“I Like the Way You Move” – Why This Industry Phrase is Overrated in Executive Protection

By Michael Blake Founder, Offshore Kinetics

“I like the way you move.”

If you’ve spent any time around protective professionals, you’ve heard it. Maybe you’ve even said it. It’s the go-to compliment in executive protection circles—a nod to how seamlessly an agent flows in formation, adjusts to the principal, or blends into an environment.

But here’s the problem: movement alone doesn’t make you a professional.

In fact, the overemphasis on “the way you move” can be misleading—and even dangerous. 

What is the agent's level of training? Are they actively pursuing continuing training and education? Or are they comfortable in their position? Does the agent appear to follow a physical fitness program?

Do they understand current medical protocols in the event of an emergency? Do they understand imagery analysis and pertinent technology like ATAK or similar applications? And most importantly is it quantifiable? Can this agent provide documentation beyond “I like the way he moves” to support his operational reputation. 

Why Movement is Overrated

Don’t get me wrong—movement matters. Executives, celebrities, and VIPs notice how you present yourself. Moving smoothly around your principal can project competence.

But movement is just one piece of the puzzle. Without the right preparation, operational awareness, and adaptability, that “smooth operator” look falls apart the moment things don’t go to plan.

And let’s be clear—things never go exactly to plan.

What the Numbers Say

This isn’t just theory. The global private security industry is projected to reach $171.4 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.4%【1】. Demand is skyrocketing, but so is client expectation.

Clients don’t just want an agent who “looks good moving.” They expect:

• Operational competence — seamless transitions between vehicles, venues, docks, and aircraft.

• Tactical medical readiness — hemorrhage control, trauma care, and casualty extraction.

• Specialized environments — from maritime and aviation to international venues.

• Professional polish — attire, gear selection, and the ability to move as a discreet extension of their lifestyle.

That’s why the top-earning agents—those consistently pulling six figures and above—aren’t the flashiest movers. They’re the ones who invest in training that sharpens both hard skills and soft skills.

Generalists vs. Specialists

After training thousands of operators over nearly three decades, I see the same pattern repeat itself:

• Generalists fight for scraps.

• Specialists command premium contracts.

In an industry on track to nearly double, there’s no more room for “good enough.”

Elevating Beyond Movement

At Offshore Kinetics, we built the Elevate Your Edge Training Series to take protectors beyond the surface-level skills and into the specialist arena:

✅ Firearms & Movement Mechanics for real-world application

✅ Tactical Medicine for protectors under pressure

✅ Client Movement & Venue Operations that keep security seamless

✅ Maritime Familiarization & Jet Protocols for environments most agents never master

✅ Gear, Attire & Professional Presentation that elevate professionalism

✅ Business-of-Protection insights that turn skills into careers

Because here’s the truth: clients don’t just like the way you move—they trust the way you think, plan, and execute.

“I like the way you move” might sound good, but it’s not enough.

Movement without mastery is performance. Movement with preparation, adaptability, and precision—that’s protection.

And in this industry, you don’t get paid for performance. You get paid for protection.

👉 Explore upcoming trainings: OffshoreKineticsMV.com

Source: 【1】Fortune Business Insights, Private Security Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, 2024–2032