Question for a professional or one who is career successful?

Is the concept "You are who you roll with" true? The meaning of this question is, if you think back to when you were ambitious and hungry. Maybe you were fresh out of college. Was it necessary to surround yourself with others that shared the same attitude in one way or another? Or, do you think it's possible for someone who (not trying to sound condescending) come from a lower up-bringing, walk, talk, and act "ghetto" or "white-trash", and be able turn that switch on and off when necessary in the professional world? I hope you understand this question.