In this reflective episode of the Life Lab, Tom explores the tension between authenticity and performance in modern leadership and life. In a culture that constantly tells us to pitch, polish, and promote ourselves, he asks: What happens when we stop selling ourselves and start being ourselves? Through personal insight and coaching experience, Tom shares why overperforming can disconnect us from who we are, and why the most powerful leaders are those who show up grounded, honest, present and real. He challenges listeners to experiment with presence over performance: to trust that the right people, opportunities, and moments respond not to our packaging, but to our truth.