Not an answer to your question per-say but I believe there is a strong correlation. Anecdotally I've seen traditionally good looking people get promoted far mor

Not an answer to your question per-say but I believe there is a strong correlation. Anecdotally I've seen traditionally good looking people get promoted far more often even for technical non-sales roles. I've actually become a little obsessed with this idea (stopping shy of being unhealthy). To the point where I lost 25 lbs (through diet and exercise over 6 months), wear nicer cloths (even on Zoom meetings), and whiten my teeth. And it may be a placebo effect. It may just be increased confidence. But I think I've seen results from it. I'm lucky I have a starting point that was already good (but not great) by US societal standards (I'm average height, male, was only slightly overweight, in good health, and my body responds well to exercise for someone almost hitting 40). But some people may not be lucky. Edit: For context, I'm a technical founder (CxO). I think the effect may be more limited if you are, say, a junior software developer where technical and soft skills may be enough to differentiate you and run you up the ladder. But at the very competitive higher levels it often boils down to who they board/execs/principals/investors like more. And looks, unfortunately, play a role.