Navigating Bias: The Story of Ashley Head, a Black Man in Biotech

In the world of biotechnology, where innovation and expertise are paramount, one would expect meritocracy to reign supreme. However, the reality is often far from it. I am Mr. Ashley T. Head, a seasoned professional with over two decades of biotech and pharmaceutical industry experience. Despite my impressive credentials, I have found himself facing a persistent and insidious form of bias – the assumption that I am a white woman based solely on my name.

So, let me introduce myself: I'm Ashley, a black man with a name apparently fit for a white woman, according to some perplexed interviewers I've encountered in my over 20 years in the biotech industry. Yes, you heard that right – Ashley, the black guy in biotech. Who would've thought, right?

I kicked off my journey with a BS in Chemistry from Morehouse College because, hey, I've always had a thing for mixing stuff in test tubes. Then came the MBA where I graduated at the top of my class, because apparently, knowing my way around a lab wasn't enough. But hey, who am I to argue with the system?

I've strutted my stuff through the hallowed halls of Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Abbott – you name it, I've probably been there. And let me tell you, climbing the corporate ladder as a black man with a name that screams "Soccer Mom" has been quite the adventure. My latest role was a top executive, which I considered one of my best roles, but the company closed due to lack of funding. Bummer.

But here's the kicker – despite my impressive resume and killer experience, I keep running into the same old song and dance during interviews. Picture this: I walk in, all suited up and ready to dazzle them with my brilliance and perfect smile, only to be met with puzzled looks when they realize I'm not the white woman they were expecting. Classic.

So, what's a guy gotta do to get a fair shot around here? Well, apparently, the solution is to play a little game of hide-and-seek with my identity. That's right – I've resorted to taking my photo off my latest resume just to level the playing field. Because apparently, being black and talented is a bit too much for some folks to handle. I was right because to no surprise the initial phone screens are trickling in again. A coincidence? I think not!

But hey, I'm not one to let a little thing like bias get in the way of my hustle. I may have to jump through hoops just to get my foot in the door, but once I'm in, there's no stopping me. Call it my superpower – the ability to turn skepticism into admiration, one baffled interviewer at a time.

So, here's to all the black folks out there with "white" names and a whole lot of sass like me. We may have to work twice as hard to prove ourselves, but you better believe we'll do it with style and a healthy dose of sarcasm. Because if there's one thing I've learned in this crazy journey called life, it's that laughter is the best revenge against bias. And trust me, I've got plenty of material to work with.

Sincerely,

MISTER ASHLEY TYRONE HEAD, BS in CHEMISTRY (Top of my class) and MBA (Top of my class)!!!

San Diego, CA