In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Dr. Coach Nate Hearne, an esteemed coach, educator, and mentor. They discuss the power of mentorship, leadership, perseverance, and faith in shaping young lives. From his humble beginnings to coaching state championship teams, Coach Hearn shares powerful lessons on building a culture of excellence and standing firm in leadership.

Story Notes:

• Grateful for students and their potential to shape the future.
• Inspired by the educators who mentored him in his youth.
• The power of testimony: "We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us."
• Building a championship culture at Permian High School with an 88.9% winning percentage over 35 years
• Creating the "Mojo" phenomenon that unified an entire community around student excellence
• The importance of knowing yourself and loving what you do, not just being good at it
• Breaking an arrow and throwing it away to protect a good student, demonstrating values-based leadership
• Three essential leadership tips: "Listen, listen, listen"
• The power of creating environments where others can experience personal transformation

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this episode of Growing Our Future, host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Chip Baker, a dynamic speaker, educator, author, and host of The Success Chronicles. Together, they dive into the power of passion, personal growth, and leadership. Chip shares his inspiring journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a nationally recognized figure in education and motivation. His story is filled with lessons on perseverance, faith, and the importance of a strong foundation.

Chip’s message is clear—success leaves clues. By learning from others, taking ownership of your actions, and maintaining a strong work ethic, anyone can create a lasting impact. The discussion covers core values, competitive edges, and the importance of staying focused on personal and professional goals.

Story Notes:

• Importance of valuing time and being present
• The role of gratitude in overcoming challenges
• Education as a foundation for character development
• Essential leadership principles: ownership, hard work, and communication
• Encouragement for cultivating a growth mindset
• Discussing the transformational power of mentorship
• The connection between opportunities and outcomes
• The significant impact of storytelling in shaping lives
• Messages of resilience and moving forward amidst adversity

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this episode, James McLamb joins host Aaron Alejandro to discuss the impact of encouragement—both as a simple word and as a transformative action. James shares his journey from agriculture education to youth leadership development, emphasizing the power of mentorship, servant leadership, and personal growth.

From his early experiences in the FFA to founding Generation Youth, James highlights the role of mentorship, life skills, and leadership development in shaping young minds. Whether in the classroom, in mission work, or coaching the next generation of leaders, he believes in empowering others to unlock their full potential.

Story Notes:

• Exploring the importance of gratitude in leadership
• James McLamb shares his background in agriculture and education
• Discussing the role of Generation Youth in youth empowerment
• Importance of hands-on skills and community service for competitive edge
• Emphasizing leadership roles for personal and professional growth
• The urgent need for mentorship within today’s youth

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org