Ryan Patel, 26

For some, being born into a family business with multiple generations of entrepreneurs spanning the globe might entail pressure to perform. But not for Ryan Patel. 

“I'm just a pretty laid back guy who understands what's needed to be done from a professional and a personal level. And I'm a very lucky person who has been able to be put in this position,” Patel says, “ It's time for me to get to work and fulfill those investments.”

Photo by Mark Wemple

Patel’s father, Piyush, founded digital software company Kyra Solutions (originally Kyra InfoTech) in Lakeland in 1997 and grew the business to 300 employees with his wife and brothers. The focus of the company is providing software for government agencies to streamline communication and services with the public. 

“He’s been my true north star for my whole life, and he’s the person I go to for any and all questions, advice and guidance,” Patel says about his father.

Before formally joining the company as a corporate strategy analyst in 2021, Patel forged his own path. He earned an undergraduate degree in political science, a master's in management studies and during that time he served on Jeb Bush’s 2016 presidential campaign and as a congressional intern for then-U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Lakeland. 

“Having that background has allowed me to understand how [the] private sector can help bridge the gap between citizens and their government with digitally enabled platforms to reduce the burden on both government and citizens,” Patel says.

These days, he is tasked with the administration and strategy behind IntelliRoad, a division of Kyra Solutions formed in 2022 that has a transportation focus. He manages a team of about a dozen and has honed in on his leadership style. 

“I love to lead from the back," Patel says. "From an early age, I never felt like the spotlight should be on me. I'm always focused on getting the job done in any which way, and if that means that I have to take a step back and allow people to use their strengths, then that's exactly what I'll do to get it done.”