You cannot and should not try to please everyone. Make sure that the right people like you, and it will be expected that others will not. That's how the world works.

If your clients aren't actively telling their friends about you, maybe your work isn't as great as you think it is.

Whether or not your values are operational is crucially determined by whether or not there are consequences for noncompliance.

Believe passionately in what you do, and never knowingly compromise your standards and values. Act like a true professional, aiming for true excellence, and the money will follow.

No one can manage you if you don't give them permission to do so. But if you are interested in accomplishing as much as you are capable of, then I believe there are good reasons to grant that permission.

What do I have to do to earn and deserve the key relationships that are going to get me where I want to go?

The noble path does win but only if you are prepared to make the investment over a long period of time.