One thing I've learned is that when you see companies promoting and hiring executives for a lot of reasons other than merit, it's time to start looking for a new job.

I didn't realize during the interview, but my last company's VP and higher positions were almost exclusively held by people who had connections to the CEO, regardless of their qualifications.

There were a handful of people who were promoted out of merit, or logically as part of acquisitions. They were steadily replaced and or demoted to make room for more of the C-level executives' friends and even family members over time.

One C-level executive I enjoyed working with was demoted to a VP title and the CEO's long time friend took his C-level position. The demoted C-level executive had years of experience at some of the biggest names in the industry. He had also uprooted his family and moved across the country for this position. His replacement had no experience in the industry. The VP was asked to stay around and "allowed" to keep his stock options to help the CEO's old friend learn the position and take over.

Opened my eyes to the realities of nepotism and loyalty in some companies.