Available to book
Theresa Payton
Transform cybersecurity strategies with Theresa Payton, speaker and first female White House CIO. Theresa works with Fortune 500 companies to implement AI security solutions and digital resilience, delivering expert insights featured on CBS and in The Guardian's Top 10 Books.
Theresa Payton is a pioneering cybersecurity expert who made history as the first female White House Chief Information Officer. Her unique blend of government experience, technical knowledge, and business acumen positions her at the forefront of digital security and AI strategy.
As CEO of Fortalice Solutions, a top-ranked cybersecurity consulting firm, Theresa advises Fortune 500 boards and executives on secure digital transformation. Her book "Manipulated" was named among The Guardian's Top 10 Books About Cybercrime, and she regularly appears as a security expert on major networks, including CBS, where she starred in the reality series "Hunted." Theresa helps organizations navigate today's complex digital landscape by identifying emerging threats before they become crises.
Her patented security designs and practical approach to cybersecurity enable businesses to protect critical assets while embracing innovation. She translates complex technical concepts into actionable strategies, particularly in areas of AI implementation, data privacy, and operational resilience. Audiences leave Theresa's presentations with clear frameworks for assessing their security vulnerabilities, practical tools for improving their organization's digital hygiene, and strategic insights for balancing innovation with protection in an increasingly connected world.
Book Theresa when you need a speaker who combines real-world cybersecurity expertise with the ability to make complex technological concepts accessible and actionable for any audience.
Topics, sessions and talks
In her engaging presentation, Theresa Payton explores the transformative power of artificial intelligence while addressing its associated risks. She highlights the impact of AI on businesses, security, and daily life, sharing anonymized stories from law enforcement and live demonstrations of modern cybercriminal tactics. Attendees will learn practical strategies to leverage AI's potential effectively while safeguarding themselves, their clients, and their organizations against its perils.
In her talk, Theresa Payton emphasizes the importance of balancing innovation and security in today's digital landscape. She shares effective strategies for transforming operations and improving customer experiences while protecting critical assets. Through compelling case studies and actionable insights, Theresa equips attendees with the knowledge to future-proof their organizations and confidently navigate the challenges posed by cyber threats. Participants will learn how to drive transformation without compromising security.
Theresa Payton shares her inspiring journey of resilience as a business professional, wife, and mother of three, culminating in her role as White House CIO and CEO. As a leading voice in technology and cybersecurity, and a star of CBS's "Hunted," she draws from her experiences in high-stakes environments. Attendees will learn how to balance family, career, and purpose while embracing challenges and leading boldly in every aspect of life.
Theresa Payton, the first female White House CIO and renowned cybersecurity expert, translates complex digital security concepts into actionable strategies that protect your organization while embracing innovation. Book this pioneering leader to equip your team with practical frameworks for addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities and navigating the evolving landscape of AI, data privacy, and digital transformation.
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frequently asked questions
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To book Theresa Payton, email theresa.payton@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Theresa's availability and speaking fee. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and about your audience.
No. PepTalk adds no booking fee, so you pay the speaker's fee and nothing beyond it. The service, from shortlist through to contracts and event-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, PepTalk can agree preferential rates with your procurement team.
Share your event date, audience, format, objectives and budget, and PepTalk sends a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours. Each suggestion comes with a profile, a fee and a recommendation on the strongest fit. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, travel and logistics through to event day.
The typical fee range is the speaker's standard in-person fee in their home market, shown in their local currency. It moves with format, location, date and session length: virtual sessions and shorter slots usually cost less, while international travel and peak dates cost more. Send your brief to PepTalk and the team will confirm the exact fee in your currency.
Not all of them, and it makes no difference to your booking. PepTalk's network of 15,000+ speakers covers talent the team works with directly alongside speakers represented by agents and agencies worldwide. PepTalk approaches the speaker, negotiates the fee and handles contracting either way.
Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.
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