VIDEO: Manipulator or Listener

James Moncrieff, Director of Cyber Security, Nielsen IQ

Drawing on his undercover policing background, James shows how blending in, reading emotional cues, and earning trust parallels cybersecurity’s shift from coercion to collaboration.

Undercover officers rely on empathy and rapport to gather intel without raising alarm, just as security teams must persuade users ethically. By adopting a listener mindset instead of manipulator tactics, both professions foster sustainable, trust-based cultures that drive positive, measurable behaviour change.

A very insightful angle on how emotional intelligence in cybersecurity shifts influence from coercion to collaboration.

Settle down with a coffee for just over 30 minutes, where he talks to you about this topic that’s close to his heart.