Risk As The Rosetta Stone: Risk Communication

At Asureti, we believe that security is not just a technical discipline. It is a business enabler, a trust builder, and a shared responsibility. And at the heart of that shared responsibility is language.

Asureti co-founder and Principal Melissa Ryan has been fascinated by language for as long as she can remember, and she has the spelling bee record to prove it. Her experience working across business operations has shown her how a common language can bridge gaps between departments, enabling conversations that are not only more productive but also more meaningful.

In her spotlight podcast, Melissa explores how risk can serve as a universal translator across business functions. When teams speak the same risk language, they move faster, align more easily, and make decisions with greater confidence.

This concept is explored further in our white paper Risk as the Rosetta Stone, which outlines how organizations can use shared taxonomies, rating scales, and risk response structures to improve communication, accelerate decision-making, and unlock business value.

What You’ll Find in the White Paper

The white paper introduces the idea that risk language, like any language, has structure. It includes vocabulary, syntax, and pragmatic rules that guide how teams communicate and make decisions. Here are a few highlights:

• Taxonomies: A shared risk vocabulary helps teams assess operational activities, compare effectiveness, and prioritize remediation efforts. This common structure supports consistent reporting and decision-making across departments.
• Rating Scales: Standardized scales for impact and likelihood allow teams to prioritize risks and audit findings in a way that aligns with financial, operational, and reputational goals.
• Risk Response Rules: Defined norms for escalation, monitoring, and acceptance help teams act decisively and consistently. These rules support faster decision-making and clearer communication with leadership.
• Business Value: A shared risk language improves cross-functional collaboration, shortens decision cycles, and enhances corporate culture. It helps organizations move from reactive compliance to proactive strategy.

Explore More: Download the One-Pager and White Paper

Want to see how this concept applies in real-world settings? Our white papers offers a quick overview of how CISOs and General Counsels are aligning through risk. It highlights how shared language can reduce audit stress, improve efficiency, and support growth without expanding headcount.

Visit our white papers page to download the full white paper and explore additional resources. Whether you are building a new program or refining an existing one, we helps you turn risk into sustainable value.