CISO Tradecraft®

#252 - Master Storytelling for CISOs (with Neal Ford)

16 snips
Sep 29, 2025
Neal Ford, a veteran in advertising and storytelling, shares his insights on impactful communication. He highlights the importance of emotional storytelling for cybersecurity leaders, explaining how it builds trust and connection. Ford discusses the balance of fear and hope in narratives and how personalizing threats motivates action. He emphasizes that effective storytelling can amplify influence and relevance in one's career. With practical tips on branding and continuous improvement, Ford inspires listeners to embrace their stories to engage others.
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ANECDOTE

Fairground Sales Turned By Friendship

  • Neal Ford told of a New Jersey State Fair truck demo where a young woman turned resistant men into customers by being friendly and playful.
  • The moment showed how social connection and charm can convert even the most skeptical audiences.
INSIGHT

Emotion Drives Decisions; Share The Hero

  • People make decisions emotionally more than rationally, so storytelling targets feelings to change behavior.
  • Never make yourself the hero; spotlight someone else's admirable behavior to build trust and shared pride.
ADVICE

Praise Team Without Centering Yourself

  • When praising your team, remove yourself from the glow and avoid self-aggrandizing language.
  • Present team success as accidental discovery or others' excellence to keep audiences aligned and trusting.
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