Meet Our CEO
LaToya “LJ” Finney is a certified Project Management Professional (PMI PMP) and certified Executive, Career and Life Coach (ICF PCC) with over 20 years of experience on Wall Street and Technology and an avid golfer.Her company IN-18 LLC, helps individuals and companies through leadership development and coaching.She works to help employees, at all levels make the most of their skills for career growth and advancement. LJ has a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems from Long Island University, and a Master of Science in Computer Science from NYU Tandon School of Engineering. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated andPresident of the NYC Chapter of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Amateur Golf Association. She was recognized by the Network Journal 40 under 40 and is also the producer and host of TeesMe, A podcast about the intersection of golf, life and business.MY STORY
When I began my career in Technology, I always felt that I had more to offer. Even though I was passionate about the projects, I never felt like I found my calling and my purpose in life. I was waiting for a sign from God that I should do something else, not realizing the signs were always there. Throughout my career, I always made time to mentor others and to volunteer, to share resources and knowledge. My greatest satisfaction was helping people set their goals and complete their life projects, more so than completing Financial Technology projects. I led million dollar technology implementation projects, I kept using the same skills I used on the golf course. After completing multiple high risk projects, I knew it was time to bet on myself. If I could work that hard for someone else, why not for myself?
When I joined the board of the LPGA amateur golf association – NYC chapter, I used my theory to grow the game but there was more for me to do. Golf taught me to connect outside of my comfort zone and it wasn’t just about learning the game. I decided it was time to share my secret to building authentic relationships and using my soft-skills.
“Relationships are another form of capital.” -Wole Coaxum BE NYC 08.19.2020
ABOUT IN-18 LLC
IN-18 LLC (IN18) is a Professional Development company using experiences to help people and organizations reach their greatest potential. Our focus is leadership development, building teams, and thought leadership. Through executive and leadership coaching, executive retreats, team-building golf events, and professional development training, we show our clients how to leverage soft skills to be better leaders.
At IN-18 we leverage golf as a tool to deepen the learning experience and to rebuild the interpersonal skills lost in the era of remote workplaces. It’s not about knowing or learning golf, it’s about addressing the needs of your people and experiencing something new together. We show our clients how to build cohesive teams, stronger culture, develop relationships, and networking through team-building, coaching, and leadership training.
PAST SPEAKING & TRAINING ENGAGEMENTS
- LIU RocNation Series: A moderated conversation with Bozoma Saint John, Netflix
- WOMN: Golf for Career Advancement (www.womnllc.com)
- LEADistics Life Reinvention Summit hosted by Dr. Kathryn Bingham
- Guest on Sports Radio Talk show “To Be Honest” WHCR 90.3
- Creatress Summit: Deals on the Golf Course (www.creatressco.com)
- The Dream Center Harlem: Effective Communication, Business Finance I and II, Creating an Idea that Works
- Long Island University: Diversity in Golf
- Building Your Personal Trifecta hosted by Notedd
- Felician University Black Careers Panel
- Race and Ethnic Identities Panel hosted by Rutgers University
- Tory Sport Flagship Store; Golf, Life & Business
- HUE Tech Summit Speaker (www.huetechsummit.com)
- Preparing to Lead hosted by Adaptive Growth Leadership and Rutgers
- And more…
