Network Architects and CIOs of r/networking, how did you get where you are today?

I'm setting my eye on the next stage in my career, and I'd be curious to hear the origin stories of folks who have successfully ascended to roles with titles like "Network Architect" and "CIO" with decent-sized companies. I'm looking at the people who analyze the organization's networking/technology needs for the next 3-5 years, decide what equipment will best fit those needs, determine if that equipment can be obtained within budget constraints, decide how it will be deployed and configured, decide what buzzwords will be embraced and which ones will be ignored, and so on.

I'm looking for stuff like:
-How long have you been working in technology, and how long have you been working in networking?
-What field are you in and what fields have you been in? IE enterprise, service provider, government, etc.
-Do you have a degree?
-Did you collect many certifications?
-Do you have any background in business, and how much would you say that's necessary to the position?
-Did you ascend by rising within a single company, or jumping from company to company?
-How much did being a good engineer factor in your advancement, and how much of it was human networking?
-How much time did you spend learning outside of work? Did you take classes, do labs, listen to podcasts, something else?
-How much of your work involves getting your hands dirty with technology, how much is management/mentoring, and how much of it is politics and bureaucracy?
-Do you enjoy what you do?

I know this is a lot of questions, I'd be glad to read the any answers you feel like giving, or any other advice you feel is relevant. Thanks!