Chiara Bertipaglia: Being Intentional about Practicing Kindness

From a transmission electron microscope in Germany to a leadership post at Stanford University, Chiara Bertipaglia’s journey spans scientific rigor, cross-cultural insight, and a human-centered mission. A biomedical scientist turned science manager and executive coach, Chiara brings a rare blend of analytical depth and emotional clarity to the conversation on kindness.

Born in Italy, trained in Germany, and now working in the United States, Chiara has experienced multiple academic and professional cultures. This perspective has helped her recognize that kindness often shows up in different forms, not all of them obvious. What one person sees as neutral or blunt, another may perceive as cold or even unkind. Learning to navigate those differences has reinforced her belief that kindness requires intentionality.

In her current work supporting STEM researchers in higher education, Chiara defines kindness as doing what is in someone’s best interest. She believes that true kindness is not always easy or pleasant—it involves clarity, accountability, and empathy. “Masquerading critical feedback with nice words will only cause confusion,” she said. For her, kindness is about being honest with care, especially when navigating complex team dynamics.

Chiara shared that leadership requires effortful kindness, the kind that shows up in how feedback is delivered, how transitions are handled, and how support is offered without performative gestures. These moments, often invisible, create long-term trust. “It takes time,” she said, “but it is the kind thing to do.”

As a certified coach, she brings that same philosophy to coaching engagements. “I will offer you empathy and compassion, and also hold you to what we're here to do in this coaching engagement.” It is about creating growth and doing so in partnership, with clear intent.

She also noted that practicing empathy and compassion is not passive. It requires energy and attention, especially in leadership roles. The more genuine the effort, the more it is felt by teams. “The leader who shows up genuinely will be recognized,” she said. “And so will the one who is merely performing kindness.”

Chiara wants to set a good example—consistently, not performatively. Her story shows that in science, in leadership, and in life, kindness is strong, clear, and deliberate.

“Kindness is doing what is in someone’s best interest—even when it is difficult.”

Chiara Bertipaglia is a scientist, coach, and leader helping reshape how research teams, universities, and individuals thrive—through values-driven leadership grounded in clarity, empathy, and integrity. Keep an eye out for more interviews.