[Number 3]

Well some good points in your discussion with the VP.

First hisnpoint on your brand, your personal brand is very important. What do you want people think about you when they hear your name.

Second, it is very difficult to be close friends with someone and give them direction. There is a different level of respect you need to show your boss than your friend.

But separation can also mean to separate yourself from your peers. How do differentiate yourself from them? What value do you bring that they don't? This is your next step now that you've reached the management level. Think of it this way, you differentiated yourself from your peers by the quality of your work. But the rest of your new peers did that too. So how do you differentiate yourself from this group to be considered for that next promotion?