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There are those of us who still dream and those dreams fuel our aspirations. Many are chasing the golden ticket, a better lifestyle, a more secure future. It’s a universal pursuit. But the examples we see around us, especially in politics, often reveal a darker truth: opportunities grabbed, at someone else’s expense. Often at the expense of the public, if one considers politicians. For some, privilege is inherited; aristocracy offers a seat at the table. For the rest of us, survival tactics and self-preservation are the default. Shortcuts are tempting, especially when tenure is short and the window for impact is narrow.

These dynamics are embedded in the business and commercial world. They form part of the career toolbox, where money is king or treated as such, a kind of divinity. If a businessman claims to be honest, it’s a red flag. Either they’re naïve, delusional, or playing a role. Honesty, in business, is a word plucked from the dictionary to soothe the conscience. In practice, it’s incompatible with profit-driven systems. Bureaucracy is a minefield, but those in the know find ways to dodge it. Hence the rise of the “Old Boys Network”, a system built on those 'who you know', not what you know.

The world has been conditioned over centuries to accept certain behaviours, especially in commerce. From bartering to boardrooms, the art of the deal has evolved, but the principle remains: don’t get caught. If you do and you lack connections, you’ll pay the price. This is why we see bias in the judiciary, media, tech and finance. Without allies, you’re exposed. Street smarts and self-awareness become essential tools for survival.

So what are qualifications really worth? They’re pieces of paper with a name and a title, limited in scope and often inflated in value.