"It does you no good to see the number two or number three man in the corporation-you have to get through to number one"

This quote by Stephen Ambrose is stressing the significance of succeeding. It is suggesting that it is insufficient to simply get to the 2nd or 3rd individual in the corporation, but that it is required to get to the top person in order to be successful. This is due to the fact that the leading person is the one who has the most power and influence in the company. They are the ones who make the decisions and have the most control over the direction of the company. By succeeding individual, you can have the most affect and make the most impact. This quote is also suggesting that it is important to be relentless and to not quit when trying to reach the top. It is very important to keep pushing and striving for success, even if it takes a great deal of hard work and dedication.