Her Story
About Lusine
Lusine Madarian is a Production Manager at Arktura in Van Nuys, California, with a professional background spanning architecture, project management, manufacturing operations, production management, and continuous improvement. She began her career in architecture after earning a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture with a minor in Business from Woodbury University. Her experience in architectural design and project management ultimately led her into manufacturing, where she discovered a strong interest in the production process and developed her career through progressively responsible operational and leadership roles.
Since joining Arktura, Madarian has advanced through positions including Job Captain, Senior Job Captain/Project Manager, Architectural Team Manager, Architectural Process Manager, Value Stream Improvement Champion, Interim Planning Manager, and Production Manager. Her experience encompasses production management, operational planning and scheduling, SOP development, Lean Manufacturing, Gemba Kaizen, Toyota Way principles, and team leadership. In her current role, she manages a production team and works to support production targets and operational goals through structured daily huddles, work-center checks, meetings, planning, and administrative responsibilities.
Madarian attributes her professional development to finding work she genuinely enjoys, learning from mistakes, and guidance from mentors who encouraged her to grow through challenging experiences. She believes that people develop by becoming comfortable with discomfort and treating mistakes as opportunities to learn. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes leading by example, treating people with respect, communicating assertively and respectfully, and maintaining accountability without relying on outdated management approaches. Outside her professional work, she supports diabetes-related organizations, including the Type 1 Diabetes Association and the American Association of Diabetes.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lusine
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my transition from architecture into manufacturing and to discovering how much I enjoy the manufacturing process. My experience in architecture gave me a strong foundation, but moving into manufacturing allowed me to find an area of work that I genuinely enjoy. I also credit the mentors who have supported my development, including Scott Kemphy, who encouraged me to make mistakes, learn from them, and continue growing.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to make mistakes but learn from them and to become comfortable with being uncomfortable, because that is where growth happens.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering the industry that there is no limit to what they can achieve as long as they have the determination and will to pursue it. Most importantly, they should not limit themselves or allow assumptions about what they can accomplish to define their opportunities.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are leading by example, treating people with respect, communicating assertively while remaining respectful, and holding people accountable. I believe effective leadership does not require an outdated or overly authoritarian management style. People can be held to high standards while still being treated with respect.
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