Here is some real practical advice (since the article is missing that): One of the big hotshots in your company likes cycling? Well, you like to go cycling too

Here is some real practical advice (since the article is missing that): One of the big hotshots in your company likes cycling? Well, you like to go cycling too! Let's go cycling together in the weekend! Become friends with one (or multiple) of the big bosses, and your career is set. And it's probably going to be a clique of higher ups, since they are all buddies at this point. Golf is not as popular in Europe as in US, but it's still a place for the higher up's to socialize. Humans are mainly emotional, not rational. They will promote their friends first. Whether this is good or bad is not the discussion, it's the reality of human nature.