Einstein may be an over-the-top example, but try to picture him explaining multiplication to a child as compared to a 3rd grade teacher. Einstein has been working at such an advanced level for so long that the act of trying to simplify a concept in his own mind to use words the child can understand would be like an order of magnitude as opposed to a level or two of simplicity.

Now picture that type of scenario, but with IT. Trying to explain to non-techs in real time is quite a feat, a rare gift even - going from the intricacies of a project (the leaves) and trying to explain how they fuel the forest to someone who has never seen a leaf. Step downs are needed, i.e. intermediaries that understand enough about the technology but are still rooted in the non-tech world and can convert the concepts into layman's terms.

Or consider this person as a translator. Just because the base language is e.g. English in all departments, doesn't mean it's the same language; nor can the constructs be assumed as equivalent. If there is a non-native speaker that is eloquent in their own language but struggles in yours, you hire a translator to bridge the gap. How is it any different in IT? It isn't, though the bean counters may not acquience, else they would need to justify why it's ok to lay off those with the talent to bridge that gap. It also amplifies silo tower management. But then if the business and financial silos have leaders who are insecure, removing the silo bridgers followed by saying others don't communicate well may be preferable.

Oops, did I say that out loud? I really try not to be so cynical...