The concept of the player-coach is familiar in sports, but it translates to business in meaningful ways. Michael Polk uses that framing to describe what senior executives must become when they move from large public companies to smaller private ones. As CEO of Implus LLC, a fitness accessories portfolio company, Polk found that the role demanded more direct involvement than anything he had experienced at Newell Brands, Unilever, or his other earlier employers.

That shift turned out to suit him. Michael Polk Newell Brands, who began his career in marketing and sales, had always found the closest, most hands-on work to be the most energizing. The higher he rose through large organizations, the more removed from that work he became. Joining Implus in 2020 reversed that trajectory.

Senior Leaders as Active Participants

At large public companies, senior leaders often function as orchestrators setting priorities, allocating resources, and influencing outcomes through layers of management. At Implus LLC, Michael Polk found himself directly involved in brand building, commercial decisions, and team development on a day-to-day basis. “I am right there with them in the crucible, helping them make the choices that are going to drive our business forward,” he says. That description stands in clear contrast to the distanced resource-allocation role that often defines executive life at major corporations.

The player-coach model also applies to how senior leaders support junior employees at private companies. Because smaller firms cannot staff deep management layers, experienced executives like Polk provide more hands-on guidance to younger talent. That proximity is good for junior employees, who get direct access to seasoned judgment, and good for senior leaders, who stay connected to the texture of the work.

Results at Implus

The approach has delivered results. Implus LLC navigated pandemic-era disruptions and came out of that period with a stronger operational model. Michael Polk has credited the team’s growth as one of the most rewarding parts of his tenure. His focus going forward is on building Implus into a competitive force in the fitness and lifestyle consumer goods category a goal that seems well-suited to a leader who clearly prefers engagement over administration. See related link for additional information.

Find more information about Michael Polk on https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-polk-7224228