I think this kind of cynicism is harmful and also very untrue.
Agreed, I'm willing to admit its common but not universal. Whether its someone like Woz who got his corporate seat and influence by being there from the beginning, Lebron James who is a once in a generation athlete but runs various companies while knocking elbows with high ups a Nike etc., there are counter-examples of good people who also hold positions of authority in corporate circles.
right but those are the exceptions that prove the rule. its so rare that its known as exceptional when it does happen
Surely you speak from the intimate personal experience of being a corporate mover & shaker
This isn't directed at you specifically, but this cliche is self perpetuated by sociopaths who like to repeat it with pride. It then creates an environment where because many of those at the top are sociopaths, it becomes more strategic to act that way yourself in order to get ahead.
Being a bad person doesn't have to be a requirement to succeed in corporate America, we've just made it that way.