About Toyinda
Toyinda L. Smith, PCC, is an accomplished coaching and facilitation educator, speaker, author, and leadership development professional with more than 25 years of experience spanning higher education, business, leadership, and personal development. Throughout her career, she has dedicated her work to helping individuals and organizations build confidence, strengthen leadership capacity, unlock potential, and create meaningful and sustainable growth.
As an International Coaching Federation (ICF) Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Toyinda is committed to advancing the coaching profession through high-quality coach education, ethical practice, leadership and business development, and professional learning. She brings a practical and engaging approach to her work, helping leaders, aspiring coaches, educators, and professionals develop the skills necessary to lead, communicate, and influence more effectively. Through her work as a speaker, coach, trainer, and facilitator, she has served and impacted more than 7,600 individuals, leaders, students, and professionals.
Toyinda currently serves as the Director of Education for the Champion Influence Coaching Institute, a division of The Coaching Seat, a training and development firm focused on developing people and strengthening organizations through coaching, leadership development, and professional learning. In this role, she leads educational experiences designed to equip aspiring and experienced coaches and facilitators with practical skills, professional knowledge, and a coaching-centered approach to working with individuals and organizations.
Her commitment to the coaching and professional development community extends beyond her organization. Toyinda serves as the Director of Professional Development for the ICF Charlotte Chapter, where she contributes to creating meaningful educational opportunities and learning experiences for members of the coaching community. She is also a member of the Charlotte Association for Talent Development (ATD) Chapter, supporting the advancement of talent development, workplace learning, leadership, and professional growth.
Over the course of her career, Toyinda has designed and delivered educational programs and development experiences for corporations, colleges and universities, community organizations, and professionals across a variety of industries. Her areas of expertise include leadership development, coaching education, communication, psychological safety, professional growth, facilitation, and the development of coaching skills for leaders and organizations. She is particularly passionate about helping leaders move beyond simply managing people to developing the capacity to empower, engage, and influence them.
In addition to her professional work, Toyinda is a published author of five self-development books focused on confidence, personal growth, potential, and the power of learning to coach oneself through life's challenges and opportunities. Her writing and teaching reflect her belief that growth begins when individuals recognize their capacity to move beyond limitations and intentionally develop the person and leader they are capable of becoming.
At the heart of Toyinda's work is a simple but powerful mission: to build confidence, unleash potential, strengthen leaders, and develop champions who are equipped to make meaningful contributions wherever they serve.
