Toni Kent Keynote Speaker

Authored two insightful books on social mobility, parenthood, and women in technology
Founder of ‘The Common Good Network – the UK’s only interactive map and directory of social mobility organisations
Hosted the UK Social Mobility Awards in 2021 and 2023.

Toni Kent's Biography

Toni Kent, a professional stand-up comedian and event compere, has mastered the art of blending humor with serious social issues, particularly social mobility.

With a remarkable 20-year background in IT, including a significant tenure at Microsoft, Kent is now a sought-after speaker for corporate events, bringing a unique perspective and engaging style. Speaking topics include facing fear, embracing change, achieving social mobility, and surviving as a working parent, all presented with a comedic twist. Her ability to tailor content to specific occasions ensures that every event is both entertaining and insightful.

Kent’s journey is not just about making people laugh; it’s a story of overcoming adversity. Raised on a council estate in challenging conditions, she faced a disrupted education and personal loss. Despite these obstacles, her resilience and determination saw her rise to success in the IT field, a journey she now shares to inspire others. As the host of the podcast ‘university, challenged’, she offers career stories to assure young people that a university degree isn’t the only path to success.

Kent is an accomplished author, her literary works, including ‘Reasons to Be Cheerful’, demonstrate her versatility and depth. Kent’s experience in hosting and introducing notable figures such as June Sarpong OBE and Clive Selley CBE highlights her adaptability and professional acumen.

Toni Kent’s approach is not just about entertainment; it’s about delivering value, awareness, and encouragement. She has worked with leading organizations like Adobe, Amazon Web Services, and Canon Europe, showcasing her ability to connect with diverse audiences across various sectors.

His prowess as a speaker is undeniable. Her journey from the challenges of a council estate to the heights of the corporate IT world, coupled with her experience as a stand-up comedian, gives her a unique ability to engage and inspire her audience. Whether she’s addressing the intricacies of corporate culture or the nuances of social mobility, Kent does so with a blend of humor and gravitas that is both refreshing and impactful. Her adaptability to tailor her presentations to the specific needs of an event, her experience in engaging with diverse audiences, and her expertise in weaving poignant stories with business insights, make her an exceptional speaker for any event. Toni Kent isn’t just a voice on stage; she is a catalyst for laughter, learning, and lasting change.

She brings a unique combination of corporate experience and stand-up comedy, drawing on two decades in tech including senior roles at Microsoft.
She translates complex and often sensitive topics such as social mobility and workplace change into engaging, accessible insights through humour.
She offers a powerful personal perspective, sharing her journey from a challenging upbringing to success in business and media.
She is an accomplished host and speaker who creates energetic, inclusive environments while delivering meaningful and memorable messages.
Her insights equip organisations to foster inclusion, support diverse talent and approach change with confidence and authenticity.