Thanks, Tim. I appreciate your sharing your story. I think most all of us have a story (or 10 or 100) of discounting a person over a surface issue like accent.

Earlier in my career, I toured the underwriting office of an insurance company. The person leading the tour began, “These folks do not interface with outside customers, so we do not require a strict dress code here.”

That disclaimer did not prepare me for the bunny slippers, Michael Jackson glove, and curlers I witnessed in those hallways.

I still find myself looking at others’ footwear and jumping to conclusions. I’m sure they’re looking at mine, too.