Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode, Aaron Alejandro hosts Sheldon McKinney, Executive Director of the Kentucky FFA Foundation. Sheldon shares her journey from a high school student in Eastern Kentucky to her current role, highlighting the pivotal role of her ag teacher in guiding her career path. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity, hard work, and vision in leadership, drawing parallels between agricultural values and professional success. Sheldon also discusses the unique qualities FFA instills in students, such as communication skills, empowerment, and networking, all of which provide a competitive edge in today’s world. The…
Author: Texas FFA
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of Growing Our Future, host Aaron Alejandro welcomes Marty Bryan, a multifaceted entrepreneur, seasoned restaurateur, and a beacon of hospitality. Marty shares his journey, beginning with his upbringing in the FFA, through his experiences in the restaurant industry, to his current ventures. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude, faith, and hard work in his success, highlighting his commitment to providing hospitality and building connections through his businesses. Marty’s leadership philosophy revolves around hiring the right people, fostering honesty, and exercising discipline, creating a thriving culture centered on service and…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of the “Growing Our Future” podcast, host Aaron Alejandro welcomes Carissa Jones, a Strategic Account Manager at BASF. Carissa shares her journey from a non-traditional agricultural background to her current role, emphasizing the importance of initiative, learning from setbacks, and developing soft skills through FFA involvement. She highlights networking, effective communication, and being coachable as key to success in any career. Aaron and Carissa underscore the value of FFA in cultivating essential skills and offering practical advice for listeners navigating their own career paths. Watch Full Interview: https://youtu.be/f0MAGt464qw Story…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of “The Growing Our Future” podcast hosted by Aaron Alejandro, Gary Joiner, the Director of Communications at the Texas Farm Bureau, shares insights into the vital role of communications in agriculture. Gary reflects on his journey, starting from his chance encounter covering a Farm Bureau event to becoming its communications director. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in bridging the gap between farmers and the public, especially the youth. The conversation delves into the diverse career opportunities in agriculture communications, highlighting the need for skilled communicators to amplify the…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of The Growing Our Future podcast, hosted by Aaron Alejandro with guest Victor Guerra, the conversation delves into the essence of gratitude, resilience, and leadership within the context of agricultural education and personal development. Aaron and Victor begin by emphasizing the significance of gratitude in daily life, highlighting the importance of acknowledging even the smallest blessings. Victor reflects on his upbringing on a ranch and his journey through the FFA program, underscoring the transformative power of gratitude amidst life’s challenges. He shares personal anecdotes, including his aspirations to become…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of The Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Andrew Christensen, Senior Managing Director at Ascendion. Andrew shares his journey, starting from his passion for veterinary science in high school to his current leadership role. He emphasizes the importance of trying out different activities, networking, and building relationships. Despite growing up in a city, Andrew found his path through FFA, which offered him unique opportunities and a diverse network. He encourages listeners to embrace opportunities, be prepared, and prioritize relationships to achieve success. Watch Full Interview: https://youtu.be/ydC-XNvnICk Story…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS Hosted by Aaron Alejandro, this episode features a captivating conversation with Roger Rickard, the Founder & President of Voices in Advocacy®, and author of “7 Actions of Highly Effective Advocates.” Roger shares his journey from humble beginnings in a blue-collar town to becoming a renowned advocate and leader in advocacy efforts. In this episode, Aaron and Roger delve into Roger’s early experiences in political campaigns, highlighting the importance of grassroots efforts and personal connections in advocacy work. Roger emphasizes the significance of believing in the impact of one’s actions and staying informed…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS Welcome to another episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast with host Aaron Alejandro, featuring Joanna Pineda,Founder, CEO and Chief Troublemaker at Matrix Group International, and host of the “Associations Thrive” podcast. Joanna shares her journey from the Philippines to Silicon Valley, her pivotal role in the development of the online bidding system for FCC spectrum licenses, and the founding of Matrix Group in 1999. Key traits in her journey include resilience, risk-taking, and tenacity, with an emphasis on being well-read and curious in spotting trends. The concept of becoming “centaurs”—partnering with…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS Welcome to another episode of Growing Our Future! Host Aaron Alejandro expresses gratitude for the audience’s continuous support and the opportunity to learn from inspiring guests. This week’s special guest is Terren Moore, the dynamic Agency Owner of Moore Farms & Insurance. Aaron expresses excitement about having Terren on the podcast and looks forward to delving into his experiences and insights. The episode begins with a focus on planting the right seeds for a prosperous future and nurturing them to fruition. Terren recounts his unexpected journey, starting at the age of 15…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro welcomes Bruce Cobb, Executive VP at Certified Angus Beef. The episode explores Bruce’s journey in agriculture, emphasizing the role of mentors and ethical leadership. Bruce shares insights on the positive aspects of competition and the importance of aligning values in leadership. The discussion highlights the virtues of ethical leadership and the opportunities for young professionals in the evolving field of agriculture. Both Aaron and Bruce stress the critical role agriculture plays in addressing global food challenges. The episode leaves listeners…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS Welcome to another insightful episode of the Growing Our Future podcast hosted by the visionary Aaron Alejandro. This week, we are privileged to have a distinguished guest, Mitchell Dale, Chairman of the Texas FFA Foundation Board of Directors and President of McRee Ford. The conversation highlights the importance of gratitude, family, and faith in shaping Mitchell’s life. Mitchell shares insights into the success and values of McRee Ford, a family-owned dealership in Texas. The episode also delves into Mitchell’s involvement with the Texas FFA Foundation and the impactful Ford Leadership Scholars Program,…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Growing Our Future podcast. Host Aaron Alejandro brings you another insightful conversation with a special guest who has sown seeds of greatness throughout his life. Today’s guest is none other than Congressman Bill Sarpalius, the Grand Duke of Lithuania. Let’s dive into his incredible journey and the lessons he shares. Congressman Hon. Bill Sarpalius’ life epitomizes the American Dream. Abandoned by his father, he faced homelessness with his brothers and a struggling mother. Despite early hardships, he found refuge in Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch at…