Toni Kent did not have the easiest of starts in life. She was the eldest of four children who lived on a council estate with a huge sense of community. However there was the clear impact of redundancy and right-to-buy on the people around her, and when she was just 14 years old, her dad died, leaving the family reliant on benefits. Living in an area that social services described as “chaotic and showing signs of neglect”, Toni decided she wanted a different life to the one that was predicted for her.
Today, thanks to a second chance at education, a 20-year career in IT (which included a decade at Microsoft), and a range of female role models, Toni finds herself in what could be described as a “middle-class bubble”, and it’s not always the easiest place to be. Using her skills in writing and comedy, she brings to life the challenges and opportunities that exist for organisations to tackle the intersectionality that is inherit in poverty.
She spent a year contributing columns to the Penny Post community newsletter and website, focussing on parenting, working from home, and what it means to be a ‘responsible adult’. She also worked as the Account Director and Head of Customer Experience for ResourceiT working with technology businesses to increase their profitability.
Toni has produced a range of content for LinkedIn, webinars, and sales assets, for clients such as HPE, IBM, VMware, and TD Synnex. In 2015, she spent some time as a Trustee for the Smart Works Charity.
She is now the founder of The Common Good Network, which was created based on her experience of upward social mobility, and a sense of injustice that the opportunities offered to her were not extended to the rest of her community.
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WRITER
Toni is an accomplished writer, having produced children’s storybooks, and non-fiction titles, including:
– Reasons To Be Cheerful, Part One (2013): a selection of optimistic essays charting her journey from stressed out executive to freelancer.
– Mr Reuben and the Mole (2014): children’s picture book
– I Need a Wife (2016): poem collection
– Reasons To Be Cheerful Rides Again (2018): Toni provides another batch of essays, sharing her experiences of parenting, technology, performing, body image, and managing mid-life.
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PODCASTS
Toni is a popular podcast host, and is the creator of the Challenging University Podcast, which explores the stories of people with interesting, successful, and rewarding careers who didn’t go to university because they didn’t want to, or they couldn’t access it for financial, social, or other reasons.
She is also the co-host of the KAYBE Talks Marketing Video Podcast, and co-host of The Partnership Path.
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CORPORATE
She has experience in hosting live events and interviewing notable figures such as Clive Selley CBE, Rachel Riley, Greg Johnson, and June Sarpong OBE. She has also hosted the UK Social Mobility Awards, cementing her role as a trusted voice in this space.
As an event host and MC, she delivers a blast of energy and humour that brings the audience on-side and engages with the theme of the event. She has hosted events such as:
– The Channel Community Awards
– Smart Works Reading Gala Ball
– Test Valley Business Awards
– SmartTalks at Henley Literary Festival
– Zen Internet Partner Conference
– SisterSister ARISE Summit
– PRIME Commitment 10th Anniversary Conference
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SPEAKING TOPICS
– Social Mobility
– Equity
– Inclusion
– Resilience
– Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
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KEYNOTE TOPICS
The Truth About Social Mobility: From Barriers to Breakthroughs
Social mobility isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a lived experience. In this keynote, Toni unpacks the hidden challenges faced by people from low socio-economic backgrounds, and the structural barriers that make upward mobility far more complex than personal effort alone. She shares her own journey of navigating corporate spaces, breaking cycles, and how she has helped thousands of people feel less alone.
Key Takeaways:
– The real-world challenges of social mobility, and why social equity must be part of the conversation
– Toni’s personal journey through corporate spaces and trying to find community
– The structural barriers preventing equal opportunities for talent to thrive
– Concrete actions organisations can take to foster real change
– A surprise finale that engages and inspires
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Storytelling For Success: The Power of Authentic Narratives
You story isn’t just a personal journey, it’s a powerful tool for forging connections, unlocking opportunities, and propelling you toward the career and life you want. Toni shares how she went from council estate to the corporate world, demonstrating how authenticity can create lasting impact. This is available as a one hour interactive talk, or a two hour workshop.
Key Takeaways:
– How authentic storytelling leads to stronger connections and career opportunities
– Toni’s journey from corporate success to launching a mission-driven organisation
– The power of optimism and positivity in shaping professional narratives
– A dynamic interactive element, where attendees create and share their own stories
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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 keynote, Toni empowers audiences to challenge limiting beliefs, embrace change, and take decisive action. Attendees will learn Toni’s C.H.A.N.G.E. method, a framework for overcoming doubt and making empowered decisions. This is available as a one hour interactive talk, or a two hour workshop.
Key Takeaways:
– Understanding how fear holds us back and how to reframe it
– Introducing the C.H.A.N.G.E. method for decision making and overcoming doubt
– Practical, memorable strategies to embrace change with confidence
– Actionable steps that can be applied immediately in professional and personal contexts
– Optional takeaway worksheet to reinforce learning and implementation
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I Belong Here: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Taking Up Space
Corporate spaces can feel intimidating, especially for those who don’t fit the traditional idea. Drawing from her own journey as a woman from a low socio-economic background, Toni delivers a keynote on stepping into your worth and owning your ambitions with confidence, whether it be voicing career aspirations, negotiating opportunities, or challenging ingrained beliefs.
Key Takeaways:
– How societal conditioning affects confidence and career ambition
– Strategies to step into your worth and challenge limiting beliefs
– Practical ways to voice ambitions, negotiate opportunities, and take up space
– Toni’s personal insights from navigating corporate spaces and high-profile stages
– Mindset shifts and actionable steps to feel empowered in any environment
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CLIENTS
Amazon Web Services, Enterprise Group, KPMG, Microsoft, PWC
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To check fees and availability for Toni Kent, contact Great Business Speakers on 0044 (0)1753 439289
