In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro engages with Dr. Sarah Sprayberry, an advocate for agriculture and social media influencer. They discuss the importance of family support, the journey of Sarah in agriculture, and how she uses social media to promote agricultural literacy and advocacy. The conversation emphasizes the need for a positive online presence, resilience in leadership, and the significance of sharing the true stories of agriculture to combat misconceptions.

Story Notes:

• The Importance of Family Support
• Sarah Sprayberry's Journey in Agriculture
• Advocacy Through Social Media
• Building a Positive Online Presence
• Leadership and Resilience in Agriculture

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this insightful episode of Growing Our Future, host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Zoee Nolen, a 2022-2023 Texas FFA officer and junior at Texas A&M University. Zoee shares her remarkable journey, from growing up on a traditional West Texas farm to discovering a passion for agriculture through FFA after two major injuries derailed her sports career. Now a double major in Agricultural Communications & Journalism and Agricultural Economics, Zoee reflects on how her family's work in agriculture ignited her deep appreciation for the industry.

Zoee also discusses her involvement at Texas A&M, including her role as Vice President of Public Relations for the Student Council for the College of Agriculture and her work with AgriLife Communications. Additionally, she talks about her ambition to make an impact on the global stage, with plans to participate in the International Agricultural Education Fellowship Program in Ghana or Guatemala.

Story Notes:

• Gratitude is a key to personal growth and leadership.
• Zoee’s journey from sports to agriculture highlights the power of resilience.
• The role of FFA in shaping leadership and a deep connection to the agricultural industry.
• Zoee’s goal of working in international agriculture to promote sustainable practices.

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Jackie Hoegger, owner of Hoegger Communications. They discuss the importance of storytelling and empathy in leadership, as well as the value of mentorship and continuous learning. Jackie shares her journey of starting her own company and emphasizes the power of telling personal stories. She also highlights the significance of living your brand and leaving a legacy.

Story Notes:

• Discovering the Power of Storytelling
• The Importance of Failure and Learning
• Living Your Brand and Leaving a Legacy
• The Value of Empathy in Leadership
• Tips for Telling Your Story and Leading Others
• Leadership Skills: Empathy, Leading by Doing, and Continuous Learning
• Fun Question: Best Concert Experience
• The Inspiration Behind the Slinky

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Ron Kitchens, the CEO of the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce. They discuss the importance of gratitude, the power of a job in changing lives, and the role of agriculture and FFA in creating opportunities. Ron shares his personal journey from poverty to becoming a leader in economic development, emphasizing the value of showing up, lifelong learning, and leaving a positive impact on others. They also address the workforce challenges faced by businesses and the need to invest in the younger generation.

The conversation focuses on the importance of mentorship and leadership development in shaping the future generation. It emphasizes the need to invest in young people and provide them with the tools and guidance they need to succeed. Ron discussed the role of education and the need for mentors and support systems in helping students achieve their goals. They also highlight the importance of continuous learning and personal development in becoming effective leaders. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the power of perseverance and thinking big in order to create a positive impact in the world.

Story Notes:

• Ron's Background and the Power of FFA
• The Transformative Power of a Job
• Agriculture and FFA: Creating Opportunities
• Challenges Faced by Young Men in the Workforce
• Creating Opportunities and Competing for the Minds of the Younger Generation
• The Power of Mentorship and Guidance
• Education and Support Systems
• Continuous Learning and Personal Development
• Perseverance and Thinking Big

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this episode of Growing Our Future Podcast, Eddie Priefert, the president of Priefert, shares his journey and the success of the Priefert brand. The company started with 300 acres, one product, and a two-car garage, and has now grown to a 3,500-acre ranch and a campus with 35 acres under roof. Priefert is involved in the ranch equipment and rodeo markets, as well as the steel industry, selling converted steel to other manufacturers. They also offer Priefert Complex Designs (PCD), which helps design and build animal agriculture facilities. Eddie emphasizes the importance of attitude, faith, and integrity in achieving success.

Story Notes:

• Eddie's Journey to Becoming President of Priefert
• The Priefert Brand and its Innovations
• The Scope ofPriefert's Operations
• The Growth and Future of Priefert
• The Importance of Attitude, Faith, and Integrity
• Competitive Edges for Success

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

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