Focus on being the best you can at what you want to do.

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.

When did you feel most fulfilled? When did you impress yourself, or otherwise feel most proud of yourself?

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

Don't get stampeded by what people around you value. The task is to figure out what YOU value - and value highly enough to throw yourself into with unqualified passion.

I will not accept your guidance and critique unless you are supportive and nurturing. On the other hand, you need to be continually demanding.

Before a leader can be accepted, let alone succeed, autonomous professionals must agree to be influenced by that person.