Rick Kitagawa

Rick Kitagawa is the Head of Community + Experience Designer at Brainstorm Road, a role he has held since February 2023. In this position, he focuses on fostering a culture of mutual support and belonging for individuals pursuing their dream projects. His responsibilities include co-facilitating live events, creating inspirational content, and developing product offerings alongside the company's co-founders.1

In addition to his current role, Kitagawa is also a co-founder and leadership coach at Spotlight Trust, where he works on building trust-centered leadership through practical frameworks and training. He has authored the book The Future is Trust, which emphasizes the importance of trust in leadership.1 His experience spans various industries, having worked with notable companies such as Starbucks, Facebook, and Nike, helping leaders overcome challenges like impostor syndrome and enhancing their leadership skills.1

Kitagawa's background also includes being a freelance illustrator and fine art painter, showcasing his creative talents in galleries across the San Francisco Bay Area. He co-owns a collaborative art venture called Monkey + Seal and serves as the Community Manager for DesignerCon, where he engages with attendees and vendors at one of the largest designer toy conventions in the U.S..1

Overall, Rick Kitagawa combines his expertise in community building, creative leadership, and artistic expression to make a significant impact in both corporate and creative environments.