About

Joyce Akiko

Efficient systems. Reliable Operations. Strategic Delegation. Flawless Implementation.

Background

With over 10 years of experience in Operations, I help organizations streamline workflows, optimize teams, and partner with executives to eliminate inefficiencies and drive measurable growth. From managing projects to refining backend systems, I enable businesses to scale with clarity, speed, and impact.

My work has been featured in Lifehacker, GrowthLab, Tuts+, and more, and I’ve helped leaders reclaim time, improve performance, and achieve operational excellence.

If you’re seeking a strategic operations partner to drive results and strengthen teams, let’s connect for a brief 20-minute virtual coffee.

Education

I earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Ithaca College, where I was one of 10 members of the Cognitive Research Team studying psycholinguistics. Our findings even landed me a spot as a presenter at the 2009 Psychology Symposium.

Next, I completed a Master of Science in Human Resources Development at Villanova University in 2011, passing the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) exam soon after. This foundation in HR allows me to infuse a people-focused strategy into my services, ensuring operations are not just efficient but also aligned with team dynamics and growth.

In 2022, I added a Specialization in Culture-Driven Team Building from the University of Pennsylvania, honing my passion for fostering learning-focused, collaborative teams.

Education

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Ithaca College, where I was one of 10 selected members of the Cognitive Research Team focused on psycholinguistics. I was also one of two members chosen to present our findings at the Psychology Symposium in 2009.

After graduating, I was accepted into the Master of Science in Human Resources Development program at Villanova University, the longest-running HRD graduate program in the U.S., known for its rigorous curriculum that includes Business Statistics and HR Metrics. I completed my degree in 2011 and soon after passed the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) exam.

In 2022, I earned a Specialization in Culture-Driven Team Building from the University of Pennsylvania, with a focus on creating a team culture of continuous learning—an area I am particularly passionate about and find essential for fostering effective, collaborative environments.

Credentials

Beyond my formal education, I’m certified in Six Sigma Root Cause Analysis and accredited by the OKR Institute. I also hold certifications in Lean Leadership and Change Management from John Academy, plus People Analytics for Performance Management and Career Development from Wharton.

I completed the EOS® Integrator Masterclass, equipping me to help Visionaries turn ideas into action using tools like the Vision/Traction Organizer (VTO™), EOS Scorecard™, and Level 10™ Meetings.

These credentials allow me to bring a structured, data-driven, and people-centered approach to my work, empowering companies to streamline operations, build strong teams, and achieve sustainable growth.

Why Matcha?

Matcha isn’t just my favorite tea—it’s a symbol of the values I bring to my work. In the Japanese tea ceremony, Chado (茶道), every detail is intentional, every tool essential. The goal? Create harmony and a sense of peace for everyone involved. That philosophy inspires how I approach life, home, and business.

Chado’s four principles—Harmony (wa), Respect (kei), Purity (sei), and Tranquility (jaku)—guide my work:

  • Harmony: Collaborating without ego, competition, or the need to dominate.
  • Respect: Meeting others with kindness and humility, no matter our differences.
  • Purity: Bringing clear intentions and an open heart to every interaction.
  • Tranquility: The natural result of weaving these principles together.

Much like the tea ceremony elevates a simple act into a meaningful experience, I apply these principles to help clients create operational clarity and lasting growth.