supporters to dismantle systemic barriers and drive meaningful change towards greater social equity. With... Read more

Biography

Toni is a powerhouse speaker who doesn’t just talk about social mobility—she redefines the conversation. As the founder of The Common Good Network, she has built a groundbreaking platform connecting service users, providers, corporate partners, and supporters to dismantle systemic barriers and drive meaningful change towards greater social equity.

With decades of experience feeding into her social mobility journey, including 10 years at Microsoft, Toni offers sharp, often unheard insights into one of the most complex and misunderstood areas of modern society. Her ability to blend lived experience with deep strategic expertise makes her an unforgettable voice on stage, challenging audiences to rethink what equity, inclusion, and opportunity really mean.

Toni has delivered keynote speeches for leading names across technology, finance, and law, inspiring organisations to take real action. Keynote clients have included the likes of Amazon Web Services, KPMG, Microsoft, PWC and Enterprise Group. She has also twice hosted the UK Social Mobility Awards, cementing her role as a trusted advocate and thought leader in this space.

A humorous and charismatic performer, Toni’s talks are bold, engaging, and thought-provoking, packed with fresh perspectives and actionable strategies. Whether addressing C-suite executives, policymakers, or changemakers, Toni leaves audiences with the tools—and the motivation—to build a more accessible and equitable future.

“I have to say, if you’re looking for someone who can deliver a practical and thought provoking message that engages all participants – I would thoroughly recommend Toni!” Samantha Lowe, ForHousing
“Has the ability to bring humour into all situations, read her audience and choose topics that resonate” Sarah Burns MBE, Founder, Smart Works Reading
“Carried the event with warmth, passion and humour.” Aduke Onafowokan, Founder, The Sister Sister Global Network
"Toni brought to life the very difficult topic of social mobility and class; colleagues commented afterwards how much they enjoyed her talk." James Peacock, Social Mobility Employee Network Founder, Direct Line Group
“A phenomenal MC.” June Sarpong MBE via Twitter
“Smart, insightful, very funny with a brilliant delivery.” Claire Heyes, CEO, Corgi Technical Services
“ A speaker who manages to lift the audience and change perspectives.” Helen Freestone, Manager, UK SI Partners, Amazon Web Services
“Authentic storytelling at its finest. Thought-provoking, insightful, serious in the right places with the perfect amount of humour, yet also hugely inspiring.” Sarah Howson, Founder, Strategic PA Network
“Toni compered a virtual event for one of our tech clients and she was a dream to deal with. A fun professional to work with who understood what was required without too much of a brief!” Amanda Morris
“Toni’s speech brought to life the saying “when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change” Bugewa Apampa, Professor and Dean, Office for Institutional Equity, University of East London

Popular Talks by Toni Kent

  • Storytelling for Success – The Power of Authentic Narratives

    Your story isnt just a personal journey—its a powerful tool for forging connections, unlocking opportunities, and propelling you toward the career and life that align with your strengths. In this inspiring session, Toni shares how she went from a council estate...

  • The Truth About Social Mobility – From Barriers to Breakthroughs

    Social mobility isnt just a buzzword—its a lived experience. In this compelling keynote, Toni unpacks the hidden challenges faced by individuals from low socio-economic backgrounds and the structural barriers that make upward mobility far more complex than personal effort alone. She...

  • It’s Too Risky! – The Power of Mindset Shifts

    Fear is often the greatest barrier to growth—but what if you could reframe it as fuel for success? In this dynamic keynote, Toni empowers audiences to challenge limiting beliefs, embrace change with confidence, and take decisive action. Attendees will learn Tonis C.H.A.N.G.E. method, a...

  • I Belong Here! – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome & Taking Up Space

    Corporate spaces can feel intimidating—especially for those who dont fit the traditional mold. Drawing from her own journey as a woman from a low socio-economic background, Toni delivers an empowering keynote on stepping into your worth and owning your ambitions with confidence. Whether itRead more