In very large corporations, these questions often result in sort of a hopeless shrug of the shoulders. Maintaining a sense of ’self’ is likely core to those who visibily succeed. Here’s characteristics I have observed:
1-Leaders don’t have a need to ask for permission. They have an internal confidence that they thought things through.
2-Leaders stand for what they beleive in and demonstrate this in all they do.
3-Leaders [successful people] have the same/similar concerns, challenges, but they find a way to rise above them–no complaints, no excuses. While ‘right place, right time’ often has a play in one’s success, we have to remember true success is when they have ’staying power.” This does not come from dumb luck.
4-Leaders have an internal ‘beat’ they consistently march to. It may be worldly drive, spiritually derived or just bald fear of failure.

Just some thoughts….obviously, this is not a simple topic.

As life has unfolded, I have learned to appreciate wisdom, connections, and real contribution–indeed to appreciate WHO we are all capable of becoming, not just WHAT. Society has always emphasized the what; we have more of it than ever, thanks in part to technology and to an expanded global community. True life experience will always emphasize the who(m). Each of us has a contribution that only we can make. Discovering it and making it with joy punctuates a life of searching and growing.