Diana Morales, Founder and CEO of DM Consulting Services, brings over 25 years of experience in the bioprocess, cell, and gene therapy sectors, offering bespoke strategies for biotech startups and clinical drug development firms. At DM Consulting Services, Diana’s leadership focuses on crafting robust commercial strategies and sales organizations for emerging companies, driving scientific innovations to market success with adaptability and a customer-centric approach.
Previously, Diana held significant roles at OrganaBio, Mass Biologics, Invetech, GE Healthcare, and Thermo Fisher Scientific. At OrganaBio, she served as Vice President of Sales, where she played a pivotal role in advancing cGMP manufacturing services for cell-based therapies. As Vice President of Business Development and Operations at Mass Biologics, Diana contributed to the development and manufacturing of vaccines and biologics, emphasizing operational excellence in this historic institution. During her time at Invetech, Diana led the launch of new GMP products and services as VP, Head of Cell Therapy Products & Services. Her leadership in global management and team building significantly bolstered Invetech’s presence in the market.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with CXO Outlook Magazine, Diana shared her professional trajectory, insights on the importance of diversity and inclusion, the secret mantra behind her success, personal hobbies and interests, future plans, pearls of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Diana. What inspired you to establish DM Consulting Services, and what unique value proposition do you offer to clients?
My inspiration for founding DM Consulting stemmed from various experiences, particularly over the last four years of my career. I observed a significant lack of culture, leadership, and expertise within startups and emerging biotech companies. Many of these companies are spin-offs from venture capital firms or are run by individuals with financial backgrounds, leading to numerous mistakes. As they reach the expansion phase, they often realize they’ve missed crucial years of strategic planning and forward-thinking, which hampers their growth or leads to failure.
To address this, I established a network of former C-suite executives and subject matter experts with diverse expertise. Combining their knowledge with my business development and commercial experience, we can guide any startup to success and support them throughout their journey until they no longer need our services. Our model primarily serves clients in Series A to C funding stages.
What role do you think data analytics and digital technologies will play in shaping the future of the biotech industry?
I believe it will play a huge role as things are shifting and digitalization is at the forefront of innovation. We need to figure out how to keep up with all of it but most importantly how we prepare the agencies and FDA to follow through and act quickly to help therapies to market quicker.
How do you stay up to date with the latest developments and advancements in the field?
Network, network, network and always learning new skills, whether it is AI tools and technology or new ways of doing business in the new era.
What are your thoughts on diversity and inclusion in your field? How important is it to have authentic conversations with leaders, professionals, and changemakers to create more acceptance across the globe?
I have not seen diversity to be an issue in my field. It is critical however, that leaders are leading with transparency and an appetite for their teams to grow professionally. We need the new generation to be prepared for what they will be needing to lead with in the future. We need to build changemakers and allow for inclusion of opinion within the workforce.
You were recently recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Connecticut for 2025. Our readers would love to know the secret sauce behind your success.
I have been honored three times by Women We Admire: as a Top Leader of 2024 nationally, and as a Top Leader in Connecticut and Massachusetts in 2025. This recognition has been incredibly humbling. The key to my success lies in authenticity, resilience, and perseverance through life’s challenges. I maintain the same high standards and ethics both at home and at work, and my faith has been a significant guiding force. I have always believed that God had greater plans for me, and I have strived to follow the path intended for me.
If you could have a one-hour meeting with someone famous who is alive, who would it be and why?
Matthew McConaughey… He is someone that has always intrigued me with how he manages his personal life and professional life. Most down-to-earth person, someone who would shake the janitor’s hand and you wouldn’t be able to tell who he was. Treating others like he would want to be treated.
Is there a particular person you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are?
My parents, Thomas and Violet. The most amazing people in my world, my mentors, my biggest cheerleaders. I would not be here without them. Also, my husband Mike, who has been there throughout my journey.
How do you keep your mind healthy and stay resilient? And how do you motivate your team?
I meditate, work out and always explore new adventures with my family. We love to travel to different places and make new memories. I love seeing my children happy so whatever they want to do I am always game to try something new.
What do you hope to achieve in the next 5-10 years, and how do you plan to get there?
Build and scale up my company nationally. I have some big plans and vision of where I see DM Consulting fitting in the world of biotech and biopharma. We will be the go-to up and coming boutique consulting firm for startups.
What advice would you give to emerging leaders in the biotech industry?
Plan ahead and prepare for the type of culture and company you want to build. Have a vision of what you want to represent to the world and who do you want your company to be knows as 5 years or 10 years out. Build your commercial strategy along your science. These go hand in hand, and they are not separate. You will miss the mark if you don’t plan for this along your journey.