True Alignment®

Leadership is personal. Edgar and Ken explore resilience, fear, and the challenge of managing up while staying aligned with yourself and your organization. They discuss how listening, honest communication, and psychological safety can help leaders navigate conflict, build trust, and move forward.

The purpose of The True Alignment® podcast is to start the conversation around alignment, both in business and personal life, and it is up to you to see that conversation through. As always, if you have any questions, possible topics, or are looking to take your alignment further, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Alignment Survey

Links & Show Notes

Who we work with

Edgar Papke

Ken Sagendorf 

Music

Music by, local Colorado band, The Skinny

Edgar and Ken explore what it means to truly let go as a leader, shifting from telling and controlling to inquiry, trust, and co-creation. They unpack how leaders can empower others to carry the ball further, while developing the human skills needed for successful succession and lasting organizational growth.

The purpose of The True Alignment® podcast is to start the conversation around alignment, both in business and personal life, and it is up to you to see that conversation through. As always, if you have any questions, possible topics, or are looking to take your alignment further, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Alignment Survey

Links & Show Notes

Who we work with

Edgar Papke

Ken Sagendorf 

Music

Music by, local Colorado band, The Skinny

This week Edgar and Kendive beneath the surface of leadership to uncover the hidden values, motivations, and blind spots that shape how teams actually operate. Through real conversations and practical frameworks, exploration on how to close the gap between intention and reality so leaders can build trust, clarity, and lasting alignment across their organizations.

The purpose of The True Alignment® podcast is to start the conversation around alignment, both in business and personal life, and it is up to you to see that conversation through. As always, if you have any questions, possible topics, or are looking to take your alignment further, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Alignment Survey

Links & Show Notes

Who we work with

Edgar Papke

Ken Sagendorf 

Music

Music by, local Colorado band, The Skinny

Edgar and Ken explore the balance between autonomy and predictability in leadership and why great leaders create clarity without micromanaging. They discuss the power of sharing knowledge, leading with curiosity, and building trust through consistent behavior. The episode is a practical look at how aligned leadership creates stronger teams, better decisions, and healthier organizations.

The purpose of The True Alignment® podcast is to start the conversation around alignment, both in business and personal life, and it is up to you to see that conversation through. As always, if you have any questions, possible topics, or are looking to take your alignment further, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Alignment Survey

Links & Show Notes

Who we work with

Edgar Papke

Ken Sagendorf 

Music

Music by, local Colorado band, The Skinny

Edgar and Ken strip leadership back to the basics of alignment, truth-telling, and clear agreements. They explore how overcomplicating things actually makes alignment harder, not easier. A sharp reminder that taking time to define how teams work together is what prevents conflict and drives real results.

The purpose of The True Alignment® podcast is to start the conversation around alignment, both in business and personal life, and it is up to you to see that conversation through. As always, if you have any questions, possible topics, or are looking to take your alignment further, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Alignment Survey

Links & Show Notes

Who we work with

Edgar Papke

Ken Sagendorf 

Music

Music by, local Colorado band, The Skinny

Edgar and Ken sit down with Nic Esposito, founder of Circa Systems, to explore his journey from public service in Philadelphia to building circular economy ventures. From zero waste leadership to launching startups, Nic shares how alignment, service, and human connection have shaped his path. A powerful conversation on building purpose-driven businesses without losing what matters most.

The purpose of The True Alignment® podcast is to start the conversation around alignment, both in business and personal life, and it is up to you to see that conversation through. As always, if you have any questions, possible topics, or are looking to take your alignment further, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Alignment Survey

Links & Show Notes

Nic Esposito on LinkedIn

Circa Systems

Who we work with

Edgar Papke

Ken Sagendorf 

Music

Music by, local Colorado band, The Skinny

Edgar and Ken break down the discipline required for real conversations, especially in moments of conflict and misalignment. They highlight curiosity, listening, and shared language as the keys to turning tension into alignment. Simple in concept, powerful in practice, this episode is a reminder that better conversations drive better outcomes.

The purpose of The True Alignment® podcast is to start the conversation around alignment, both in business and personal life, and it is up to you to see that conversation through. As always, if you have any questions, possible topics, or are looking to take your alignment further, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Alignment Survey

Links & Show Notes

Lilly Ad Referenced

Who we work with

Edgar Papke

Ken Sagendorf 

Music

Music by, local Colorado band, The Skinny

Edgar and Ken explore how aligning processes with culture unlocks innovation and reduces conflict. They discuss why leaders must stay aware of their behavior—especially under pressure—and create environments where truth-telling is encouraged. The episode highlights how well-designed processes that engage the right people can better reflect and strengthen an organization’s true culture.

The purpose of The True Alignment® podcast is to start the conversation around alignment, both in business and personal life, and it is up to you to see that conversation through. As always, if you have any questions, possible topics, or are looking to take your alignment further, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Alignment Survey

Links & Show Notes

Who we work with

Edgar Papke

Ken Sagendorf 

Music

Music by, local Colorado band, The Skinny

Edgar and Ken challenge leaders to see responsibility as an opportunity—and AI as a catalyst for growth, not fear. They unpack the emotional impact of leadership, sharing practical ways to create alignment, reduce tension in tough conversations, and reframe misalignment as development. From stillness and reflection to the future of hierarchy, this episode delivers a bold perspective on leading through change with clarity and intention.

The purpose of The True Alignment® podcast is to start the conversation around alignment, both in business and personal life, and it is up to you to see that conversation through. As always, if you have any questions, possible topics, or are looking to take your alignment further, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Alignment Survey

Links & Show Notes

Who we work with

Edgar Papke

Ken Sagendorf 

Music

Music by, local Colorado band, The Skinny

In this episode, Edgar and Ken explore why lasting culture change starts by building on existing strengths instead of forcing sweeping overhauls. They discuss the dangers of relying solely on authority to drive change and why that approach often creates resistance rather than alignment. The conversation highlights the importance of leaders taking time to understand the current culture—separating observable behaviors from personal assumptions—before attempting meaningful transformation.

The purpose of The True Alignment® podcast is to start the conversation around alignment, both in business and personal life, and it is up to you to see that conversation through. As always, if you have any questions, possible topics, or are looking to take your alignment further, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Alignment Survey

Links & Show Notes

Who we work with

Edgar Papke

Ken Sagendorf 

Music

Music by, local Colorado band, The Skinny