In an era where digital transformation moves faster than regulation, Ryan Sahadeo is pioneering a path few dare to tread—at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI, and tech education. As the founder of Securoptix, Altivus.AI, A1 Designs, and Codepreneur Academy, Ryan has become a multifaceted force driving innovation across industries.
His unconventional journey—from pharmacy to tech founder—highlights the power of reinvention in a volatile digital world.
From Receptionist to Cybersecurity Strategist
Raised during the early internet boom, Ryan’s tech curiosity began by disassembling old computers with his brother. Originally studying to be a pharmacist at LIU Brooklyn, he pivoted to health science with a minor in computer science—a blend that placed him at the crossroads of healthcare and IT.
His role as a receptionist at Montefiore Medical Center gave him rare insights into how executive decisions were made—and how often tech risks were overlooked.
“Being a receptionist gave me proximity to leadership. I watched how decisions were made and how technology was often overlooked,” Ryan recalls.
During a wave of cyberattacks in the healthcare sector, Ryan identified a major flaw: security was reactive, not strategic. This insight fueled his rise to Head of Information Security at Newport Credentialing Solutions (now Symplr) and ultimately to launching Securoptix—a firm reframing cybersecurity as a competitive business asset.
Building Tech Solutions with Purpose
Ryan’s companies solve problems he’s lived through:
- Altivus.AI helps organizations build custom AI workflows that translate hype into outcomes.
- Codepreneur Academy offers bootcamp-style training for those pivoting into tech.
- A1 Digital fixes the frustrating gap between powerful software and poor user experiences.
“To some, it looks like I wear too many hats,” Ryan says. “Every venture supports the others. We train talent at Codepreneur, deploy that talent via Securoptix and Altivus, and ensure the tech stack is user-friendly through A1.”
From Shark Tank Rejection to Industry Recognition
A lesser-known chapter of Ryan’s story? He mentored student entrepreneurs at LIU Brooklyn’s School of Business, which led to an audition for Shark Tank Season 3. Though he didn’t make the final cut, the experience was pivotal.
“Most founders had no cybersecurity game plan,” he says. “So I started offering free consultations. That’s when I realized cybersecurity wasn’t just technical—it was strategic. Those early conversations were my real-world MBA.”
Embracing the Unknown and Leading Loudly
Without formal credentials in his early days, Ryan leaned into uncertainty. He relied on grit, research, and trial-by-fire experience—eventually earning a Master’s in Cybersecurity Management and now pursuing a PhD in Cybersecurity Leadership at Capitol Technology University.
“Start before you’re ready. Learn in public. Let rejection redirect you,” he advises.
His first clients paid in testimonials, not dollars—but those reviews built the brand his résumé couldn’t.
Sustainable Success and Burnout-Proof Discipline
Managing multiple companies requires strategy. Ryan thrives on:
- Focused Pomodoro sprints
- Automation tools like Asana, n8n, BlitzIt
- Fiercely protected downtime
“Burnout doesn’t come from working hard—it comes from working endlessly without intentional recovery.”
The Mission: Tech Access for All
Ryan’s research focuses on how regulatory misalignment causes burnout in cybersecurity professionals. His goal is to turn academic insight into practical frameworks via his companies.
He’s also preparing for a future on the TED stage, aiming to make cybersecurity and AI accessible for business leaders—not just techies.
“I’m not just building companies,” Ryan concludes. “I’m building ecosystems where anyone can thrive in tech—whether they want to code, protect, or lead.”
For more on Ryan Sahadeo and his ventures:
🔗 securoptix.io
🔗 altivus.ai
🔗 linkedin.com/in/RyanSahadeo
