About

Joyce Akiko

Discover how my journey led to offering Operations Consulting and Fractional COO services, blending business structure with people operations to deliver solutions that are both strategic and human-focused.

Background

I’ve always been wired to streamline chaos. As a child, I’d sew my own clothes—turning fabric into functional pieces by plotting every step, like solving a creative puzzle.

Fast forward to today, I’ve spent over 10 years leading Business and People Operations for everyone from solo entrepreneurs to multi-billion-dollar giants. I’ve served as the second-in-command, translating big-picture visions into actionable, step-by-step plans. Founders often call me their “right-hand woman” for a reason; I don’t just plan; I execute.

Now, through my Operations Consulting and Fractional COO services, I help founders and CEOs build sustainable, scalable foundations. Whether you need high-level strategy, hands-on implementation, or both, I’m here to make growth not just possible but practical. With a focus on efficiency and people-centered solutions, I’ll help you untangle the operational knots holding you back.

Examples of my projects include:

  • Reducing operating costs by 34% through process optimization.
  • Automating sales process and reducing manual tasks by 38%.
  • Developing HR processes for global team acquisition, onboarding, and performance management.
  • Monitoring KPIs and OKRs to ensure departments meet business goals.
  • Creating a 3-year compensation strategy for 500+ employees, aligned with metrics.
  • Developing and maintaining SOPs, ensuring easy access for team members.
  • Achieving a 95% system adoption of a new SaaS platform for a staff of 2,000+.
  • Designing retention and engagement strategies, reducing client turnover rates.
  • Managing project management systems like Asana, ClickUp, and Monday.
  • Implementing foundational operations systems such as email marketing platforms with advanced funnel logic, CRMs, Learning Management Systems, landing pages and payments, and bookkeeping tools.

… and many more. You can view my resume here. I pride myself on consistency, integrity, and follow-through, guided by Marie Forleo’s mantra: everything is figureoutable.

Outside of work, I indulge in various creative hobbies, including sewing, shoe-making, and other crafts—feel free to check them out on Instagram. I enjoy keeping busy and constantly learning new things.

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.