This guy is an elite researcher, so this approach works for him. Try doing that as a regular backend guy and you'll get a puzzled look from management, followed by a boot to the posterior.
It requires past achievements that are beyond questioning, such as working with Mandelbrot, OS developer for the PlayStation, and having written and acquired a global technology patent. I am very aware the unfair game I'm playing when being interviewed. Working in a Capitalist economy is an unfair game, so fuck em and get what ya can. It's all a pointless prestige game anyway.