Bengaluru founder’s response to being criticised for ‘unprofessional’ WhatsApp DP

Surbhi Jain is the founder of Neend, an app that aims to help people sleep better (Image credit: @surbhiskjain/X)

The Bengaluru-based founder of Neend, an app that aims to help people sleep better, has responded to an “industry veteran’s” criticism of her WhatsApp display picture with a public retort. Surbhi Jain said she received a message at 1:30 am from the industry veteran which read: “You should not put a DP like this.” Confused, she asked him to elaborate on the issue.

“Like this... Hair color etc, this looks unprofessional,” the unnamed veteran responded.

Jain responded to his unsolicited advice with a public post which included a picture of hers – her hair dip-dyed a bright pink colour. In her post, she said her hair colour may be perceived as “too bold” or “too unconventional”, but that is what today’s founders ought to be.

“Challenging the status quo and breaking free from the usual is the way forward. It's not just about making bold business decisions, but also reflecting that boldness and individuality in our personal expressions,” Jain wrote.

She added that business leaders are humans too, with their own individual quirks. Her post veered into a wider discussion on expression of individuality.

“The need of the hour is not just to attract talent with monetary benefits but to make genuine human connections. To make them respect you as an individual, not just a boss,” the founder of Neend app wrote. “And what better way to showcase your authenticity than being yourself and expressing yourself unapologetically?”

You should not put a DP like this. An industry veteran texted me on WhatsApp at 1:30 AM.
I said, what do you mean? (It was just a passport-size picture of mine.)
He said, “Like this... Hair color etc, this looks unprofessional.”
Honestly, I was taken aback slightly.

"Is it too… pic.twitter.com/FxcOAETvpF

— Surbhi Jain (@surbhiskjain) December 11, 2023

She admitted that some might not find coloured hair professional, but concluded by saying it’s time we change what professionalism entails.

Her post was well-received on X, where many criticised the industry veteran for his unsolicited late-night advice.

Maybe your hair color was just too dazzling for the late-night WhatsApp chats! Keep rockin' that passport-size glamour, though!

— Bhuvannyu SharrmaSol/acc (@bhuvanyu1) December 11, 2023

I think there’s a difference between being unprofessional and unconventional.
Your professionalism is shown through work ethic, communication, honouring commitments and so on right? How does a little self expression take away from the value you add as a professional?
Obviously…

— Divya George (@divz_i_am) December 11, 2023

Many think this way across the world. Let’s break all stereotypes.
Btw, I am getting full arm tattoo once I get some time.

Let’s do remarkable things &not judge or be bothered about stereotypes.

— Atul Mehra (@MehraAtul123) December 11, 2023