Theresa Payton

Theresa Payton is a globally recognised female motivational speaker, widely admired for her groundbreaking achievements in technology and cybersecurity. As the first woman to serve as White House Chief Information Officer under President George W. Bush, she brings unmatched expertise and an inspiring story of leadership, resilience, and innovation. Frequently invited to speak at high-profile events, she empowers audiences by demystifying complex cyber threats and encouraging proactive digital transformation. Her unique ability to bridge technical know-how with human insight makes her a powerful voice for businesses navigating the modern digital landscape.

Theresa’s rise to prominence was built on a strong foundation in banking and technology. She began her career in the 1990s at Barnett Bank and quickly moved through the ranks at Wachovia and Bank of America, where she served as Senior Vice President. In 2006, she made history by becoming the White House Chief Information Officer, responsible for global cybersecurity operations and digital strategy. This pivotal role positioned her as a national leader in tech policy and cyber defence, laying the groundwork for her entrepreneurial journey and establishing her as a respected figure in both public and private sectors.

In recent years, Theresa has continued to shape the cybersecurity industry through key leadership roles and strategic innovation. She is the CEO and President of Fortalice Solutions, a leading cybersecurity consulting firm, and a co-founder of Dark Cubed, a threat analysis company acquired by Celerium Inc. in 2022. In addition to her corporate ventures, she serves as an Independent Director at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and Paychex, and is a Fellow at the University of Virginia. Her thought leadership extends to advisory roles, such as her work with UniCredit’s Transformation and Innovation Board. Theresa is also a patent-holding inventor and a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 executives on digital safety, privacy, and artificial intelligence.

Organisations hire Theresa as a speaker because she offers more than just knowledge – she delivers insight, inspiration, and action. Drawing on decades of experience in high-stakes environments, she connects with audiences by translating technical challenges into real-world impact. Whether addressing boardrooms or global conferences, her message resonates deeply: cybersecurity is not just about technology, but about people, trust, and forward-thinking leadership.