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
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The (In)Security Blog
The security field is full of stories with fascinating characters. I’ve had my fair share of strange jobs in this industry, but my favorite so far has been storyteller.
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Whether it's an expert interview or perspectives from my own career, I aim to take a multidisciplinary approach to everything I explore.
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About me: I'm a dual American-Israeli citizen who served in the Israeli military and currently works in the U.S. defense sector in the Washington, D.C. area.
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Jessica Lauren Walton
- Mar 30
- 7 min
Moral Injury: What Our War Stories Mean for the Rest of Society
Warfighters, psychologists, journalists: A multidisciplinary discussion on moral injury from the Hero's Journey Symposium in Washington, DC
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Oct 15, 2023
- 5 min
Defeating Death, One Chapter at a Time
The conflict taking place between Hamas and Israel is not merely a battle of national survival, but a battle of values.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Aug 7, 2023
- 3 min
Calling All Communications Strategists: America Needs Your Help
We need a plan to cultivate and harness the next generation of communications strategists to support our national security initiatives.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Jul 17, 2023
- 4 min
What I Taught My Interns About Job Hunting
I was asked to talk about communications in the defense sector to our STEM interns. These are a few PR secrets I shared.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- May 19, 2023
- 2 min
An Unusual Discussion on America, Israel, & the Judaic Values We Share
Michael Whidden of American Tributaries interviews me about Judeo-Christian values, the effects of war, and community unity.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Feb 27, 2023
- 12 min
Make Yourself Hack-Proof: Tips From a CIA Agent
Hacking attempts can occur face-to-face, when you’re least expecting them. A former CIA agent explains how to protect yourself.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Feb 13, 2023
- 11 min
The Unseen Obstacles of Military Recruitment
The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) explores the communications & mental health issues behind military recruitment.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Jan 9, 2023
- 11 min
A Soldier-Turned-Therapist Stops PTSD in Its Tracks
As a security community, we must learn how to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to treating PTSD.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Dec 5, 2022
- 6 min
3 Quirky PR Ideas to Help Military Recruitment
Be entertaining, be inspiring, be real. There is already an inspiring treasure trove of stories in our military; leverage them right.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Nov 28, 2022
- 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
- Nov 21, 2022
- 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
- Nov 14, 2022
- 7 min
Views on Warrior Culture & Veteran Mental Health
A seasoned military professional's perspective on why veterans may avoid seeking counseling.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Nov 8, 2022
- 2 min
Why Storytelling Matters in the Security Community
I had a great time being interviewed by the Artistic Fuel Foundation about the special role storytelling plays in the security ecosystem.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Oct 25, 2022
- 5 min
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.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Oct 3, 2022
- 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
- Sep 12, 2022
- 5 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
- Sep 5, 2022
- 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
- Aug 29, 2022
- 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
- Aug 8, 2022
- 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...
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