We’re looking forward to introducing you to Richart Ruddie. Check out our conversation below.
Richart, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
We presented our startup at Venture Atlanta the largest VC conference on the east coast and ended up winning the pitch competition. It showcased that the thesis of hard work and the vertical in which we’re building our startup in is a hot space with huge potential. So outworking the competition and as we were called the “Hot girl at the prom dance.” after winning was a proud moment and early stage validation.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Richart Ruddie: The Privacy Visionary
Who I Am: I’m Richart Ruddie, What Makes Me Unique? Roelof Botha of Sequoia Capital said they look for entrepreneurs that are like me in the fact that I’m unconventional and am an outlier founder who’s just different than the crowd forging my own path like an untraditional entrepreneur: As an outsider in some ways who’s getting a seat at the table with micro improvements every single day.
As an underdog who didn’t go to an ivy league school it’s important to have grit, determination, and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom which has led to the creation of enduring companies that will withstand the testament of time as long as I’m around.
As a world-changer because if somethings not as I want it to be I’ll work to remake it as it should be.
As a founders with a unique, contrarian insight that others might overlook initially some are already coming back and stating we were wrong and how do we invest in you?
I come from one of those unexpected places and possess a unique intensity and vision that sets me apart from the traditional mold.
As a serial entrepreneur with a background in digital marketing I’ve always had the thought pattern to grow and build to the next best thing. Now I have the opportunity for something huge. With a deep-seated passion for data privacy. and coming off a successful exit from my previous company, I recognized the immense and growing challenge businesses face with complex and evolving data privacy regulations. This led me to pivot my focus entirely to the world of compliance and start exiting from all other ventures to go all in on privacy which is starting to pay off big time.
My brand CaptainCompliance.com: Automates Data Privacy and protects businesses against litigation and regulatory risks.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
There was a moment when I worked at a hedge fund and they told me that some birds are meant to spread their wings and fly instead of being locked up in a cage. I was that bird being held back and was ready to go onto bigger things. While this isn’t Jeff Bezos leaving D E Shaw to move to Seattle to start Amazon but rather an opportunity because there was no future in trading for me but rather it’s time to go out and fend for yourself. The corporate world and traditional jobs will never suit me.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
There were multiple times having negative money and the persistence of grinding and just knowing that I need to keep on going. Having that dedication and no fear of stopping while managing costs because of this past experience is one of many lessons learned from suffering through tough times that has led to success today.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
To a fault. What you see is what you get. There’s no sugar coating and no changes. There’s a saying that I live by its that you should never say something behind somebody’s back that you’d not be willing to say to their face. Live with an honest principle and doing right by other people and you’ll find successin your relationships and business.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
While my hobbies especially lately are working, working, and working I love to travel and see the world. As an explorer and adventurer the relaxing points come at a spa day doing the rotation of Steam, Sauna, Hot Tub, and Cold Plunge help to clear my mind and puts me at peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://captaincompliance.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richartruddie/
- Twitter: https://x.com/captcompliance
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@captain-compliance
Image Credits
Richart Ruddie
