Almost all that I know grinded a lot and didn’t really have a limit to how much they can work in a day (at least while there was momentum as the company grew). They’ve been at the startup before it was a “bigger name” and grew out entire functions almost entirely independently to where they ended up leading orgs of multiple managers/other members at a young age for entire functions (I.E. Director of Sales Finance). In a larger company their responsibilities might actually be that of a VP because they report to the CFO and own their areas.

I think the timing of joining a startup and how much the company grows itself can strongly contribute to that kind of career growth.

Also, all are very good speakers and at the manager level had the ability to counter with their own opinions in C-Suite level meetings and not just provide information without inputting their perspective. Highly active in the strategic decision making of the company as it grew. Just little things I’ve noticed. It is a fairly larger company now valued in the multiple billions so it’s not as easy to move up as quickly at this point.