Episode 6: Creating a Future Worth Inheriting with Jenn Kenning

No Map, Just Conviction: What Jenn Kenning Taught Me About Leadership

Some leaders show up with charisma, bold vision, and a strong public voice. Jenn Kenning is all of that—but what’s always struck me most is what’s underneath it: some serious conviction.

Not ambition for its own sake. Not growth for the sake of growth. But a deep belief in the world Align Impact is building.

That conviction drives every decision she makes—even, as she shared in our latest Hopeful Pioneers episode, when it comes at a personal cost.

She’s poured so much into Align over the last decade because she believes in what’s possible—not just for the company, but for the people, systems, and futures the firm is trying to shift.

She’s also been willing to build slowly.

When I joined Align over six years ago to work alongside Jenn, I expected to see the fruits of our work much sooner. Like many in my generation, I had internalized the idea that meaningful progress should happen fast. But building something that lasts—something with integrity, long-term sustainability, and genuine impact—takes time.

Working alongside Jenn has helped me reframe what success looks like. It’s not always about immediate outcomes. Sometimes, it’s about laying foundations that future generations can stand on. That kind of leadership isn’t flashy—but it’s what slowly shifts the moral arc of the future.

This episode meant a lot to me. It’s a conversation about impact, yes—but also about identity, faith, grief, and how we live out our values when no one’s watching.

I hope you’ll give it a listen.

The Hopeful Pioneers is produced by Align Impact, a firm dedicated to helping families and executives align their resources with their values to create meaningful change.

Listen now and join the conversation about what’s possible when we slow down, live in alignment, and lead with our deepest why.

Also available on Apple Podcast and Spotify

Disclaimer: The personal ideas and opinions expressed on The Hopeful Pioneers podcast and Substack may not reflect the views of Align Impact. All content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon or construed as investment, legal, tax, financial or other advice. Likewise, nothing should be construed as a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by Align Impact to buy or sell securities or other financial instruments. Information posted is subject to change at any time without notice or obligation to update. Investment in securities involves the risk of loss, and there is no guarantee of future returns. A professional advisor should be consulted if you have investment questions. Align Impact does not provide personalized investment advice through podcasts or social media.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alignimpact.substack.com