Explore a thought-provoking conference talk that delves into the impact of perceptions and stereotypes on software professionals and engineering teams. Discover a personal account of how altering one's appearance can change how they are perceived in the programming world. Gain insights into unconscious bias and stereotype threat, understanding their effects on individuals and team dynamics. Learn actionable strategies for creating more inclusive and diverse engineering teams, ultimately leading to increased productivity, success, and attractiveness to potential hires. This 38-minute presentation offers valuable perspectives on challenging industry norms and fostering a more equitable work environment in the tech sector.