I agree with you, academic success is not required but is it a good background and foundation? Absolutely. Academic success gives individuals the foundation they need to have the confidence to apply or venture to a field they are interested in. We have to remember that the world, whenever we look at it, is full of opportunities that are not only laid out for us but for anyone seeking to improve and be successful in life; hence, competition is constant. Academic success allows us to have a good advantage in such competitions. For example, in businesses, an individual who has a formal educational background on the product or services they are offering is more likely to have more clients than those who don't as clients have the confidence to rely on those who are able to attain formal educations than those who do not. As cruel and unfair as it is, that's how more scenarios go.
It seems that besides the academic qualifications, large companies have another primary focus when considering someone for collaboration or employment. The essential foundation underlying all requirements for advancing one's career is honesty. We all must be capable of working with integrity to thrive within a company. Foolishness can be remedied through learning, but dishonesty is a trait that's challenging to eradicate. The seeds of a company's downfall often lie in the small lies told by those within it.
Academic credentials are undoubtedly important, but to secure a good job or career, it's not solely about academics. This doesn't diminish the accomplishments of those who have completed their university degrees. A diploma is crucial in widening the doorway to success even further. Educated individuals are, in fact, still in demand, even if their education doesn't always align with the job they're applying for. This is because I once encountered an expert in home and plumbing repairs who ran a successful large-scale business, despite holding a degree in advertising.