You are there to make him look good,

not just to make yourself look good. You need to make him believe that, at least on the surface.

You're good enough, have no need for his validation. You're there to get paid, and you appreciate that fact.  He'd appreciate your appreciation.

Every (good) boss has an agenda. Make sure you discern what it is. Your narritive should be aligned with that.

Of course, only you know him, but these are the minimum.