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.

In this Tom's Life Lab episode, Tom explains why you don't need to fit in to make an impact.

The feeling of not fitting in can creep in anywhere. Whether it's the boardroom, family dinner table or group chat, it's a feeling that can appear quietly, but powerfully, and it can shape how you show up.

Many of us grow up believing that belonging is about fitting in, but real belonging isn't about sameness; it's about being seen and accepted for who you are.

If you don't feel like you fit in, instead of camouflaging your interests behind other peoples', be honest about your likes and beliefs. Show up with integrity, and people will respect you for being your true, authentic self.

Listen to the episode to learn three things you can do the next time you feel like you don't fit in.

This episode of Tom's Life Lab explores how growth comes from pursuing the cringe.

Cringe is the emotional signal that we're brushing up against our edges. It's something most of us instinctively avoid, but if you're never cringing, you're probably not growing.

When we cringe, it's often because we feel exposed, at risk, or a bit awkward; however, the leaders that learn to embrace this feeling, evolve the fastest. They ask questions in a room full of experts, admit when they don't know, and try new formats, even if they don't succeed.

In the episode, Tom reveals his own cringe moment, and how the thing that he thought would make him feel foolish, actually made him feel alive. Listen now for some examples of ways you can pursue the cringe.