In a recent LinkedIn post, Alicia Teltz delves into the complex and often uncomfortable topic of ‘pretty privilege’ and its potential influence on professional growth, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn. Teltz questions whether her own success on the platform might be, in part, influenced by societal biases related to appearance, prompting a broader discussion about beauty standards and their intersection with perceived value.
Alicia Teltz opens by posing a provocative question about her own growth: “Would I have been able to grow my LinkedIn this successfully if I still looked like I did in 2021?” She clarifies that the inquiry is not about vanity, but about acknowledging the pervasive reality of ‘pretty privilege’. As Teltz states:
“Sadly, but undeniably, beauty is tied to moral value, status, discipline, and even intelligence.”
Teltz elaborates on how historical and cultural forces have shaped narrow definitions of beauty, particularly for millennials. She points to traditional media and cultural influencers from previous generations that dictated a singular ideal. According to Teltz, for millennial women, this ideal often meant being thin, pale, angular, and seemingly effortless, citing figures like Kate Moss and Keira Knightley as examples.
The Internal Impact of Beauty Standards
Beyond external perception, Alicia Teltz discusses the internal ramifications of not conforming to these beauty standards. She shares a personal reflection on how her own self-perception and outward demeanor were affected before her appearance changed.
Shifting Self-Perception
Teltz notes that in the past, she exhibited less confidence, which manifested in her behavior. “I didn’t speak up as much. I didn’t look people in the eye. I didn’t hold my head up straight. Because, subconsciously, I believed I wasn’t deserving of more,” she writes.
She contrasts this with her present self, where her confidence has grown, and her business and personal brand are thriving. This leads to a crucial point of reflection for Teltz:
“Has my success been fuelled by people treating me differently? Or is this because I changed how I show up? We don’t know. We will never find out.”
Challenging Bias for Future Generations
Despite the ambiguity of attributing success solely to external biases, Teltz emphasizes actionable steps for everyone, regardless of their appearance. She advocates for recognizing, acknowledging, and refusing to perpetuate the biases handed down through generations.
The Generational Shift
Alicia Teltz highlights the emerging positive influence of younger generations, specifically Gen Z and Alpha. Having grown up with social media, these generations have been exposed to a wider array of body types, faces, and aesthetics, fostering a more inclusive understanding of beauty. Teltz suggests this exposure is paving the way for greater body positivity and diverse representation.
In Teltz’s view, this cultural shift could signify a departure from historical norms where beauty was narrowly defined. She concludes with a hopeful note:
“This might be the first time in history where there isn’t just *one* way to be ‘pretty’. Resulting in the end of our value being tied to the way we look. About time.”
Teltz’s post serves as a powerful call to critically examine societal beauty standards and their often-unseen impact on individuals’ professional journeys and self-worth.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Alicia Teltz on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on February 2, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →