Event MC, Moderator, Keynote Speaker for Technology sector, Future of Work, Social Mobility, Stand-up, Author, Podcast Host, Motivational, Inspirational and Resilience Speaker
Toni Kent is a professional speaker, compere, and writer with a unique blend of 25+ years of IT sector experience and a talent for entertaining audiences. She offers honest, humorous insights into social mobility, life as a working parent, and corporate culture.
Toni specializes in keynote speaking, panel hosting, and event MC duties for organizations in the technology, professional services, and education sectors. Her high-energy, relatable style, combined with her stand-up skills, leaves audiences with a refreshing and memorable experience. She has worked with major clients like Amazon Web Services, KPMG, Microsoft, PWC, and Enterprise Group. Toni has also hosted the UK Social Mobility Awards in 2021 and 2023, the PRIME Commitment 10th Anniversary Conference, and the Zen Partner Conference.
In addition to speaking and hosting, Toni is the author of four books and writes on social mobility and women in tech. She is a respected podcast host, co-host, and sought-after guest. Toni also serves as a trusted ghostwriter for senior leaders in the technology industry, helping them project a more humorous, human voice both online and on stage.
Technology Insider
With 25 years in the technology industry, Toni has extensive experience. She began by assisting in early wireless networking infrastructure deals and later managed some of the UK’s largest partner relationships at Microsoft, where she spent 10 years. This time gave her deep insight into the workings of one of the world’s largest corporations.
After Microsoft, Toni spent another 10 years creating content for senior leaders at organizations like IBM, TD Synnex, Brightcove, VMware, and Progress Software. Her work ranged from ghostwriting thought-leadership articles to hosting partner conferences and webinars on sustainability in computing. Toni stays well-versed in the commercial and cultural landscape of this dynamic industry.
Social Mobility Expertise
Toni was born into a working-class family in Basingstoke, the eldest of four children. She grew up on a large council estate and vividly remembers the impact of redundancy and right-to-buy during the ’70s and ’80s.
At 14, Toni’s father died, leaving the family reliant on benefits. In the following years, Toni barely passed her GCSEs and twice served as her mother’s birthing partner. Living in an environment that social services described as “chaotic and neglectful,” Toni was determined to create a different life for herself.
Today, thanks to a second chance at education, positive female role models, and a career in IT, Toni finds herself in what could be described as a “middle-class bubble.” Using her sharp observational skills and comic timing, she highlights the challenges and opportunities for organizations to advance this important and timely conversation.
