Biography

Book Theresa Payton through The Keynote Curators.

Theresa Payton is a visionary in the digital world.  She famously made history as the first female to serve as White House Chief Information Officer and is widely recognized as one of the nation’s most respected authorities on cybersecurity. Theresa Payton is a highly sought-after keynote speaker. She captivates audiences by drawing from her experience as a veteran cybercrime fighter and entrepreneur, masterfully blending memorable anecdotes with cutting-edge insights. 

A celebrated, patented inventor of new security designs, Theresa Payton identifies emerging trends and techniques to help businesses – and audiences –  combat cyber threats, from the impact of the Internet of Things to securing Big Data. She’s the cybersecurity expert organizations in both the public and private sectors turn to protect their most valuable resources, improve their IT systems and strategies and to discreetly guide them through data breaches.

Managing cybersecurity risk is what Theresa Payton knows and does best. Before overseeing IT operations as CIO for President George W. Bush and his administration, she held executive roles in banking technology for two of the country’s top financial institutions. After serving in the White House, she went on to co-found Dark3, a cybersecurity product company, and Fortalice Solutions, a world-class cybersecurity consulting firm ranked a “Top 5 Most Innovative Cybersecurity Company” in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and DC.  

Because of her ability to explain complex security issues and help non-tech-savvy people understand how to protect their privacy, Payton has been a frequent guest on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Fox Business, and Fox News and has been featured on CBS News, CNN, NBC News, and MSNBC, as well as Canadian and Irish news outlets. She also starred on the reality TV series “Hunted”, where highly trained investigators (including Payton) “hunted” to catch people attempting to hide throughout the world.

She is the author of multiple industry-leading books on IT strategy and cyber security, including “Manipulated: Inside the Cyberwar to Hijack Elections and Distort the Truth,” which The Guardian included on their list of the “Top 10 Books About Cybercrime.”

Contact us for Theresa Payton’s fees and availability.

Read More
Request Availability

Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more

AI and the Future of Us: 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.

Secured Digital Transformation: 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.

From the White House to Your House: Leadership & Life Lessons

Theresa shares her amazing journey of 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 world’s leading media 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 family and purpose have been her guiding lights in balancing home life, 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.

Booksby Theresa Payton

Manipulated: Inside the Cyberwar to Hijack Elections and Distort the Truth

Privacy in the Age of Big Data

Blog Posts

Embrace Your Authenticity and Lead Better Teams with Mike Robbins

Great teams aren’t built on talent alone—they’re built on trust, authenticity, and human connections. Learn more in our podcast episode with Mike Robbins.

Read More

Unlock Your Creativity With Progress And Bold Ideas

Embrace creativity, progress, and bold risk-taking to unlock innovation and empower personal growth in this week's newsletter.

Read More

How Businesses Can Use More Creative Thinking with Natalie Nixon

In this episode of The Keynote Curators Podcast, keynote speaker Natalie Nixon discusses her transformative approach to creative thinking in the workplace.

Read More

Why Embracing Imperfection Is the True Path to Success

Learn why progress, not perfection, is the key to success through empowering insights on resilience, positivity, and personal growth.

Read More

Become a Powerful Leader By Inspiring Others Through Your Actions

Executive coach and keynote speaker Amy Eliza Wong shares how she empowers leaders to transform everyday interactions into trust-building, impactful moments.

Read More

How Belonging Creates Workplace Magic with Adam “Smiley” Poswolsky

What if the secret to a thriving workplace lies in the power of belonging? Learn insights on business success with from keynote speaker Adam “Smiley” Poswolsky.

Read More

Related Speakers

Reviews & Ratings

Here's how toHit the mark with the perfect speaker!

1. Schedule a call

We’ll connect so we understand your needs to curate a selection of great speakers.

2. Book your speaker

We’ll manage all the details so you will be confident with your choice.

3. Wow your audience

Inform & educate your participants to ideas that transform their work & personal life.

Schedule a Call

Blog Posts

 

Embrace Your Authenticity and Lead Better Teams with Mike Robbins

Great teams aren’t built on talent alone—they’re built on trust, authenticity, and strong human connections....

Read More

Unlock Your Creativity With Progress And Bold Ideas

"Creativity is intelligence having fun." – Albert Einstein Somewhere along the way, many of us...

Read More

How Businesses Can Use More Creative Thinking with Natalie Nixon

Creative thinking isn’t just an extra skill—it’s the ultimate competitive edge. In today’s hyper-competitive business...

Read More

Why Embracing Imperfection Is the True Path to Success

I used to think success meant having it all figured out. That if I just...

Read More

Become a Powerful Leader By Inspiring Others Through Your Actions

What makes a leader truly exceptional beyond simply completing daily tasks? In a world where...

Read More

How Belonging Creates Workplace Magic with Adam “Smiley” Poswolsky

What if the secret to a thriving workplace isn’t more perks or policies—but the power...

Read More