> Saying that they can become managers is like saying they can become the president of the U.S.
I don't think that analogy is proportional, since that'd make a manager at a furniture store on par with a head of state. But I get it, there isn't unlimited management roles. Because if there were, everyone would be on their own.
If you want to influence and shape business decisions - you want to be a manager.
How do you become one? By showing competence as an employee and joining a lower management position. Successes are how they climb the ladder. Yes, they definitely can innovate, and they can also play it safe.
People in upper management also hop between companies and have similar positions.