I think the author's point is exactly the opposite - he's more impressed by people who experienced adversity in their early years and (presumably) have overcome it to the point where they're interviewing with him.
There's no way to determine that in an interview, which was the author's example. Interviewers who ask these type of questions are low key manipulative, that prying attitude is incredibly off putting, so presumptuous. If I were getting the sense that I were being judged on my childhood, I'd no way want to work with you. It's a total boomer thing, that casual condescendion. Younger people are much much better attuned to people's boundaries. Honestly, it's kind of frightening, the maturity with which a lot young people already can communicate with.