Alright, Coach Kym, Break It Down: What Is a Power Player?

So let’s start at the very beginning and talk about how and why I came up with the Power Player concept (in this particular context):

Well, like most things we decide to throw all of ourselves into, much of my motivation stems from my own life and experiences.

During my time as a professional performer, a creative agency owner, a corporate consultant and now a coach, I’ve come up against power dynamics that repeatedly stifled my individuality and my agency as a solo operator.

Being told to sit down, shut up, blend in and wait for my turn to be chosen by industry gatekeepers and figureheads has never sat well with me.

And while I do respect the rules of these industries, I’m also well aware that they’re not set in stone and therefore are ripe for being bent or broken entirely, especially if the outcome is innovative, positively growth-oriented or speaks to the betterment of said industry or society in general.

It’s this hyper-defiant vibe that has shaped my perspective on Power.

That being said, I’ve always been fascinated by power, primarily because, for such a long time in my personal and professional life, I felt like I didn’t have any whatsoever.

No power, no voice, no agency, no choice.

Then I took a step back and started to look more deeply into power as a concept - How it’s claimed, used, and perceived in different environments.

One thing that struck me was just how many highly capable individuals undervalued their own expertise and potential, and by doing so, they were continuously taking themselves out of the game. 

I then realised that while I can see this dynamic playing out in full HD for those who are being overlooked and undervalued, 9.5 times out of 10, they can’t see it for themselves.

It’s the old “you can’t read the label from inside the bottle” thing, right? And this started to annoy me. Something needed to change because honestly, I grew tired of seeing less capable but louder people secure the whole bag, do half the job and still somehow get all the recognition and respect when those who really should have nabbed these opportunities fade into the background, because they’re too humble to get hype around it and shine a light on the mediocre.

It drives me nuts because the only people who benefit are the fast-talking, ego-tripping, half-baked grifters who don’t care who or what they damage on their way to their success.

And that’s what inspired me to begin Project Power Player, a framework that uses the key principles of power to equip smart people with strategies to navigate the Power Dynamics in their industry. These strategies will restructure your business model and rebuild your confidence from the inside out, so you can command recognition, respect, and rewards you deserve because you’re hella brilliant at what you do and it’s time your industry put some respect on your name.

Being a Power Player isn’t just about being “good” at what you do.

The whole point of making this distinction of Power Player is because these aren’t people who simply show up, check boxes, go home. They’ve got an insatiable drive to see their industry do better and to set the bar higher. And, in order to make that real rather than just an aspiration, they don’t wait their turn, they don’t wait for permission. And they definitely don’t try to fit inside someone else’s idea of what success is supposed look like.  

Power Players are go-to experts because they’re crystal clear about who they are and what they do, and they own their lane with huge authority.

They’re the people who know how to positively influence, build deep trust trust, command attention for the right reasons, and always deliver outstanding results without needing to shout the loudest or resort to sleazy tactics or unethical practices.  

Let me be clear, it’s not about arrogance. It’s about total alignment. A Power Player operates from such a deep understanding of their expertise and their values that the world can’t help but notice.

It starts with how the individual sees themselves.

I’ve watched countless high-achievers with decades of experience in their role tiptoe around the edges of their industry—waiting for someone to pick them, validate them, or signal they’re “ready” so now they’re allowed in. 

Power Players pick themselves. And they can do that because they recognise that the results they create, the expertise they hold, and the perspective they bring to the table are unmatched because no one else has the experience and insight they do.  

Power Players don’t wait to be chosen, and they don’t try to blend in. Instead, they… 

Again, being a Power Player isn’t about being the loudest, the biggest, or the most intimidating voice in the room—it’s about being undeniable because of what you do and the fact that only you can do it.

Power doesn’t mean forcing your will on others or pulling strings behind the scenes. Instead, it’s about clearly defining what you stand for, where you’re heading, and leading others confidently toward that vision. When you have clarity and you know where you’re going and why, your clients trust you instinctively because they know you’re solid, steady, and moving with purpose, not moving mad hoping something works eventually.  

Power isn’t about intimidating people into submission so you can “win”—that’s beyond shallow and short-lived. True power is about creating fulfilment for everyone involved in the game. It’s about solving problems, creating results, and knowing your work is making a meaningful difference. You’re not just clocking in and watching your potential go down the plug hole day after day. You’re doing work that matters, and it’s this level of fulfilment that keeps you inspired and energised to push harder and climb higher on behalf of everyone, even on the toughest days.  

Power driven by ego serves no one but the individual wielding it—and even then, it backfires, we’re watching it right here right now in real time politically, economically, industrially, right? Every one of us knows or is currently watching a Dick-tator fall from grace.  Impact is what truly defines power done right. It’s about using your influence to create lasting, tangible improvements that extend way beyond you because ultimately, all this isn’t about you. So when you focus on impact, you leave a legacy others want to build on, not tear down.  

And if you align your power with your values, your expertise, and what you want the future to look like, it’s a home run—not just for you, but for the clients, communities and the wider world you’re here to serve.

Everyone thinks that Power Players are some rare breed unicorn-type species, when they’re not.  If you are listening to this then YOU already have everything you need to shift into a power position. I’m telling you; 

You already have the expertise.  

You already have the experience.  

You already have the fire to leave this world in a better position than you found it.  

All that’s left is giving yourself the permission to use it.

Now if that sounds like you, please bookmark this site Notes on Power because I’ve got plenty of ideas and strategies and conversations that’ll help you activate your intrinsic “Power Player” by building your authority, confidence, and reach—in a way that feels right for you.

Or, if you’re ready to start playing immediately, Unlock The Grid Today and plug into the tools and frameworks I’ve designed to power you up and power you forward.

Your move, Player.