I've done that progressively over two years as a junior and I'm basically unofficial tech lead now. Managers listen to me and I can plan and influence several p

I've done that progressively over two years as a junior and I'm basically unofficial tech lead now. Managers listen to me and I can plan and influence several projects. I have other goals so I won't become official team lead by choice, but that's probably valuable to OP if he can pull that off.