It’s Time We Rethink What “Professional” Looks Like

Let’s do a quick thought experiment. Humor me.

Close your eyes and imagine an executive at a successful business. Really picture this person in your head, and don’t filter yourself. There’s no wrong answer here, and this isn’t a test. But I would be willing to bet money that many of you imagined a tallish, dark-haired white man in a sharp suit, the archetypal Don Draper of the American mind. It almost goes without saying. He has an office. He squares his shoulders. He keeps a mug in his hand, a pen in his jacket, and a tie around his neck. He drives a nice car, goes to fancy parties, is a charismatic smooth talker, and is surrounded by men who likely look a whole lot like him.