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.

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.

Left untended, knowledge and skill, like all assets, depreciate in value surprisingly quickly.

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

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.