About

Joyce Akiko

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

Background

I help creative entrepreneurs turn big visions into smooth operations. I build clear, actionable plans, handle the tech and processes, and keep everything running without bottlenecks. My mission? Free business owners from the daily grind so they can focus on growth and doing what they love.

With 10+ years of experience, I specialize in streamlining workflows, optimizing teams, and eliminating time-wasters. From automating onboarding to tightening backend systems, I help businesses scale with less stress and more momentum.

My work has been featured in Lifehacker, GrowthLab, Tuts+, and more—and I’ve helped countless entrepreneurs reclaim their time and sanity.

When I’m not turning bottlenecks into breakthroughs, I’m sipping too much tea, geeking out over project management tools, or knitting with a cat on my lap in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Ready to focus on ideas instead of implementation? Book a Strategy Session today.

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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 clients 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.