Diana Samuels
Diana Samuels is an accomplished Director of Operations with over a decade of experience managing international business operations and driving operational excellence. Currently at Harounian Rugs International, she oversees global supply relationships, inventory management, product development, and administrative leadership. Diana has a proven track record of coordinating cross-departmental workflows and trade show logistics, ensuring that company operations run seamlessly across multiple countries, including India, Nepal, Belgium, Turkey, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Before transitioning into the natural materials and rug industry, Diana built a foundation in the medical field, gaining hands-on experience as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer at leading hospitals in New York. This diverse background has equipped her with strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills that she applies daily to streamline complex operational processes and foster collaboration across teams.
Recognized as a central operational leader, Diana’s professional focus is on optimizing global operations while preparing to step into a Chief Operating Officer role. She is passionate about maintaining operational efficiency, supporting product innovation, and enhancing customer experiences. Her dedication to excellence, combined with her extensive experience in international operations, positions her as a driving force behind the continued growth and success of her organization.
• Touro University - M.A.
• Obstetric Ultrasound
• General Ultrasound
• Excellence achievement award
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to persistence, strong communication skills, and confidence, as well as my ability to multitask and manage multiple departments simultaneously. I also credit the lessons I’ve learned from my team and sales manager, my adaptability, and my commitment to proving myself in a male-dominated industry.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received has come from my team members and my sales manager, who have been instrumental in my professional development. I also draw inspiration from other successful women in my industry, whose leadership and achievements show that growth is possible even in the face of gender barriers.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be persistent, confident, and unafraid to speak up. I encourage them to trust their abilities, stay resilient in male-dominated environments, and learn from those around them while continually building their expertise.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I face in my field is operating and negotiating within a male-dominated industry, particularly when managing large projects and international partnerships. Balancing multiple responsibilities across departments can also be demanding.
At the same time, I see strong opportunities for women in operations leadership, international trade, and executive advancement—especially for those who can effectively manage complex logistics, global relationships, and cross-functional teams.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are perseverance, accountability, teamwork, clear communication, and continuous learning. I also place a strong emphasis on confidence, particularly for women navigating leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated environments.
Outside of work, I’m passionate about hiking and rock climbing. These activities are not only great outlets for stress relief but also help me maintain both my mental and physical well-being.
Locations
Harounian Rugs International
New York, NY 10001