#131 - Framing Executive Discussions

CISO Tradecraft®

How do we frame an executive discussion so we can structure and present information in a way that effectively engages and aligns with the needs and interests of the executive audience? On this episode we answer that question by discussing the 8 important elements of framing a discussion with executives:

1. Clearly define the objective
2. Start with the big picture
3. Identify key issues
4. Highlight impacts and benefits
5. Use visually compelling data and metrics
6. Be able to anticipate questions and concerns
7. Provide actionable recommendations
8. Seek alignment with existing perspectives of the organization

Special thanks to our sponsor Risk3Sixty for supporting this episode. Be sure to check their Security Budget & Business Case Template: https://risk3sixty.com/whitepaper/security-budget-template/?utm_source=cisotradecraft&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=2023-ct&utm_term=1week&utm_content=budget

Full Transcripts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vhLmqEAy-yQ01ZY1y8Nf7y-u_swTYCm8

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:42 How should we frame an executive discussion?
• 05:30 Start with the Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)
• 07:11 1) Clearly Define the Objective
• 08:13 2) Start with the Big Picture
• 09:46 3) Identify Key Issues
• 10:47 4) Highlight Impact and Benefits
• 12:17 5) Use Visually Compelling Data and Metrics
• 13:07 6) Be able to Anticipate Questions and Concerns
• 15:06 7) Provide Actionable Recommendations
• 17:35 8) Seek Alignment with Existing Perspectives of the Organization