Things I’ve learned after 30+ years in the corporate world:

1) Good work does not speak for itself. No one cares or will notice. You have to tell people about it, tell them again, and then remind them again later.

2) It is a cliché because it’s true: who you know matters more than what you know.

3) The person who tells the story first sets the narrative. Everything else is filtered through that. Related to point 1, be the person who tells the story.

4) Incredibly bad ideas can perpetuate themselves and sustain careers longer than you could ever imagine.

5) Who gets promoted is often more a matter of who complains less or does unpleasant things without flinching rather than who is competent or even remotely capable.

6) Do not get attached to any job or make it your identity. Trust me, your company does not care about you, your company does not love you — and it never ever will.

7) The people at work who you think are your friends will always choose their mortgage and career over you. Do not forget that.

8) Try to do good work regardless of the above. It is about self-integrity, not loyalty to any company.

9) Never treat executive assistants poorly or get on their bad side. Try to befriend them, in fact. They know everything and everyone and can make or break your career.

10) And, most importantly, keep receipts. Document everything. Make notes and send emails about anything substantive. A conversation with your manager that leads to a decision? Send a follow-up email later with the exact details of what was decided. Talk with HR? The same. And follow the same procedure with subordinates. It absolutely will save your ass.