There was a time when experience and education mattered. Usually, the leaders where seasoned vets (actual military vets quite often) that did their time in the field, in front of customers, that built the framework of how things are getting done even today. They were there because they made impact to the business.
Yes - most of them were white males. Older white males. Most of them hired minorities and females and built their teams to make impact to the business based off of their contributions and expertise.
Then the BS happened. Requirement to have females in leadership regardless of the years with the company and experience. Favoritism with directors and other senior leaders, then HR Buddy Buddy with only select leaders. Then the groups became cliquish and morale sank. The seasoned leaders retired if they were lucky, and NEVER replaced with anyone better (if they were even replaced).
Then everyone began to wear “several hats” to which no one can really multi-task but rather half-ax’s all of it.
If you speak up against HR you’re out. If you speak up against your manager, you’re out. If your Boss sees you as a threat, you’re out. If you’re getting old >55 you’re out.
Basically, it’s nowhere near as good as it was. They can decorate a tuuurd with lights and glitter, it’s still a tuuurd. So, if they start saying there’s a nice Christmas party or summer family bash, or whatever just know that they will pay for it with your salary once they begin the layoffs again.