[johbjo]

Wikipedia makes a point that contributions do not correspond to rank. It seems the article addresses typical ways in which people come in conflict with this.

Most workplaces make the rank ladder part of the incentive structure. Usually, the organizational structure is explicitly part of the rank system. Efforts and contributions are rewarded with higher rank, which affords the right to boss others.

People who derive their ego/rank from other sources besides the org structure can be humble in the way you describe. It's not surprising if this group intersects with senior academics.