Underserved. Underrepresented. These are valid terms for talent, but let's be honest - they've lost their edge.

I've used them in my work, sometimes awkwardly, lazily, or without enough critical thinking. And too often, they're twisted into something else entirely. That doesn't help anyone.

But what if there's another way to look at this?

Here's a term that cuts through the noise: Mispriced.

In commercial markets, 'mispriced' refers to assets valued incorrectly due to inefficiencies or overlooked factors. It's where savvy investors find hidden gems.

Mispriced talent? Those people valued incorrectly in the job market - a place where complex dynamics shift constantly.

And 'price' isn't just salary. That's barely scratching the surface. We're talking about the full spectrum of value a person brings.

The opportunity? Seek out Mispriced talent. It's about unlocking potential that the usual system overlooks.

It’s definitely not easy: how do we find those perfect fits, reveal hidden brilliance in people? I certainly haven't solved it yet, but I'm convinced thinking about mispriced talent is key to designing better opportunities for everyone.

And once you start seeing talent through this lens, you can't unsee...

Who do you know who's mispriced?

P.S. I borrowed this term from venture capitalist Josh Wolfe. It was buried in one of his company's all-hands meetings. I'm surprised it hasn't caught fire yet. But then again, maybe the term itself is mispriced.