In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Robert Smith, a magician and consultant in the fair industry. They discuss the importance of gratitude, the positive impact of organizations like FFA, and the power of storytelling and advocacy. Robert shares his journey from being a magician to creating unique experiences at fairs and expos. He also talks about starting the Fair Game podcast to document stories from the industry. The conversation highlights the resilience and adaptability required to navigate challenges and find opportunities for growth. The conversation revolves around the impact of the podcast and the importance of connection and empathy. It emphasizes the role of the podcast in providing an outlet for guests to share their struggles and process their emotions. The conversation also touches on the concept of personal branding and the need for gratitude and resilience in leadership. The importance of accountability and taking responsibility for one's actions is highlighted, along with the significance of empathy in dealing with criticism. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the challenges faced by students during the pandemic and the need for educators to adapt and support them.

Story Notes:

• The Power of Gratitude and Renewed Hope
• Building Experiences in the Fair Industry
• Storytelling and Advocacy for Connection
• Turning Challenges into Opportunities
• The Value of Podcasts for Storytelling
• The Power of the PodcastGratitude and Resilience
• Taking Responsibility and Embracing Failure
• Empathy: A Shield Against Negativity and Criticism
• Supporting Students in the Face of Pandemic Challenges

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this episode, Dale Alexander shares insights on leadership and the qualities that make a great leader. He emphasizes the importance of growth, empathy, and humility in leadership. Dale also discusses the power of influence and how leaders can positively impact others. He encourages listeners to surround themselves with the right people and to think like an owner in order to achieve success. The episode concludes with a reminder to focus on the long road and to stay committed to personal and professional growth.

Story Notes:

• The Power of Influence: Leadership Insights
• Growth, Empathy, and Humility: The Qualities of a Great Leader
• Think Like an Owner: Taking Ownership in Leadership
• The Long Road to Success: Perseverance and Commitment

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Dale Alexander, a certified financial planner and author. They discuss the importance of gratitude, passion, and purpose in life. Dale shares his journey of personal growth and how he became passionate about financial planning. They also discuss the power of giving and serving others, and how it can bring fulfillment and success. Dale's book, 'The Talk,' is highlighted as a valuable resource for young adults to make wise financial decisions and create a prosperous future.

Dale Alexander has poured inspiration into others for 30 years. As a well-known employee benefits broker and Certified Financial Planner, Dale also combines his passion for living with speaking opportunities to impact others’ lives and attitudes.

His stages have included numerous corporations, association conferences, school convocations and numerous media outlets.

Story Notes:

🎙️ The Power of Purpose and Growth

🎙️ Dale's Journey and the Importance of Studying

🎙️ The Talk: Wise Financial Decisions for Young Adults

🎙️ The Importance of Mentors and Pouring into Others

🎙️ Creating Opportunities and Determining the Outcome

🎙️ The Beach Boys and the Power of Music

🎙️ Wrapping Up and the Impact of Planting Seeds

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this episode, Aaron Alejandro interviews Madeleine Musick, an Agricultural Science Teacher at Elgin High School and founder of Farmstead Annalise. Madeleine shares her journey from being a non-traditional FFA student to establishing a successful family-run business in the food industry. She emphasizes the importance of students exploring their interests and strengths to shape their career paths, while also highlighting the significance of time management and reliability as essential leadership skills. Aaron and Madeleine conclude by encouraging listeners to embrace continuous learning and personal growth within the agricultural community.

Story Notes:

• FFA and SAE
• Discussion on Farmstead Annalise
• Leadership and Competitive Edge
• Madeleine's Journey
• Lessons in Leadership and Career Exploration

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

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 episode underscores FFA's role in developing strong leaders by encouraging curiosity, hard work, and visionary thinking. These qualities not only benefit individuals but also contribute to the greater agricultural community. Sheldon emphasizes the value of staying curious and open to learning, a trait she finds common in influential mentors. This curiosity fuels personal growth and enhances leadership abilities.

Story Notes:

• Journey to Leadership
• Essential Leadership Qualities: Curiosity, Hard Work, Vision
• Impact of FFA and Agriculture Education
• Importance of Relationships and Human Connection

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

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 excellence.

Through Marty's inspiring narrative, listeners gain insights into the power of gratitude, authenticity, and effective leadership in business. His emphasis on truth-telling, personal growth, and cultivating a supportive work environment underscores the importance of aligning values with actions to achieve success. The episode offers a compelling blend of personal anecdotes, practical wisdom, and entrepreneurial strategies, encouraging listeners to embrace challenges, pursue their passions, and prioritize meaningful connections in their professional endeavors.

Story Notes:

• Gratitude and Faith
• Pioneering Hospitality
• Pathway to Success
• The Power of Leadership
• Building a Thriving Culture

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this episode of the "Growing Our Future" podcast, host Aaron Alejandro welcomes Karissa Jones, a Strategic Account Manager at BASF. Karissa 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 Karissa underscore the value of FFA in cultivating essential skills and offering practical advice for listeners navigating their own career paths.

Story Notes:

• Karissa's Journey at BASF
• Philanthropy and Leadership
• Importance of Networking
• Effective Communication
• Coachability and Leadership

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

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 industry's message. They discuss the evolving landscape of agricultural communication, incorporating platforms like TikTok and addressing public expectations around sustainability. Throughout the episode, the trustworthiness of farmers and ranchers, coupled with their dedication to sustainability, emerges as a central theme, driving home the importance of effective communication in shaping public perception and advancing agricultural practices.

Story Notes:

• Who is Gary Joiner
• Communication and Agriculture
• Career Journey
• Opportunities in Agriculture
• The Role of Trust
• Utilizing Social Media
• The Importance of Planting Seeds
• Nurturing Growth
• Fostering Community Trough Ariculture

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org