Doreen Marchetti: Loyalty, Leadership, and Living with Kindness

Doreen Marchetti’s leadership story spans 37 years, more than 50 countries, and countless relationships. She brings a rare depth of global experience, and has never lost sight of the human element. Her reflections on kindness, loyalty, and connection offer a grounded and meaningful perspective for Investing in Kindness.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Doreen began her career at IBM. What followed was a long and loyal tenure, where she led global teams and even pioneered remote work 27 years ago. She led with sincerity, cultural humility, and a genuine commitment to people.

“Kindness,” she said, “is just being you. And if ‘you’ doesn’t equal kindness, then go back to bed and start over again.”

Her definition of kindness showed up everywhere in our conversation, from helping elderly strangers reach a grocery shelf to her approach with colleagues around the world. One of her most memorable stories involved a former employee from Chile who visited her in New Jersey. Doreen welcomed the family into her home, even babysitting their toddler so the parents could enjoy a Broadway show. Years later, they hosted her and her sons on a personally curated trip through Chile and to Patagonia. “Kindness just spreads.”

In another story, she described a work trip to China where she was discouraged by a male colleague from speaking during a meeting as a female, despite being the person who led the program. When the client executive finally turned to her, she answered honestly and clearly, and with a deep passion for her client. That moment shifted the dynamic. Later that evening, she was invited by the client senior executive to dinner—not her male colleague, and Doreen invited her junior team members to join. For her, it was a reminder that kindness and credibility often go hand in hand.

But her career was not without challenges. Doreen also spoke openly about a toxic former boss who publicly berated employees. Instead of fostering an innovative, collaborative environment, he created a fear culture. In 37 years, she had 42 bosses, seeing all types of management styles and truly gaining a view of what worked well and what did not.

From global business to everyday gestures, Doreen Marchetti’s life is a testament to the idea that kindness—real, daily, human kindness—is leadership.

“Kindness is not something you do; it is something you are.”

Doreen Marchetti is a global business leader, mentor, and advisor who brings kindness into every conversation. Doreen’s values remain consistent: show up with honesty, share what you know, and treat every person with respect. Keep an eye out for more interviews.