DIANA GOULD

Diana Gould is an experienced people strategist and leadership coach who is passionate about building thriving workplaces. With deep expertise in people operations and organizational development, Diana has spent her career helping mission-driven organizations navigate the complexities of talent management, culture-building, and leadership development. At the heart of her work is a simple but powerful belief: People deserve to have great experiences at work. That belief fuels her approach to creating workplaces where employees feel valued and supported and can do their best work.

At The Leadership Cooperative, she has spearheaded the People Operations service offering, partnering with non-profits, school districts, and philanthropic organizations to enhance their people operations experience, strengthen organizational culture, and drive leadership effectiveness. From designing holistic and tailored performance management systems to advising on employee relations with a people-centered approach, Diana is known for her ability to create sustainable, values-driven solutions that empower both employees and organizations.

Previously, as Director of People Operations at Character Lab, Diana built and led the organization’s HR function from the ground up, transforming hiring practices, advancing employee experience initiatives, and implementing structures that supported operational efficiency and employee well-being. With her leadership, the organization successfully transitioned to a fully remote model, revamped compensation practices, launched a performance management system, offered tailored professional development experiences, and implemented new employee benefits such as tuition reimbursement.

With a background in recruitment, training, employee experience, and leadership development, Diana has also held key roles at McMaster-Carr, KIPP Philadelphia, and Teach for America. Across every role, she has been a trusted advisor and builder of people-first strategies that balance business goals with a commitment to equity, growth, and dignity.

A certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SHRM-SCP), Diana holds an MBA from Rutgers University and a BA in Brain and Cognitive Sciences from the University of Rochester. Whether coaching executives, designing leadership retreats, or reimagining performance management, she brings a blend of strategic insight, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to making work a place where people can truly flourish.