Keynote (45–60 minutes), fireside chat, or leadership session
Executives, CIOs, CISOs, policymakers, and digital transformation leaders across finance, government, and enterprise sectors
Navigating the Promise and Perils of Artificial Intelligence
Few technological developments of the last century have fueled as much curiosity, misinformation and fear as AI. In this highly-engaging, jargon-free presentation, Theresa unpacks AI’s transformative power while exposing its looming risks, then demonstrates how our businesses, security and individual daily lives are being impacted by them.
With anonymized stories from law enforcement’s front lines and stunning live demonstrations that reveal the tradecraft of modern cybercriminals, Theresa will equip you with practical actions to harness AI’s vast potential while protecting yourself, your clients and your organization.
Innovating Without Compromising Trust
Balancing innovation and security in a rapidly evolving digital world requires know-how, sensitivity and constant vigilance. From streamlining operations to enhancing customer experiences, Theresa shares strategies for driving transformation while safeguarding your organization’s critical assets.
With compelling case studies and easily-understood, actionable takeaways, Theresa will show you how to future-proof your organization and lead confidently in the age of relentless cyber threats.
Thriving in Every Role
Theresa shares her amazing journey of faith, resilience, and determination as a business professional, wife and mom of three that led her to the most visible position in the tech world, White House CIO. And that’s before she became a CEO, one of the media world’s leading voices on technology and cybersecurity and star of the hit CBS TV series, “Hunted.”
Drawing from her experiences leading in high-stakes environments, she reveals how faith and purpose have been her guiding lights in balancing family, career, and service. Theresa’s uplifting message will inspire you to lead boldly, embrace challenges with grace, and thrive in every role you’re called to fulfill.
Theresa Payton is one of the world’s most respected authorities on cybersecurity, data privacy, and digital transformation. As the first female Chief Information Officer at the White House, she guided the U.S. government through major technological and security transitions, setting new standards for cyber resilience and innovation. Today, as the CEO of Fortalice Solutions, Theresa helps Fortune 500 companies and government agencies secure their infrastructure, defend against emerging threats, and harness technology responsibly.
With decades of experience in both the public and private sectors, Theresa brings a rare combination of executive leadership, technical acumen, and foresight into the future of artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and digital ethics. A frequent commentator on CBS’s “Hunted”, and a recipient of numerous industry awards, she’s known for making cybersecurity personal, practical, and empowering. Her presentations inspire leaders to turn security into strategy and innovation into trust.
Theresa Payton stands at the forefront of this mission, renowned as the first female Chief Information Officer (CIO) at the White House. Her pioneering efforts in cybersecurity have cemented her status as a leading authority in the field. As the founder and CEO of Fortalice Solutions, a premier cybersecurity consulting firm, Theresa combines her extensive experience with a profound commitment to protecting organizations against emerging cyber threats.
Theresa’s journey from banking executive to White House CIO showcases her dedication to technological advancement and security. Her insights into the complexities of cybercrime, coupled with her hands-on experience in both public and private sectors, make her an invaluable asset to any organization seeking to fortify its digital defenses.
Theresa Payton’s career is a testament to her expertise and leadership in cybersecurity. Before her historic appointment as the first female CIO at the White House under President George W. Bush, she honed her skills in the financial sector, holding executive roles at Bank of America and Wells Fargo. These positions allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the technological challenges and security risks inherent in large financial institutions.
In 2008, Theresa founded Fortalice Solutions, where she leads a team of cybercrime fighters dedicated to protecting businesses and governments from risk and fraud. Her firm is recognized as one of the top cybersecurity consulting companies, known for its innovative approaches to combating cyber threats.
Theresa Payton’s unique blend of frontline experience, strategic insight, and engaging communication skills makes her an exceptional choice for any event focused on cybersecurity, technology, or leadership. Her presentations are enriched with real-world anecdotes and actionable takeaways, providing audiences with a deeper understanding of the cyber landscape and practical strategies to enhance their security posture.
Event planners can trust Theresa’s professionalism and ability to connect with diverse audiences, ensuring that her message resonates and inspires action. Her track record of successful engagements with organizations across various industries attests to her versatility and effectiveness as a speaker.
Theresa Payton’s distinguished career, from breaking barriers as the first female White House CIO to leading a top-tier cybersecurity firm, exemplifies her commitment to protecting and advancing our digital world. Her expertise, coupled with her engaging speaking style, offers audiences invaluable insights into cybersecurity challenges and solutions. Booking Theresa for your event ensures a compelling and informative experience that will empower attendees to navigate the complexities of today’s cyber environment confidently.
Hashtags: #Cybersecurity #Leadership #WomenInTech #DigitalTransformation #InformationSecurity
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Cybersecurity pioneer Theresa Payton breaks down today’s most dangerous cyber threats and the immediate steps every organization must take to strengthen its security posture.
This video features Theresa Payton, one of the world’s top cybersecurity and fraud-prevention experts, using real-world breaches to illustrate the speed and severity of modern attacks. The segment opens with rapid-fire news clips: a school district paying ransom after a crippling attack, HBO losing 1.5 terabytes of data and a major U.S. fuel pipeline forced to shut down due to a suspected cyber intrusion. Payton uses these examples to underscore how quickly a proactive cybersecurity environment can collapse when an organization is unprepared.
She cautions that companies operating on the cutting edge—particularly in financial services and advanced technology—are also operating on the cutting edge of cybercrime. Threat actors adapt instantly, leaving security teams with the responsibility of “writing the wrongs of the world” through constant vigilance and rapid response.
Payton reinforces a critical mindset shift: assume every technology and process in the security stack will eventually fail. Tools alone cannot defend a business; instead, leaders must rely on layered protection and well-trained employees. She outlines simple yet highly effective actions organizations can implement immediately, including annual cybersecurity training, continuous testing of employee awareness and “trust but verify” protocols that validate whether staff members actually follow security rules.
She warns employees to be wary of sensational headlines, shocking video links or “breaking news” prompts—classic clickbait frequently used to redirect unsuspecting users to malicious sites.
Payton also highlights the overlooked vulnerability of mobile phones. Every text, call and social media post leaves a trace of behavioral and location data. Attackers can use these digital breadcrumbs to predict future movements and identify opportunities for exploitation.
Former White House CIO Theresa Payton shares her journey as a trailblazer in cybersecurity and her mission to empower the next generation of digital leaders.
In this inspiring video profile, Theresa Payton reflects on her groundbreaking career as the first female Chief Information Officer of the White House and her ongoing mission to strengthen cybersecurity and leadership diversity. She discusses how her early experiences in technology shaped her drive to protect critical systems while paving the way for more women in cybersecurity.
Theresa highlights the increasing complexity of digital threats and the need for organizations to blend innovation with vigilance. Drawing from her work as CEO of Fortalice Solutions, she shares how cybersecurity is as much about people as it is about technology — emphasizing collaboration, empathy, and leadership as the foundation of digital resilience.
The video captures her passion for mentorship, her belief in the power of inclusion, and her optimism about the future of cybersecurity as a field where creativity and courage drive progress.
00:36–01:15 — Lessons from serving as White House CIO
01:16–01:55 — Building Fortalice Solutions and advancing cyber resilience
01:56–02:30 — Encouraging women and underrepresented voices in cybersecurity
Theresa Payton explains why clear communication and shared understanding are essential to building effective cybersecurity at every level of an organization.
In this concise and insightful clip, Theresa Payton, former White House Chief Information Officer, highlights one of the most overlooked elements of cybersecurity: communication. She explains that many security failures stem not from technology, but from a disconnect in language between IT professionals and executive leadership.
Theresa urges organizations to develop a “common cybersecurity vocabulary” — one that bridges technical detail and business strategy — so everyone from engineers to board members can understand risk, urgency, and priorities in the same way. She emphasizes that effective security begins with empathy, clarity, and collaboration across departments.
The video captures her trademark ability to turn complex cybersecurity ideas into accessible, actionable leadership lessons that empower both technical and non-technical audiences.
00:21–00:40 — The communication gap between IT teams and executives
00:41–00:55 — How shared language strengthens cyber awareness
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