An Inspired Chat with Raed Ahsan of Riyadh

We recently had the chance to connect with Raed Ahsan and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Raed , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me right now is a mix of learning, creating, and sharing knowledge. I usually start my day by reviewing the latest trends and threats in cybersecurity, keeping up with new tools, and checking in on ongoing projects. I spend a significant portion of the day developing training content, working on research, or preparing for speaking engagements. Afternoons are often dedicated to client consultations, mentoring, or coordinating with my team at Rtelligenc on cybersecurity solutions, digital marketing, and brand growth strategies. Evenings are reserved for personal learning, writing, or planning new initiatives, and sometimes for connecting with students or peers to share insights. It’s busy, but every day brings opportunities to grow and make an impact in the cybersecurity field.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Raed Ahsan, and I’m a globally recognized cybersecurity expert, published author of Silent Grid for OT security, ethical hacker, and award-winning speaker. I founded Rtelligenc, a company that provides cybersecurity consultations, digital marketing, brand development, and analytics for organizations across diverse industries. What makes Rtelligenc unique is that we don’t just offer solutions; we focus on hands-on, practical approaches to help organizations understand, detect, and defend against emerging cyber threats.

I’ve been passionate about technology and cybersecurity since my teenage years, and over time, I’ve combined this expertise with public speaking, live demonstrations, and training programs to inspire and educate the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Right now, I’m working on projects related to OT security, penetration testing, and AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, along with creating educational content and training courses to empower students and professionals to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field.

At the core, my mission is to bridge the gap between knowledge and practical application, helping individuals and organizations not just understand cyber risks, but actively defend against them

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was simply a curious mind, someone who loved exploring how things worked and why they sometimes broke. I was fascinated by systems, by logic, and by the hidden layers behind technology. I didn’t see titles, expectations, or limits; I saw possibilities.

Back then, I wasn’t chasing recognition or fitting into a definition of success; I was just passionate about learning, experimenting, and creating. That raw curiosity became the foundation of everything I am today in cybersecurity. Even now, I remind myself not to lose that inner explorer, the version of me that asked questions not because I had to, but because I genuinely wanted to understand the world a little better every day

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, absolutely! There were moments I almost gave up. The path I chose wasn’t simple. When you start young in cybersecurity, you face doubt, rejection, and countless failures that make you question your direction. There were times when things didn’t go as planned, projects failed, opportunities slipped away, and I felt like my efforts weren’t being seen or understood.

But in those moments, I reminded myself why I started. I didn’t step into this field for recognition; I did it because I loved solving problems and making systems more secure. Every setback taught me something, and every challenge shaped me into someone stronger, more focused, and more patient.

The truth is, I almost gave up, not because I couldn’t handle the work, but because I didn’t see progress for a while. But the moment I decided to keep going, to learn, adapt, and believe in my purpose, everything changed. Success followed when I stopped seeking validation and started trusting the process.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’d say the public version of me is real, but it’s not the whole of me. The Raed Ahsan people see on stage, in articles, or at conferences is the part of me that represents my work, my mission, and my purpose. It’s the side that wants to educate, inspire, and lead by example.

But behind that public image, there’s also the quieter version of me, the thinker, the learner, the person who still spends hours experimenting, failing, and reflecting. The difference is, the public version shares the outcome; the private version lives through the process.

Both are real. One is who I am when the world is watching; the other is who I am when it’s just me, a screen, and a problem to solve. They coexist, and I think the balance between those two is what keeps me grounded and authentic in everything I do.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. Giving your best is not about seeking applause, recognition, or validation from others. It’s about honoring your own potential and staying true to your goals. Even if no one notices, every effort you put in matters; it builds your skills, sharpens your mind, and strengthens your character. Every late night, every challenge you face, every small step forward is shaping the person you’re becoming. True success comes from dedication, consistency, and the commitment to push beyond your limits, even when no one is watching. When you give your best in silence, you prepare yourself to shine when the right moment comes, and you create impact that lasts far beyond praise. Remember, the work you do today lays the foundation for the greatness of tomorrow.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
YES! You can global foundation, QNA Security Conclave, IDC, CyberNext

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