Ebony Rainford-Brent

Ebony Rainford-Brent is a pioneering figure in both the world of cricket and as a speaker. As a former England cricketer, a respected commentator, and a passionate advocate for diversity in sport, she uses her platform to inspire individuals and organisations to reach their full potential. Her speaking engagements focus on leadership, resilience, diversity, and overcoming adversity, drawing from her rich career in professional sport and her experiences of breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. As a speaker, she offers unique insights into high performance, whether in sports, business, or personal development.

Starting her career at just 9 years old, Ebony was introduced to cricket through the charity Cricket for Change. Her determination and talent led her to become the first Black woman to represent England in international cricket, a monumental achievement that paved the way for future generations of players from diverse backgrounds. Her journey to international cricket began with playing for Surrey, where she made significant contributions, including captaining the women’s team to success in the Women’s County Championship. Her tenacity and skill earned her a place on the England team, where she became part of the 2009 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup-winning team and helped secure England’s victory in the Women’s World Twenty20 that same year.

In recent years, Ebony has continued to break boundaries. After retiring from playing, she transitioned into broadcasting, becoming one of the first female expert commentators on men’s cricket for the BBC and later for Sky Sports. She has used her platform to speak out on issues of racism and inclusivity, earning the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of her efforts to challenge injustice. Ebony also leads the African-Caribbean Engagement (ACE) programme at Surrey, encouraging young Black people to take up cricket and promoting diversity in sport. In 2023, she was appointed a Non-Executive Director at the England and Wales Cricket Board, continuing to shape the future of cricket in the UK.

Ebony Rainford-Brent is hired for her ability to speak with authenticity and passion about overcoming challenges and achieving high performance. Her experience as a trailblazer in the world of sport, combined with her expertise in leadership and diversity, allows her to connect deeply with audiences. She inspires action and change, providing individuals and teams with the tools to excel in their respective fields.