I don't think that top-tier academic talent thinks like that. Yes, there is usually a conscious element of "I am grateful to the people who have supported my w

I don't think that top-tier academic talent thinks like that. Yes, there is usually a conscious element of "I am grateful to the people who have supported my work", but the obsequious mentality you're describing is one that I've never, ever observed in high-performing academic leaders working in corporations. Please provide counter-examples if any come to mind!