Emily Kitazawa

Emily found her love of reading and writing at a young age, learning to enjoy these activities thanks to being taught them by her mom—Goodnight Moon will forever be a favorite. As a young adult, Emily graduated with her English degree, specializing in Creative Writing and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), from the University of Central Florida. She later earned her master’s degree in Higher Education from Pennsylvania State University. Emily loves reading fiction, especially modern Japanese, historical, crime, and philosophical fiction. Her personal writing is inspired by observations of people and nature.

The True Importance of Trust in the Workplace

What is the importance of trust in the workplace? How do high- or low-trust relationships affect your work? In The Speed of Trust, author Stephen Covey examines all the ways trust impacts your life, from personal to professional relationships. Covey believes trust is your most valuable asset, and losing or gaining trust in the workplace has a real impact on your career. Read on to learn the true importance of trust in the workplace, according to Covey.

How to Find Fulfilling Work—Simon Sinek’s 3 Tips

What is the best method for finding fulfilling work? How does understanding your life’s purpose lead to fulfilling work? According to motivational speaker and author Simon Sinek, taking the time to examine your life’s purpose will lead to finding fulfilling work. Sinek provides a proven method for discovering your Why, or purpose, and shows how purpose-driven people lead happier lives. Keep reading to find out Sinek’s steps for finding fulfilling work through living a purposeful life.

Find Your Why Review: Will This Book Help You?

Why are reviews for Find Your Why mixed? How can this self-help book be used most effectively? In Find Your Why, the authors explain practical steps for individuals and organizations to find a true purpose. Many readers appreciate the book’s approach to identifying and living your Why, but the book received mixed reviews from some critics. Read this review of Find Your Why to see if it could actually help you discover your life’s purpose.

Handshake Deals: Are They Realistic or Risky?

What is the meaning of a handshake deal? Are handshake deals a realistic way to conduct business, or are they too risky? Author and former CEO Stephen Covey wrote The Speed of Trust to illustrate the importance of building high-trust relationships in business and in your personal life. Covey’s great depth of experience lends credibility to his argument for trusting and using handshake deals in business. Read on to learn why Covey says handshake deals can be less risky than convoluted contracts.

How to Find Meaning in Your Life: A Proven Technique

How do you find meaning in your life when feeling unmotivated? How will your life improve once you discover your purpose? According to author Simon Sinek, finding meaning in your life leads to discovering more satisfying work and making better decisions. Sinek’s “Golden Circle” technique for finding your life’s purpose can be used by anyone who desires a more meaningful life. Keep reading to learn how to find meaning in your life by using Sinek’s proven technique, including a personal purpose exercise.

Decoding the Psychology of Trust in Relationships

How can you understand the psychology of trust in relationships? What should you do to build trust in a relationship? According to The Speed of Trust author Stephen Covey, the psychology of trust in relationships begins from your very first impression of someone. From there, Covey explains that subsequent interactions either add to or subtract from your relationship’s “trust account.” Read on to learn Covey’s explanation of the psychology of trust in relationships, including how to earn trust.

How to Encourage Idea Sharing in the Workplace

How does idea sharing in the workplace benefit an organization? How can you inspire your team to get involved and share ideas? Author Simon Sinek believes everyone, no matter their role or status, deserves to find fulfillment at work. According to Sinek, discovering the core purpose that inspires your team to do the work they choose to do will promote team engagement and idea sharing. Read on to learn Sinek’s approach to encouraging team idea sharing in the workplace, including a thought-provoking exercise.

What Makes a Person Trustworthy? The 5 Rules

What makes a person trustworthy? How do experts define trustworthiness? Why is being trustworthy one of your most valuable assets? Stephen Covey identified five rules for what makes a person trustworthy in his book The Speed of Trust. According to Covey, by fulfilling these five rules, you can start building high-trust relationships in your personal and professional life. Keep reading to learn Stephen Covey’s five rules for what makes a person trustworthy.

How to Fulfill Your Purpose & Validate Goals (+Exercise)

How can you fulfill your purpose in life when you feel aimless? What first steps should you take to achieve your goals? Motivational speaker and author Simon Sinek believes every person has a true purpose waiting to be found. Sinek developed a simple yet effective method for fulfilling your purpose when you don’t know where to begin. Keep reading to learn how sharing your purpose and validating your goals can lead to fulfillment, according to Sinek.

How to Make Someone (Really) Trust You

What is the importance of knowing how to make someone trust you? What is the best way to earn someone’s trust? According to The Speed of Trust author Stephen Covey, trust is your most valuable asset in life, yet society greatly undervalues trust in relationships. When learning how to make someone trust you, Covey suggests giving trust is just as important as earning trust. Keep reading to learn how to make someone trust you, according to Covey’s explanation.