Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS The Growing Our Future podcast welcomes Russell Graves, a professional photographer who shares his experiences and insights about his career. Host Aaron Alejandro introduces Russell as an international superstar in the photography world and begins by asking him what he is grateful for today. Russell expresses his gratitude for his health, family, and being an American. He is also happy about spending a few days in the great outdoors. Russell shares background and how he started his journey as a photographer in high school. He talks about his rural upbringing in Texas, where he fell in love with photography…
Author: Texas FFA
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro welcomes Chairman Bryan Daniel, Chairman of the Texas Workforce Commission, to discuss his journey to leadership and the importance of helping young people find success. Bryan grew up in the FFA and has now gone on to make a significant impact in his position, and Aaron is honored to have him on the show. They discuss the power of gratitude and being thankful for the opportunities that allow them to make a difference in the lives of others. The conversation also delves into the essence of leadership…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS Director and Chief Operations Officer, and he has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to agriculture and young people. Tune in as Aaron and Si talk about the essence of leadership, Si’s FFA journey, and how to make yourself exceptional. Si Cook is the Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer of the Texas Farm Bureau. He has a degree in agriculture education and has worked in the agriculture industry for over 25 years. Si is a former FFA member and has a deep-rooted passion for young people and agriculture. Watch Full Interview: https://youtu.be/m_O14vmWbxQ Story Notes: What Si is…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Host Aaron Alejandro introduced Dr. Lyda G. Garcia,Associate Professor, Meat Science and Extension Meat Specialist at College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University. Dr. Lyda discussed her educational journey and her experiences as a professor at the Ohio State University. Born and raised in Hebbronville, Texas, Dr.Lyda was surrounded by a strong Hispanic culture that instilled the values of hard work, education, and giving back. Her parents, with their respective third grade and master’s education, were her first role models in perseverance and determination. Dr.Lyda’s…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS This episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast features Justin Bradley Reyes, the Manager of Member Services & Engagement for the Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA). Justin shares his story of how his FFA journey started and how it has contributed to his professional success. He also talks about his experience of working in the public policy field, which led him to his current role. He emphasizes the importance of being resourceful and utilizing contacts and connections within the agriculture world to achieve success. Justin also shares the story of his father’s experience of being part of the US…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS On this episode of Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduced Dan Owolabi, Speaker, Author, Presenter, and Executive Director of Branches Worldwide. Dan talks to us about authentic leadership and how to lead with nothing to hide, nothing to prove, and nothing to lose. He also shares his journey in life, which led him to his current position, and how his parents, both Nigerian immigrants and deaf, impacted his self-perception. Dan also shares his thoughts on cognitive dissonance and how that ties into the insecurity gap. Watch Full Interview: https://youtu.be/AuqAWyqmL3w Story notes: Gratitude for God’s goodness Authentic Leadership Lead…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Cody Hedge, President, Senior Lending Officer at Graham Savings, and Kyle Anderson, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones. Today’s episode focuses on financial planning and management. They discuss the importance of financial responsibility and how to manage college debt. Cody and Kyle both share their personal experiences and advice on how to build a successful financial future. Watch Full Interview: https://youtu.be/OuUZVdcQszs Story Notes: The Importance of Financial Planning and Management Living within your means Managing College Debt To learn more about the Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Marla Calico, President and CEO of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE). Marla had worked as general manager of the Ozark Empire Fair before joining IAFE, first as Director of Education and then as COO. IAFE is a voluntary, not-for-profit corporation serving state, provincial, regional, and county agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions, and expositions. Its associate members include state and provincial associations of fairs, non-agricultural expositions and festivals, associations, corporations, and individuals engaged in providing products and services to its members, all of whom are interested…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces John Sharp, Chancellor of Texas A&M University. John Sharp has served over a decade as the Chancellor of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. His journey began at Bloomington High School’s FFA (Future Farmers of America) Program that grounded him in foundational principles that gave him the confidence to lead today. High responsibility, beating a fear of public speaking and rebounding from failures are the factors Sharp deems critical for the next generation of agricultural science leaders and innovators. “The responsibility that I gained in participating…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Kent Hance, Founding Partner at Hance Scarborough, LLP & Chancellor at Texas Tech University. In December 2006, Hance became the third chancellor of the Texas Tech University System, which was comprised of Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the time. Under his leadership, the system set records in enrollment, research and degrees awarded, and doubled in size, growing from two universities to four with the addition of Angelo State University in 2007 and the creation of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this Growing Our Future Podcast episode, Aaron Alejandro introduces Mike Rowe,TV host, writer, narrator, producer, actor and spokesman. Mike’s performing career began in 1984, when he faked his way into the Baltimore Opera to get his union card and meet girls, both of which he accomplished during a performance of Rigoletto. His transition to television occurred in 1990 when to settle a bet ,he auditioned for the QVC Shopping Channel and was promptly hired after talking about a pencil for nearly eight minutes. There, he worked the graveyard shift for three years, until he was ultimately fired for…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this Growing Our Future Podcast episode, Aaron Alejandro introduces Cleophus (Cleo) Franklin Jr., Cleo is an author, keynote speaker, educator, and entrepreneur. Business advisor, executive coach, strategy consultant, and brand builder. He is the CEO and Founder of Franklin Strategic Solutions (FSS) and the Franklin Leadership Foundation. He brings over 30 years of expertise in designing, developing, and delivering game-changing and award-winning business growth strategies for start-ups, non-profits, and multi-million dollar businesses across many sectors and global markets. Cleo believes in maintaining a positive mindset, creating partnerships with a purpose, and always striving for significant outcomes. Watch Full…