Presence Over Performance: Finding Your Authentic Voice with Anjali Handa

In this episode, I sit down with leadership coach Anjali Handa to talk about something so many of us struggle with - showing up authentically instead of performing. We dive into the exhausting cycle of editing ourselves, the stories we tell ourselves about not being good enough, and what shifts when we finally give ourselves permission to take up space and be heard.

Anjali shares her journey from being a quiet, insecure kid who learned to fly under the radar, to becoming a coach who helps female founders and leaders step into their powerful presence. We talk about the difference between presence and performance, why vulnerability isn't weakness, and how our insecurities keep us from making the impact we're meant to make.

This conversation is honest, vulnerable, and deeply validating. If you've ever felt small in a room, edited your voice, or wondered if you're "enough" - this episode is for you.

Topics We Discuss:

• The difference between presence and performance - and why it matters
• Why we perform instead of being authentic (and what it costs us)
• The common stories women tell themselves: "I'm not good enough," "I don't belong here," imposter syndrome
• How childhood experiences shape our adult patterns of hiding and self-editing
• Why focusing on others instead of ourselves helps us show up more authentically
• The role of purpose in overcoming insecurity
• How to catch yourself self-editing and what to do about it
• Why growth is an ongoing journey (and how to stay light about it)
• The stark difference between how men and women show up in professional spaces
• One simple thing you can do today to start reconnecting with your voice

About Anjali:

Anjali Handa is a leadership coach & trainer and the creator of The Powerful Presence Workshop, helping women feel grounded, visible, and fully themselves any time they speak or lead. With over 15 years’ experience—and five years as a transformational seminar leader—she’s coached more than 1,500 professionals and led programs for hundreds of people, blending leadership development with personal transformation so women can claim their voice and step into their next level of impact.  

 

Connect with Anjali:

Instagram: @anjali_handa

Register for the Powerful Presence Workshop: Powerful Presence Workshop

Connect with Ruth:

Website: groundingwithruth.com

Instagram, Facebook: @groundingwithruth

Book a free Enough Assessment call: https://pages.groundingwithruth.ca/calendar

Learn more about The Self-Worth Solution:

If this episode resonated and you're ready to do the deeper work of breaking people-pleasing patterns and building authentic self-worth, check out my 12-week online course, The Self-Worth Solution, at groundingwithruth.com.