True Alignment®

Hosted by True Alignment®

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100

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Edgar Papke and Ken Sagendorf invite you into conversations where they dive into the depths of The True Alignment® framework and approaches that have been developed into a set of tools and services to help leaders, and their teams and organizations, attain greater levels of innovation and perform at higher levels. Using their experience and those of the leaders they have worked with, they are Helping the world align! Produced by James Neuhalfen

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60 recent

June 2, 2026Episode 10044 min

Episode 98 - Leadership Alignment Blind Spots

-LEADERSHIP ALIGNMENT BLIND SPOTS- 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 info@truealignment.com. Alignment Survey Links & Show Notes Who we work with Edgar Papke Ken Sagendorf Music Music by, local Colorado band, The Skinny

May 5, 2026Episode 9946 min

Episode 97 - Boundaries and Autonomy

-BOUNDARIES AND AUTONOMY- 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 info@truealignment.com. Alignment Survey Links & Show Notes Who we work with Edgar Papke Ken Sagendorf Music Music by, local Colorado band, The Skinny

April 28, 2026Episode 9830 min

Episode 96 - The Basics Can Be Challenging

-THE BASICS CAN BE CHALLENGING- 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 info@truealignment.com. Alignment Survey Links & Show Notes Who we work with Edgar Papke Ken Sagendorf Music Music by, local Colorado band, The Skinny

April 1, 2026Episode 971 hr 1 min

Episode 95 - Nic Esposito: Service, The Circular Economy, and Configuring a Better Future

-NIC ESPOSITO- 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 info@truealignment.com. 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

March 24, 2026Episode 9646 min

Episode 94 - Discipline: Dedication and Commitment to the Basics of Alignment

-DISCIPLINE: DEDICATION & COMMITMENT TO THE BASICS OF ALIGNMENT- 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 info@truealignment.com. Alignment Survey Links & Show Notes Lilly Ad Referenced Who we work with Edgar Papke Ken Sagendorf Music Music by, local Colorado band, The Skinny

March 10, 2026Episode 9542 min

Episode 93 - Developing A Process For Innovation In Teams

-DEVELOPING A PROCESS FOR INNOVATION IN TEAMS- 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 info@truealignment.com. Alignment Survey Links & Show Notes Who we work with Edgar Papke Ken Sagendorf Music Music by, local Colorado band, The Skinny

March 3, 2026Episode 9450 min

Episode 92 - Living in the Bubble: Giving Control to Get Control

-LIVING IN THE BUBBLE: GIVING CONTROL TO GET CONTROL- 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 info@truealignment.com. Alignment Survey Links & Show Notes Who we work with Edgar Papke Ken Sagendorf Music Music by, local Colorado band, The Skinny

February 17, 2026Episode 9350 min

Episode 91 - Leading Aligned Cultures of Shared Success

-LEADING ALIGNED CULTURES OF SHARED SUCCESS- 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 info@truealignment.com. Alignment Survey Links & Show Notes Who we work with Edgar Papke Ken Sagendorf Music Music by, local Colorado band, The Skinny

February 3, 2026Episode 9245 min

Episode 90 - When To Keep & When To Let Go

-WHEN TO KEEP AND WHEN TO LET GO- Edgar and Ken break down why employees stay, thrive, or bail—spotlighting the five pillars of a strong employee success strategy and how culture integration makes or breaks performance. They dig into the real leadership challenges organizations face, calling for smarter, more systemic thinking around performance management. This episode wrap with a reminder that great leadership still comes down to two things: communicating clearly and knowing yourself as a leader. 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 info@truealignment.com. Alignment Survey Links & Show Notes Who we work with Edgar Papke Ken Sagendorf Music Music by, local Colorado band, The Skinny

January 21, 2026Episode 9149 min

Episode 89 - Embrace Your Role As Leader

-EMBRACE YOUR ROLE AS LEADER- In this episode, Ken and Edgar dive into what effective leadership really looks like in both reactive and proactive moments. They explore why today’s leaders must remain adaptable and responsive when navigating uncertainty and change. Reflecting on a listener’s comment about working in an organization that claims to value leadership but doesn’t quite feel it in practice, they unpack the concept of liminality—that in‑between space where strategy and execution collide. The conversation also introduces the TRUE Alignment Framework, highlighting how meeting three core human emotional needs can transform leadership approaches and elevate customer experiences. This episode offers thoughtful insights for leaders striving to align intention, action, and impact. 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 info@truealignment.com. Alignment Survey Links & Show Notes Who we work with Edgar Papke Ken Sagendorf Music Music by, local Colorado band, The Skinny