One thing I've noticed over the years, is you just have to be lucky. You have to be in the right place at the right time. This game really is the hare and tortoise syndrome. I see some folks get well ahead and then fall behind, some folk get these corporate jobs they don't deserve and get 20 years of good fortune. Other folks just keep pulling the short straw and perpetually circle the drain. There is a huge element of luck in this business and I'd say it was the #1 job selection factor way and above of who you know. Just my empirical observations.
Good luck...whoever you are !