Spend time with 'middles' in big companies.

Spend time with 'middles' in big companies ...

To gather information.

Just know it's always 'tops' who have the power.

'Middles' can say no, but usually can't say yes.
'Tops' can say yes, or no.

'Middles' recommend ...
'Tops' decide if your project is going to get funded.

So ... if you're going to get the work.
You need to have a good relationship with both.