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.
North Carolina, United States
Enquire Now
Send us your event details
.svg){kind=icon}
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.
Looking for a custom keynote or workshop designed around your company’s goals and culture? The expert will create a tailored, interactive session that aligns with your objectives, values, and strategic priorities. From leadership and innovation to wellbeing and collaboration, each experience is built from the ground up to deliver measurable impact and lasting change.
Featured Projects
.svg)
Book
.svg)
.svg)
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about booking an expert speaker, facilitator, host or entertainment for your event.
- If you'd like to book one of our expert speakers, email us at hello@peptalk.com, send us a chat message or give us a call, and we’ll help you out.
- We’ll take your event details — topic, audience, budget, date, and location — and create a custom speaker proposal for you within 48 hours.
- If you already have someone in mind, that’s okay too; just let us know their name! Even if they aren't listed publicly on our website, we have a huge network and work with almost everyone.
- Once you've reviewed our speaker propsal and have selected and expert shortlist, we'll double check availability and fees with your chosen expert.
- You're welcome to have a chemistry call with the speaker before making the final decision, too.
- Next, we'll send out contracts to confirm the booking. One of our experienced event producers will liase with both you and the talent on the finer details, and arrange travel if necessary, taking the stress off your plate.
Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. We work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.
We do not accommodate requests for birthday messages or any other personal, non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.
We work with speakers across a variety of fee ranges, giving you the flexibility to choose someone who fits your event's needs. Virtual keynote fees in the UK and Europe typically start at £2,000, while in-person top-tier speakers can reach £25,000. In the US, virtual in-person fees range from $5,000 to over $100,000, depending on the speaker and format, such as after-dinner talks, conference keynotes, Q&As, or podcasts. Comedians generally start at £1,500 or $2,000 for a 20-minute set.
Our goal is to help you find the speaker who best matches your event’s goals and budget. We take the time to understand your event, objectives, and audience to recommend the right fit. The most expensive option isn’t always the best one, and our priority is finding the ideal speaker or expert for your needs; not the highest-priced one.
Reach out for personalised recommendations and detailed information on specific speaker fees. We’re here to offer a tailored service and are always happy to discuss your unique requirements!
There’s no additional cost for our services beyond the speaker fee — simply contact us to find the right speaker for your next business or team event. We can also work with your corporate procurement team to negotiate favourable long-term rates, simply email hello@getapeptalk.com for more information.
Partnering with PepTalk means elevating your events with our curated roster of top motivational speakers, industry experts, delivering punchy keynotes that leave a lasting impact. From talent selection, to contracts and logistics, we handle it all. We have global expert network, with over 3000 speakers from over 33 countries on our line-up.
We also provide a full range of talent, from event hosts and moderators to interviewers and corporate entertainment, ensuring your event’s success from start to finish.
PepTalk workshops are interactive learning experiences for leaders at all levels, blending theory with practical insights from industry experts. These programs, led by experienced facilitators, are designed to drive real mindset changes and equip participants with actionable skills. Workshops can be customised to meet your organisation's specific needs. Explore our workshop examples and contact us today to learn how your team can benefit.
If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, feel free to email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.