How to Show Up at Work Like Hans Zimmer: Presence with Impact

How to be so good they can’t ignore you

If you’ve watched the new F1 movie with Brad Pitt, you might have caught the opening credits and seen some familiar names. As the names roll by, one stands out—Hans Zimmer, the composer behind the background score. The powerful background score in F1 elevates every high-speed moment, creating an electrifying atmosphere that makes you feel the rush of the race and the intensity of the competition, immersing you fully in the world of the track.

Most people might not notice his name or immediately know who he is. But it struck me since I recently heard his name repeatedly in a list of top 100 movie scores. Hans Zimmer’s work is everywhere—though, ironically, his name often isn’t. His contributions to cinema are legendary, and yet, despite winning numerous prestigious awards, including Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and Grammys, he remains largely a behind-the-scenes figure to the movie-going audience. In his industry he is undoubtedly a legend. His scores are the lifeblood of some of the most iconic films, but his name isn’t always the first one mentioned. Yet, you have for sure heard his scores in films like Dune, Top Gun: Maverick, Inception, The Dark Knight, or Pirates of the Caribbean, or even The Crown on Netflix, his presence is undeniable. The music makesthe movie. But no one’s really talking about the composer. And perhaps that’s where the real lesson lies.

What Hans Zimmer Can Teach Us About Excellence

So, what’s the lesson here? Hans Zimmer’s career wasn’t built on seeking recognition, but rather, on doing something with an unmatched level of expertise and consistency. It’s the art of getting so good at what you do that they can’t ignore you. He didn’t need to be the one on screen; he became the one whose work elevated everything around him.

This idea of becoming so skilled that you're impossible to overlook is beautifully articulated by Cal Newport in his book So Good They Can’t Ignore You. Newport introduces the concept of career capital, which is the idea that the more valuable skills you acquire, the more control you gain over your career and the more opportunities you'll have. Just like Zimmer, Newport suggests that success comes not from following passion blindly, but from dedicating yourself to mastering something difficult and rare. This mastery becomes your ticket to the spotlight, whether you're working in the background like Zimmer or on centre stage like an actor.

Zimmer didn’t just show up for a movie score once and call it a day. He showed up consistently. He created an identity with his music that’s now inseparable from the films he scores. It’s that same consistency that we, too, can adopt in our own journeys-whether you’re navigating the corporate world, building a business, or even working as a freelancer.

Be Really Good at What You Do, And Keep Showing Up

Take the story of any founder building something slowly. Most startups don’t hit it big overnight. The road is long, the path uncertain, and the noise from everyone else can drown out your focus. But if you dedicate yourself to refining your craft - be it perfecting a product, honing a service, or being exceptional at your niche - you’ll start to build something others can’t ignore.

Folks like Zimmer didn’t just show up for a movie score once and call it a day. He showed up consistently. He created an identity with his music that’s now inseparable from the films he scores.

So I did a little digging. Hans Zimmer’s journey to becoming one of the most renowned film composers is a testament to his relentless pursuit of mastery. From embracing new technology early on like blending traditional orchestral sounds with electronic instruments to working alongside talented collaborators like Christopher Nolan, Zimmer constantly pushed the boundaries of his craft. His diverse musical background, from classical training to pop, allowed him to adapt and innovate. Whether it was experimenting with unconventional instruments like the church organ in Interstellar or constantly evolving his sound for each project, Zimmer's ability to experiment, learn, and collaborate has kept his music fresh and impactful, reminding us all that mastery comes from a commitment to growth and a willingness to always improve.

It’s that same consistency that we, too, can adopt in our own journeys navigating the corporate world, building a business, or even working as a freelancer.

For Gig Workers, Founders, and Career Builders

This isn’t just about doing one thing, but doing it so well that it becomes an inseparable part of who you are. It’s not about being the loudest or getting instant recognition. It’s about putting your heart and soul into the work and showing up again and again.

Take a moment to think about your own career. Whether you're just starting out, building gradually, or navigating a mid-career pivot, how much attention are you giving to your craft? Are you consistently showing up, striving to improve, and doing your best even when the spotlight isn’t on you? Think about those moments when you refine your skills - learning a new software tool to streamline your workflow, reading articles to stay updated on industry trends, or practicing your communication skills to become a more effective leader. These small but deliberate efforts to improve your craft, while often going unnoticed in the short term, are what contribute to long-term success.

We often get distracted by the noise and the need to be seen or validated. But if you commit to refining your skills, consistently delivering, and focusing on what you do best, you’re making the same impact as someone who has "made it" in the spotlight.

Do It So Well They Can’t Ignore You

So here’s the takeaway: You don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room. You don’t need the biggest fanfare or the grandest stage. What you need is to show up every day and be excellent at what you do. Keep refining, keep improving, and stay focused on your craft. Over time, that excellence becomes your voice. That’s how Zimmer does it, and that’s how you can, too.

Maybe it’s time to ask yourself—what am I doing today to make sure they can’t ignore me? Whether you’re a founder, a gig worker, or navigating a career path, the message is the same: let your work speak so loudly that they can’t help but listen.

Want to find your own Hans moment at work? Let’s explore your presence, visibility, and confidence—book a coaching session today.