[ldjkfkdsjnv]

Only advice I can give you is pick your team/company very carefully. Choosing the right team can open up promotion opportunities that other teams might not have. Half the battle is putting yourself in the right situation. Also, big promotions commonly go to people that have lasted a long time in some organization. I saw people at FAANG spend a decade in one organization, then finally get recognition and ended up a few levels higher in a quick fashion. The people you spoke to were laughing because the high ups probably got there very early, there is no path to their level because the cake is baked, that company doesnt have growth opportunity.