International Women's Day
- Lived experience in social mobility and social equity
- Former IT professional with a decade at Microsoft
- Host of the careers podcast "Challenging University"
Toni Kent is a bold and compelling voice on social mobility. As the founder of The Common Good Network, she has created a powerful platform that connects service users, providers and corporate partners to break down systemic barriers and widen access to opportunity.
With ten years at Microsoft and decades of lived and professional experience shaping her work, Toni brings rare insight into one of the most complex challenges facing modern Britain. Having grown up on a council estate, she speaks with clarity and credibility about the gap between policy and reality. She helps organisations see social mobility not as a tick-box exercise, but as a strategic priority that drives performance, trust and long-term growth.
Toni has delivered keynote speeches for leading organisations across technology, finance and law. She has twice hosted the UK Social Mobility Awards, reinforcing her standing as a trusted advocate in the field. She is also a stand-up comic, known for using humour to disarm, engage and challenge audiences in equal measure.
Her talks are direct, practical and grounded in real-world insight. She equips leaders with clear frameworks to review hiring and progression pathways, build inclusive cultures and measure impact with confidence. Teams leave with practical steps they can apply straight away, whether that means reshaping recruitment, strengthening sponsorship programmes or creating clearer routes for progression.
For organisations serious about tackling inequality and unlocking untapped talent, Toni offers both challenge and direction. If you want a speaker who will energise your audience and drive meaningful change, book Toni Kent for your next event.
Toni's Showreel and Videos
Topics, Sessions and Talks
It's Too Risky! The Power Of Mindset Shifts
Storytelling For Success: The Power Of Authentic Narratives
In this engaging session, Toni Kent illustrates how personal storytelling can be a transformative tool for building connections and advancing careers. Sharing her journey from a council estate to the corporate world and founding The Common Good Network, she emphasises the importance of authenticity and optimism. Attendees will learn how to craft and confidently share their own stories, unlocking opportunities for personal and professional growth through effective storytelling. This session is available as a 1-hour talk or a 2-hour workshop.
The Truth About Social Mobility, From Barriers To Breakthroughs
In her keynote, Toni Kent explores the lived experience of social mobility, highlighting the hidden challenges faced by individuals from low socio-economic backgrounds and the structural barriers that complicate upward mobility. She emphasises the necessity of integrating social equity into the conversation for genuine progress. Through her personal journey in corporate spaces, Toni shares powerful stories and actionable strategies for organisations to drive meaningful change. Attendees will learn about the complexities of social mobility and how to foster a more equitable environment.
I Belong Here: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
In her empowering keynote, Toni Kent shares her journey as a woman from a low socio-economic background, addressing the intimidation often felt in corporate spaces. She discusses how societal conditioning impacts confidence and career ambitions, offering strategies to embrace self-worth and challenge limiting beliefs. Attendees will learn practical techniques for voicing aspirations, negotiating opportunities, and confidently taking up space. Toni's insights provide essential mindset shifts and actionable steps to thrive in any professional environment.
Getting Started With Social Mobility: What Works And How To Do It!
In this engaging session, Toni Kent highlights the importance of social mobility for organisations and provides a clear roadmap for meaningful action. Drawing on her personal journey from a council estate to corporate success and her experience leading companies like DLA Piper and Microsoft, she shares practical strategies for fostering inclusive environments. Attendees will learn what social mobility truly means, how to assess their organisation's position, and actionable steps to create a culture that supports all backgrounds.
Why We Recommend Booking Toni
Toni is really well suited to corporate, DEI, and motivational events where organisations want both challenge and practical action. She works particularly well at leadership summits, company offsites, and professional development days, sharing practical insights on social mobility, systemic barriers, growth mindset, and imposter syndrome.
Toni's keynote brought to life the saying that when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. (She) taught us all that social mobility is indeed possible; that no person is one thing, no family is necessarily rooted to their 'class'. We are all capable of doing so much more.
Professor Bugewa Apampa Pro Vice-Chancellor, Education & Experience
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Education & Experience, University of East London
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!
Smart, insightful, very funny with a brilliant delivery.
Claire Heyes
CEO, Corgi Technical Services
