"I was hired soon after college (computer science degree) and rose up the ranks from product development"
So this guy started with a CS degree, hired into product development for a major tech company, and was promoted from there.
I'm not saying that necessarily translates to starting a company, but I think his advice holds a little more knowing that he worked both sides of the equation (Product development and management).
"Yes. Here's my startup track record.
I started one that was a success and ran as intended.
I started another that was a failure. Mistake: bad market timing.
I joined another that was poorly run and I left after others refused to change. Later it failed as expected.
I joined another that is on track to do well. I'm still at it.
I'm involved in another that is on track to do well. I'm consulting.
I evaluate other startups for myself and various investment groups routinely."
There's no doubt he can talk to the talk. That's the primary mechanism for promotion in a big company. I would be very careful about mistaking his opinions for actual experience.