Keynote SpeakerTheresa Payton

First Female White House Chief Information Officer, AI Strategist, Cybersecurity Expert & Privacy Visionary

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Watch Theresa Payton in action

Theresa Payton: Profile of a woman in Cybersecurity
Your Role in Fighting Cybercrime | Theresa Payton | Talks at Google
Cybersecurity Fireside Chat with Nutanix and Theresa Payton | Nutanix .NEXT Digital Experience 2021

Popular Talks by Theresa Payton

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…

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…

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.
Faith, Family, and Fearless Leadership: 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…

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.

Biography

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

Today, Theresa works with Fortune 500 boards, CEOs and technology executives to harness the transformative potential of AI while safeguarding critical assets, managing digital risks and protecting privacy. A celebrated co-inventor of a U.S. patent in security design, she helps organisations navigate emerging technologies and turn complex challenges around AI, cybersecurity, privacy and digital transformation into practical strategies for growth and resilience.

Managing cybersecurity risk is what Theresa 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, leading technology integration and customer-focused digital transformation initiatives. After serving in the White House, she went on to co-found Fortalice Solutions, where she now serves as CEO, leading a team specialising in digital intelligence, cybersecurity and threat mitigation.

Because of her ability to explain complex technology and security issues and make them accessible to non-technical audiences, Theresa 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 as Head of Intelligence on the CBS reality TV series Hunted, where highly trained investigators tracked people attempting to evade capture.

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

Whether advising boards and executives or speaking to global audiences, Theresa combines expertise in AI, cybersecurity, privacy and digital transformation with compelling storytelling, helping organisations understand emerging risks, embrace innovation securely and prepare for what comes next.

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What clients say about Theresa Payton

“Absolutely loved your session and the 2026 predictions!!!” Cisco

“OMG!! I cannot begin to tell you how much we LOVE Theresa! She’s the best! The session was amazing and she is so warm and giving. I will certainly be recommending her to any of my colleagues after an engaging, informative, knowledgeable and warm speaker. In the meantime, I’m going to let all my colleagues in the events business know that they should just erase any other cybercrime speakers they have OFF their lists right now!” Thomson Reuters

“Thank you for your fantastic presentation at Executive Summit and for being part of our (standing room only) Zero Trust session. I’ve heard nothing but great feedback from attendees on both fronts.” Hewlett Packard Enterprise

“I loved her session at the Governor’s Cyber Security Summit. I especially enjoyed hearing about the ‘5 F’s’ and how to protect our privacy in the uprise of AI.” Dell

“Your speech and panel in Geneva were one of the Congress highlights and it was so directly applicable!” Pictet Group, Geneva Switzerland

How to book Theresa Payton as a keynote speaker

How do I book Theresa Payton for a keynote speech?

You can book Theresa Payton through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Theresa's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Theresa Payton's speaking fees?

Theresa Payton's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Theresa tailored to your event.

What topics does Theresa Payton speak about?

Theresa Payton speaks on America, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Cyber Security, Digital. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Theresa to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Theresa Payton available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Theresa Payton for events worldwide, subject to Theresa's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Theresa Payton deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Theresa Payton is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Theresa Payton?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Theresa can accommodate.

Can Theresa Payton tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Theresa Payton on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Theresa can offer.

What languages does Theresa Payton present in?

Theresa Payton delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Theresa Payton a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Theresa Payton's areas of expertise include America, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Cyber Security, Digital. To get a clear sense of Theresa's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Theresa Payton speak at?

Theresa Payton can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in America, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Cyber Security, Digital is relevant. Details of Theresa's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Theresa Payton offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Theresa Payton is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Theresa Payton?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Theresa Payton, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Theresa's current availability for your dates.