On #privilege and #unconsciousbias: Take 2 entrepreneurs (Alpha & Zeta), Alpha holds a degree from a top university and has worked at the fastest growing tech startup, Zeta does not come from a top university and has not worked in any startup rather comes from "an okay" company.

When presenting a startup idea to investors Alpha gets viewed as competent and confident even though s/he did not have an impact on the startup, and barely performed well at university. Alpha's parents covered all expenses for university and got the job via his/her dad's network.

Zeta gets viewed as lacking competency and conviction even though s/he graduated at the top of his/her class, was the hardest working employee, monetarily aided his/her family for many years, and still took night classes and volunteering opportunities to expand his/her knowledge.

This is the difference between running a block and crossing the finish line, versus training, running a marathon, confronting obstacles, and, due to biases, facing more struggles in crossing the finish line.

#privilege #unconsciousbias

If there's a delay in performance, execution, reaching the finish-line for competent people from underpriviledged backgrounds is not because of conviction, knowledge, or competency, it's because the entire system works against them.

#privilege #unconsciousbias

Tip to evaluators: Be aware of your biases, set them aside, ask more questions, and eliminate assumptions.