We could all save ourselves a lot of words if we'd only remember that people rarely take advice unless they have to pay for it. The trouble with good advice is that it usually interferes with your plans. Good advice is what your own kids disregard but save to give to their kids.
Business is made up of ambiguous victories and nebulous defeats.
Claim them all as victories. Be comfortable around senior managers, or learn to fake it. Never bring your boss a problem without some solution. You are getting paid to think, not to whine. Always arrive at work 30 minutes before your boss.