In many ways, Ryne Lodl’s leadership journey has been defined by growth — his own, his team’s, and the broader community he calls home.
Originally from Green Bay, Lodl and his wife relocated to the Fox Cities in 2015. Since then, he has built both a career and a community in the Fox Cities, blending public service experience with entrepreneurial ambition. Today, he serves as Vice President of Sales and Operations at Encompass Security, a local cybersecurity start-up born out of relationships formed through the Fox Cities Chamber, and their leadership programming.
But Lodl’s path to the private sector was anything but traditional.
Much of Lodl’s early career was rooted in nonprofit and local government work, with a focus on housing and homelessness services. His time with the City of Appleton proved especially formative.
There, he worked under two leaders he still credits with shaping his philosophy: Karen Harkness and Monica Stage.
“Karen and Monica empowered us to perform at a high level and truly modeled what strong leadership looks like,” Lodl said. “They held us to high standards while fully supporting us along the way. Just as importantly, they invested in us as people.”
That combination of accountability and genuine care remains central to how Lodl leads today in his current role in the fast-moving world of cybersecurity as part of Encompass Security. As a start-up, the company required building strategy and brand from the ground up, a process he describes as both challenging and deeply rewarding.
“When you’re bringing something new to the market, there’s a lot of education that must take place first. It’s almost like having to walk before you can run,” he said. “It can be slow at times. But then you see the light at the end of the tunnel, and you start to run.”
One of his proudest leadership moments was securing the company’s first sale.
“We worked so hard as a team to get to that point. It legitimizes you and gives you a huge boost of confidence that you’re doing the right thing.”
Ask Lodl what leadership means to him, and his answer is both practical and people-centered.
“Leadership means setting a clear vision, creating a common goal, and helping others do their best work,” he said. “Strong leadership shows up in results, but it starts with people.”
He describes his leadership style as clear and collaborative; setting expectations while giving others ownership. Trust is key. So is energy.
“I consider myself a sparkplug,” he said. “I try to bring high energy and positivity. It’s infectious.”
That positivity is grounded in service. For Lodl, leadership is about removing obstacles, creating accountability and building an environment where people feel supported enough to step up.
Lodl is a 2019 graduate of the Fox Cities Chamber’s Leadership Fox Cities program and was named a 2024 Future 15 recipient. Today, he serves as President of the Leadership Fox Cities Alumni Association, helping graduates continue investing in themselves and one another long after the program concludes.
Participating in Leadership Fox Cities required him to do something he now regularly advises others to do: get comfortable being uncomfortable.
“You really have to put yourself out there and step outside your comfort zone. That’s where true growth takes place,” Lodl said.
The impact was greater than he ever expected.
“I remember being told on the first day to be prepared to make lifelong friendships,” Lodl recalled. “I thought it was just a nice thing to say, but it really happened!”
In fact, two of those friends became business partners. The creation of Encompass Security, he notes, is a direct byproduct of connections formed through Leadership Fox Cities. For Lodl, that experience reinforced the power of relationships and shared growth. It’s also why he now leads the Alumni Association. “It doesn’t need to end when the program ends,” he said. “It’s just the foundation to build and expand on.”
When asked what motivates him to lead, Lodl doesn’t hesitate.
“At the end of the day, I want to help those around me grow and be successful,” he said. “I take extreme pride in seeing others succeed and knowing I played a part in that.”
He empowers others by giving them ownership, setting clear expectations and trusting them to make decisions. Just as importantly, he models accountability, transparency and collaboration.
“People step into leadership when they understand the goal and feel trusted to lead their part of it,” he said.
Looking ahead, Lodl believes the future of leadership will demand adaptability, clear communication and a willingness to listen as much as speak. But at its core, he believes the fundamentals won’t change.
“It always comes back to trust,” he said.
And in the Fox Cities, a community he proudly calls home, Lodl continues to build exactly that.
The Fox Cities Chamber has been a leader in professional development since 1991, equipping individuals and organizations with the tools to grow, innovate, and lead. The Chamber’s leadership programs are designed to meet professionals at every stage of their career, providing the skills, mentorship, and connections necessary for long-term success in business and community leadership.
Learn more, and see which program may be right for you at foxcitieschamber.com/leadership/.