I was a little worried that post would come across as more impressive than it was.

If you find any big company (and some even not so big) there will be some hotshot execs / CEO who put on a similar show; and they are, by definition, at the center of a bunch of money and influence, which means you'd be surprised at who they know and who they're talking to. They will in turn surround themselves with special-purpose tools they can call on, the way you might call a plumber. I was a plumber, that's all. Not trying to be mysterious, but don't want to dox myself worse.

Not sure what's next. Trying to be less stupid than in the past and see what unfolds from paying attention and trying stuff.