In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re happy to bring our Women in Furniture Series, spotlighting accomplished women shaping the furniture industry. While strides have been made towards gender diversity, the industry lags behind others. At 3D Cloud®, we stand behind and empower outstanding women propelling the industry forward. So, grab your favorite brew, take a seat, and delve into the inspiring journey of —
Diana Glattly.
We can start with how you landed in the furniture industry. Can you tell us about that?
Diana Glattly: Completing a degree in Human Factors & Ergonomics funneled me directly into the furniture industry. At the time, it seemed random, but looking back, it makes a lot of sense. I’ve always worked with fabric as a seamstress and woodworking tools in my parents’ piano-rebuilding business. We have a family joke that if it’s got casters, we’ll work with it! For any non-furniture people, casters are the wheels on an office chair and a grand piano.
What steps did you take to become the CEO and Co-Founder of Cypher?
DG: My experience is unique in that the first decade of my career was split between sales and IT. I gained hands-on experience with clients and products before moving behind the scenes, where I continued to advocate for the field’s needs. Sales was incredible for confidence building. In Digital Innovation, I learned to research, test, and pitch technologies to executives. Practicing entrepreneurship within a large company was a great incubator for later starting my own business! Somewhere along the way, I realized that everyone is just making it up as they go along, so why not me too?
What do you love about working in the furniture industry?
DG: What I love about furniture is that everyone needs it. While other industries boom and bust, the furniture industry continues to plod along, weathering every storm. We all need things to sit on, sleep on, study on, and socialize on. I also love the artistry, the shapes, the colors, and the craft of how beautiful pieces are assembled to enhance the everyday lives of real people.
“Somewhere along the way, I realized that everyone is just making it up as they go along, so why not me too?” – Diana Glattly, CEO and Co-Founder of Cypher
What are some unique challenges of a career in furniture?
DG: The biggest challenge I’ve found in the furniture industry is the data — so I founded my company, Cypher, to solve it. Product data is challenging because it’s the intersection of messy real life and rigid computing logic. Real-world products are always changing and evolving, and our records sometimes struggle to keep up. The inconsistent data used to drive me nuts as a salesperson, then blocked me as a digital innovator, but today, I thrive on solving that challenge. It’s like scratching the best itch ever.
Is there a project or success story you are most proud of?
DG: My greatest success was born out of my greatest failure. Back in 2016, I became enamored with 3D technology and its potential to revolutionize human-computer interaction. I began working on an experimental project to fuel my transition from sales to digital innovation. I led a capstone team, won awards, and even got funded by my company…but then I couldn’t get it off the ground. I was heartbroken. Looking back, the timing just wasn’t right. 3D technology was still immature. We were too early. Fast forward a decade, and I’m working on that very project again, thanks to finally having sophisticated tools invented by 3D Cloud. I look forward to sharing this story in more detail once the project is launched!
How important is having a network of other women as you mature in your career?
DG: It’s critical! I am where I am today thanks to the support of other professional women. I had some incredible mentors in my early 20s who took me under their wing. I want to specifically shout out my first manager, Leanne Johnston, who heavily invested in my development and took me seriously despite my young age. There were many experienced women on my sales team who coached me, believed in me, and drove me all over New England, trusting me with their biggest clients. In recent years, my collaboration with Lorna Jean Marcuzzo has been rocket fuel for my career in 3D. Today, I pay it forward by lifting up, cheerleading, and elevating the voices of all the technical women around me. Relationships built by women are so powerful! I also want to take a moment to shout out all the amazing men in my corner, too, past and present.
If you could offer your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
DG: To flow more. I have a vision, and I’m very stubborn. Early in my career, I would often try to force my “good ideas” into existence and had a hard time accepting when the timing or circumstances just weren’t right. These early frustrations and failures taught me a critical lesson: sometimes you need to stop swimming against the current and just float. Stay curious about where the river is taking you and enjoy the ride. These days, I let things flow. If that project or client doesn’t come through, it wasn’t meant for me right now. Resisting reality burns up your energy. There’s peace in accepting and allowing the unpredictable flow of life.
“Resisting reality burns up your energy. There’s peace in accepting and allowing the unpredictable flow of life.” – Diana Glattly, CEO and Co-Founder of Cypher
What values are most important to you as a leader?
DG: Honesty, compassion, and communication — these are the three key ingredients for building strong relationships. My team and clients know I’m very transparent; what they see is what they get. I do not play games or shy away from difficult conversations. To be honest with others, I must first be honest with myself, which I have been working on over the years through therapy and self-development. I am always asking myself hard questions to get to the deeper layer of the trust that lives within us all.
What keeps you energized?
DG: Unapologetic boundaries and ruthless prioritization! Many people think that saying “yes” to everything is the only path to success, but I’ve found that learning to say “no” protects the part of me that actually creates value. In this new world order of 24/7 availability and instantaneous responses on live chats, I intentionally design friction around my attention. Choosing depth over immediacy and deep focus over distraction has been crucial to my success as a consultant and business owner.
Diana’s journey shows how curiosity, resilience, and strong mentorship can shape a successful career. From sales to founding her own company, she’s embraced challenges and used them to drive innovation in the furniture industry.
Thank you, Diana, for sharing your career journey with us.
