Yup, Power Has A Severe P.R. Problem Right Now. But That Won't Stop Us.

I hear it all the time: "Power? Isn't that what purple movie villains, music producers who go by one initial plus made-up last name, crypto bros, and scummy politicians in shiny suits obsess over?"

I get why you might think that.

But let's pause that thought together.

There’s no question that power absolutely has a severe PR problem right now, and I'm gradually figuring out how we might rebrand this thing to work for us instead of against us. 

So, join me as I share what I've discovered about power (and what that means for us in consulting and advisory positions) so far👇🏽

History's highlight reel (and by "history", I'm talking about everything that happened on this planet until 12 hours ago) shows us a beautifully curated collection of power gone wrong.

Working with countless consultants taught me something crucial: try not to paint ALL power with the same brush.

Power is like coffee; in the right hands, it fuels greatness, which we can all aim for.

In the wrong hands, you get chaos, jitters, weird breath, and wall climbing. Together, we're learning how to avoid that path.

For us solo consulting types, I've discovered power isn't about cackling maniacally in a swivel chair. It's about having the clout to make real change happen. It's about walking into a room and having people think, "PHEW. Thank fu¢k they're here" instead of "Naaaawwww FFS. ANOTHER cOnSuLTaNt?"

If you're not wielding power, someone else in your sphere is.

And wouldn't we rather it be you – the honest, savvy, slightly over-caffeinated consultant who knows what they're doing – instead of someone who thinks leadership is about occupying the biggest corner office and tirelessly asking for updates on stuff they don't know the first thing about?

What I've come to understand about power is that it's about positioning yourself to lead based on your slice of the pie, even if you're not immediately recognised as the person holding the most status.

That slice of the pie? I've watched it become critical to the overarching industry puzzle. 

It's about being crystal clear on what you know (as well as what you don't) and being able to create positive change because you care about getting the best results based on your expertise.

From what I've seen, it's not giving "evil overlord," it's giving more "industry Yoda" (but with better grammar and sharper tailoring...or not, if Jedi robes are your thing. Do you, friend.)

And if you're wondering whether you're truly built for this, let me share something I've learned from working with hundreds of consultants: you already hold incredible intrinsic power.

Let's break this down together:

That expertise you've been building between your ears over time? I see that power.

Those results you've delivered, whether formally for a client or otherwise for yourself? From where I stand, that's pure power.

That one-of-a-kind perspective that only you can bring? That's Power, power, POWERRRRR.

Here's what I know for sure: you already have everything you need to get knockout results.

Including but not limited to:

I've seen it countless times - people look at you differently when you own your innate abilities. That subtle head tilt of recognition. The twinkly excitement in their eyes because it's just hit them that you are the person they've needed all along. Those "Can we get your input before we move forward?" kinds of requests. The way clients shut up and listen when you speak (it IS a thing and it IS glorious.) 

They get implemented with new energy. People get excited to follow your frameworks and get going with your guidance instead of running them up numerous needless “flagpoles” for sign-off so they can “circle back” to let you know when it's “green-lit” (Urrgghhh. GTFOH, we're SO DONE with this.)  

One of my favourite discoveries - Power Players don't do discounted rates. When you're recognised as a force in your industry, your fees reflect your impact. Think less "Gah, I hope this price is okay. Let me know if it isn't, and we can work it out as I'd love to work with you. Kind Regards!" and more "This is what excellence costs, people. Like it or lose meh. What's it gonna be?"

It’s a goooood day and a great feeling when you watch the VP of marketing in a Fortune 500 company present a strategy to their team that you devised, and they go on to namecheck you while reminding everyone on their team that your input is invaluable and they need to sit up and pay attention. (“schtaaapittt bruh, you’re makin’ me blush!”)

This is the part that gets me excited every single time - where you get to change your industry instead of just talking about what it might be like if things were shaken up slightly. I've watched power become rocket fuel for progression, and it's the difference between sitting on your ideas and putting them out into the world, knowing they'll spark something a bit special.

This isn't an overnight transformation where you suddenly wake up feeling like you're in the deep end, trying to juggle all the moving parts of your industry and the related responsibilities.

Here's one of the most important things I've learned: there's no point during this process where you get (or need) ultimate power.

What I've observed instead is a gradual evolution through collaborative effort. Each client win, problem solved, and value-laden insight delivered adds to your power profile and compounds to position you exactly where you need to be for your specialism.

Let me say this again, because I wish I'd understood earlier: you don't suddenly become a leader, president, monarch or master of the universe.

Instead, you work towards these roles by communicating your consulting knowledge and implementing your expertise one stage at a time, so that every time you up your speed, you're perfectly prepped to do so.

Look, we've all encountered people in positions of power who shouldn't be there. That observation has shaped my entire approach to power. But that won’t be you.

How can I say that with my chest? Because you're here, reading this, considering this concept of becoming a Power Player. And as someone who's walked this path and guides others along it, I'm committed to exploring each step with you to ensure you're on track for nothing but positive power 👀 🤓

You know what I've realised after years of working with brilliant consultants, as well as being in the consulting space myself?

We’re all looking for permission slips that we’ve never actually needed.

You already have everything required to be influential. To be THEE consulting professional in your space making waves instead of just riding them. To shake things up and leave your industry better than you found it.

Here's what fascinates me most about power:

You don't need to be anointed.

You don't need another certification.

You don't need approval from those who came before you.

What I've seen work time and time again is much simpler:

You need to know your stuff (which you do)

You need to deliver results (which you can)

You need to stand your ground (which you will)

You need to own ALL of that expertise out loud (which you bettah)

And through countless conversations and transformations, here’s what I know for certain: 

Power isn't about being a megalomaniac.

Power isn't about causing pain or devastation so the few can thrive.

Instead, I've discovered power IS about owning your expertise and ensuring it's delivered to the right people.

It's about being mighty enough to make a difference and doing so with integrity, purpose, and a style that only you can rock.

Fu¢k yeah, it's a flex, and from everything I've witnessed, your expertise is fundamental fuel for the fire of your ever-evolving industry.

You're allowed to be somebody who can do both (sound good AND do good), so long as you make it make a difference.

I'm still learning, growing, and discovering new dimensions of power. Because the best leaders never stop evolving, and neither will we.

Walking this path with you,

Your move, Player.