L'Oreal Thompson Payton

L’Oreal Thompson Payton is a sought-after keynote speaker, award-winning journalist, and bestselling author dedicated to amplifying conversations at the intersection of ambition, wellness, and storytelling. With nearly two decades of experience as a writer and editor, Thompson Payton has built an illustrious career covering health, wellness, and lifestyle for major media outlets, including Fortune, Essence, The Cut, and SELF. She is the author of "Stop Waiting for Perfect: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and Into Your Power," a pocket-sized pep talk for high-achieving women learning to embrace their worth beyond perfectionism, and "Amanda Gorman: Step into Reading," a children’s biography celebrating the inaugural National Youth Poet Laureate.

As the founder of LT in the City Media, Thompson Payton partners with global brands such as Peloton, Netflix, and Reebok to shape impactful narratives, while also leading workshops and speaking at conferences on topics like mental health, self-care for high achievers, and storytelling as a tool for empowerment. Her ability to blend journalistic rigor with personal storytelling makes her an engaging speaker, whether she is moderating panels at Fortune’s Brainstorm Health conference, delivering keynotes or workshops for organizations such The Mom Project, Girl Scouts and Northwestern University, or guiding mindfulness sessions that create space for reflection and healing.

Recognized as one of Chicago Reader’s Best Nonfiction Writers (2024) and a recipient of multiple leadership and advocacy awards, Thompson Payton’s work extends beyond the stage. She is a 300-hour certified yoga instructor, a board member of Permission to Write, and a mentor dedicated to uplifting the next generation of storytellers. Whether she is speaking to corporate teams, college students, or creative entrepreneurs, her message is clear: ambition and wellness are not mutually exclusive: you can chase your dreams and take care of yourself, too.