Ambition
The word "ambition" is a convenient term that can conceal the immense vanity a person harbors.
(This is a personal opinion, but) I believe the word "ambition" is acceptable when used for initiatives that serve the public good, but it is not a word that should be used for efforts aimed at one's own personal advancement.
Therefore, I might try to avoid getting involved with someone who gleefully declares, "I am an ambitious person!"
