In high school there were a handful of people in my class that everyone seemed to agree on their inevitable success. They were intelligent, smart and had a work ethic that could fully substitute their natural intelligence. I can remember three of right off my head, and they've all built thriving careers in academics, finance and law.
That said, none of them is particularly rich using the definition to mean having achieved financial independence. None have quite met that mark, and while their careers hold a lot of promise especially in terms of recognition and accomplishment, there is no guarantee that it will be accompanied with fortune.
As a matter of fact, the person who seems to be the most financially independent from that class today is someone that a lot of us overlooked. He wasn't anything special by way of intelligence but did have a certain charm that made people around him feel comfortable. Today he is building a successful business and employs at least Fifteen people.
Am sure this example is not an isolated miracle. Oftentimes, those who are overlooked that tend to do the most. Wonder if it is because they have less pressure by way of expectations, or are prone to take more risks because of limited opportunities. It may be both.