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The surprising element of Kristen’s breakthrough wasn’t a "tough market." It was a split in her own focus. After three final-round rejections, she was stuck. On paper, a top candidate, shoe-in for a senior leadership role.

Bias isn’t a personal defect—it’s part of the human condition. But awareness of these patterns allows us to choose curiosity over judgment. When we slow down and notice these blind spots, we not only make better decisions—we also create workplaces that are more inclusive, humane, and effective.