Overcoming the Curse of Knowledge in Cybersecurity
Confusion leads to alienation, but connection leads to comprehension. With the right story, we can get the message across.
The Blog
Welcome! I write about communications and culture in the security community and defense industry. I'm a dual American-Israeli citizen who served in the Israeli military and currently works in the U.S. defense industry in the Washington, D.C. area.
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Jessica Lauren Walton
- Sep 7
- 6 min
Some Careers Take the Road Less Traveled
Some of us are straight shooters from college to career to retirement, while others struggle to find our place.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Aug 17
- 3 min
The Ultimate Communications Primer for the Defense Industry
Communications is the grease that keeps the wheels turning in the defense industry.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Jul 12
- 5 min
The Power to Persuade the Masses
Who controls the narrative matters to leaders, because stories are ultimately the primary cognitive framework human beings use to make sense
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Jun 13
- 8 min
A Syrian Journalist’s Perspective of U.S. Policymaking in the Middle East
When it comes to issues of national security, the stories we tell the world matter. Meet Syrian-born American journalist Hayvi Bouzo.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Jun 7
- 3 min
Tips for Compelling Storytelling in the Defense Industry
Nothing connects people more powerfully than story; in today’s defense landscape, learning the art is essential.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- May 26
- 4 min
Save the Best for First to Hook Your Reader
Readers are busy. They want to know upfront what’s new and why it matters to them.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- May 15
- 4 min
The Art of the Interview (Part 2)
I love the art of the interview and the lessons we can all learn from the experiences of others.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- May 2
- 4 min
The Art of the Interview (Part 1)
One of the best tools for capturing great stories is the interview. Whether you’re working on an article, a documentary, a short video,...
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Apr 25
- 5 min
Why Storytelling Matters in the Military
It all started with a horde of wild pigs attacking an Israeli military post on the border of Lebanon. Or so it seemed.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Apr 12
- 3 min
How to Structure Your Blog Piece for Max Impact
Recently at my company, I encouraged several of the engineers on my team to promote the work in their laboratory by submitting articles...
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Apr 4
- 4 min
Complex Topic? Create a Smashing Explainer Video
Whether your organization’s goal is to prepare the homeland for natural disasters or convince the private sector to adopt better...
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Mar 29
- 3 min
Defense Professionals, Make Me Care: What’s Your Origin Story?
Defense professionals should take advantage of hero origin story structures in their communications. Our industry has rich opportunities.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Mar 14
- 2 min
The Top 3 Cognitive Secrets Behind Storytelling
Recent breakthroughs in neuroscience reveal that our brains are hardwired to respond to story. Learn the cognitive secrets here.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Mar 3
- 3 min
A Behind-the-Scenes Peek at a Feature Hypersonics Article
Through the stories of these scientific masterminds, the narrative around hypersonics was elevated into an epic effort.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Feb 27
- 2 min
I Want Defense Industry Engineers to Be More Creative
Lately at the office I’ve been telling the engineers on my defense laboratory team that when it comes to communications we need to...