Episode Summary:
Dr. Rebecca Wynn speaks with Theresa Payton, one of the United States’ most respected authorities on secured digital transformation. Theresa became the first female White House Chief Information Officer, overseeing federal records management and building a 24×7 security operations center. Her career includes leadership roles in banking and finance, co-founding Dark3 (acquired by Celerium), and now serving as Founder & CEO of Fortalice Solutions, recognized globally for cybersecurity innovation.

Theresa’s work combating cybercrime earned her the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award, and she contributes her expertise through the Cyber Defenders Council and multiple global technology advisory boards.

This episode explores purpose-driven leadership, balance, and how to align passion with impact in cybersecurity and executive roles.

Episode highlights include:
• Finding your calling and your passion
• How to make the budget business case
• Reimagining CIO and CISO leadership roles

Sponsor

Produced in partnership with Click Solutions Group — providing cybersecurity leadership, strategy, and technology solutions for modern enterprises.
Learn more: ClickSolutionsGroup.com

🎧 Listen Now

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soulful-cxo/id1680649397
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DJ67GCpreXLgy2VSa5Ire

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn / Social

Dr. Rebecca Wynn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/RebeccaWynnCISSP
Theresa Payton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresapayton/
Fortalice Solutions: https://www.fortalicesolutions.com

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Resources / References
(No additional resources provided for this episode)

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#SoulfulCXO #CyberSecurity #Leadership #CareerJourney #DigitalTransformation #CISO #CIO #WomenInTech #CyberResilience #ExecutiveInsight #PurposeDrivenLeadership