Theresa Payton

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Speech Topics

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.

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.

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.

Biography

Theresa Payton is a trailblazer in technology and cybersecurity, making history as the first female White House Chief Information Officer under President George W. Bush. Known as one of the nation’s top advisors on secured digital transformation, she works with Fortune 500 Boards, CEOs, and technology executives to safeguard critical assets and navigate complex digital challenges.

Theresa’s career began in banking, where she quickly rose through the ranks to brief the Board of her institution at just 23 years old. She led a variety of portfolios of work including M&A technology integration teams, spearheading customer-focused digital transformation efforts, and delivered significant cost savings and revenue growth through innovative technology rollouts.

Today, as the CEO of Fortalice Solutions, Theresa is on the cutting edge of AI and innovative technologies to protect and secure what matters most—people. She is also a co-inventor of a U.S. patent holder in security design and a recognized thought leader on AI, privacy, safety, and security.

Whether as a Board member, consultant, or keynote speaker, she delivers unmatched value to organizations striving to achieve secure, customer-centric innovation in a rapidly changing world. A dynamic speaker, Theresa blends compelling stories with cutting-edge insights to educate and inspire.

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