so-what-translation
So-What Translation
Every GRC person needs this skill and most don't have it. The controls are not the point. The frameworks are not the point. The deliverable is not the point. The point is the decision you want the reader to make.
These are the rules for translating the work into something a CISO or above will read, trust, and act on.
The 6 rules for talking with a CISO
1. They care about money
Not selfishly. Because their bosses care about money. The CFO, the CEO, the board. Every finding needs a dollar or time translation.
"We have a control deficiency in CC6.1" is invisible to a CISO. "This blocks a $2M SOC 2 deal closing in Q2" is not.
If you cannot translate a finding into dollars saved, dollars at risk, deals unblocked, or time returned to the team, you have not finished the work. Do that step before you walk into the room.