CISO Tradecraft® #252 - Master Storytelling for CISOs (with Neal Foard)
11 snips
Sep 29, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Neal Foard, a seasoned advertising and storytelling expert, shares his insights on the art of storytelling for cybersecurity leaders. He emphasizes that emotions drive decision-making and highlights the importance of elevating others in narratives. Neal explains how to frame security successes for executives and advocates for hopeful, people-first messaging to build trust. With practical tips on continual improvement and finding stories everywhere, he shows how effective storytelling can amplify a professional's influence and career impact.
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Selling By Making Friends
- Neal Foard recounts the New Jersey State Fair where a young woman sold pickup-truck hats to tough skeptics by making friends.
- Ten minutes later the skeptical men were wearing the hats, illustrating charisma beats advertising reach.
Decisions Are Mostly Emotional
- Neal Foard explains people make decisions emotionally rather than rationally, so stories must target feelings.
- Emotional decision-making is fast and often equated with intuition, which storytelling leverages.
Don't Be The Hero In Your Story
- Never make yourself the hero when telling a business story; instead highlight someone else's admirable behavior.
- Doing so avoids distrust and invites the audience to share admiration rather than jealousy.
