The author was extrapolating their own experience which did lead to empathy, conjecturing that anybody else going through the same process will have the same in

The author was extrapolating their own experience which did lead to empathy, conjecturing that anybody else going through the same process will have the same insight. I think the implication is that to be a success at advertising the empathy is a necessary skill, and you will either pick it up or wash out. Certainly there are other paths to writing that would not lead to the same insight.