In a recent LinkedIn post, Ashleigh Early shares her strong reaction to a sales tactic that uses models to “enhance” Zoom calls, arguing it’s both demeaning to women and insulting to potential buyers. Early, who has personal experience with the modeling and pageantry circuits, was prompted to speak out after a colleague, Evan Patterson, shared an email from a company offering such services.
The core of the issue, as Early details, is the premise that buyers are less likely to appear “weak” when interacting with attractive women. This approach, she contends, is fundamentally flawed and ethically questionable.
“It’s a legit company that offers models to join your Zoom calls on the theory that buyers don’t want to look ‘weak’ in front of a gorgeous woman.”
Early draws on her own past experiences to contextualize her outrage. She recounts being paid to be a “Bond Girl” at a college event and facing instances where she was asked to take notes or order food in boardrooms, even when she was there to present. She also notes the broader impact of appearance on professional treatment.
The Insult to Buyers and Sellers
Beyond the objectification of women, Ashleigh Early argues that this sales tactic fundamentally disrespects the intelligence of the buyers. She posits that the assumption buyers can be easily manipulated by such superficial means reveals a deeper problem with the selling company’s process.
“This is disgusting. I want nothing to do with any company that uses tactics like this. This doesn’t build trust. This doesn’t promote critical thinking. If it does boost your close rate, you have WAY BIGGER ISSUES with your process.”
According to Early, this method treats all parties involved as “mindless idiots.” She expresses frustration that such philosophies, which she finds deeply offensive, persist in business environments and are likely to be profitable, highlighting a troubling aspect of sales culture.
Personal Experience with Objectification
Ashleigh Early’s personal history, including her time on the Miss America circuit and her experiences being hired for promotional modeling, gives her a unique perspective on the issue. She acknowledges that the world is not blind to appearances but feels this particular tactic crosses a line into blatant objectification and disrespect.
“I was paid to be a ‘Bond Girl’ at a country club party when I was in college. I’ve been the one asked to take notes or order food in boardrooms when I was there to present. I’ve even seen in my own career how differently people treat me depending on my weight & appearance.”
She emphasizes that her objection is not about naivete but about the ethical implications and the underlying message sent by such practices. Early is seeking validation from her network, asking if others share her disgust and find her reaction to be reasonable.
Challenging Sales Processes
Ashleigh Early challenges the efficacy and ethics of sales strategies that rely on objectification. In her view, genuine business success is built on trust, critical thinking, and a respect for all parties involved, none of which are fostered by the tactic she denounces.
“This treats everyone involved like a mindless idiot. And I hate it because I feel like they’ll make a good amount of money doing it because these sort of philosophies refuse to die.”
Her post serves as a strong condemnation of a specific sales approach, urging a re-evaluation of tactics that may prioritize perceived advantages of appearance over substantive professional interaction and respect.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Ashleigh Early on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on July 29, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →