Growing Our Future

In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro speaks with 13-year-old Baxter Whitworth, a young entrepreneur passionate about agriculture and Brahmin cattle. They discuss the importance of trust, teamwork, and core values in leadership, as well as the role of agriculture in feeding a growing population. Baxter shares his insights on encouragement, the significance of working together, and the need for continuous learning in leadership. The conversation emphasizes the importance of youth in agriculture and the potential for future leaders to inspire change.Story Notes:Meet Baxter Whitworth: A Young Entrepreneur in AgricultureBaxter's Passion for Brahmin CattleThe Importance of Trust and Teamwork in AgricultureUnderstanding Animo: Core Values in LeadershipEncouragement: The Power of Words and ActionsThe Role of Agriculture in Feeding a Growing PopulationLearn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro engages in a heartfelt conversation with Trenell Walker, who shares his inspiring journey from aspiring NFL player to motivational speaker and life coach after a life-altering spinal cord injury. The discussion emphasizes the importance of gratitude, resilience, and the power of the mind. Trenell introduces his 'Trenell Effect,' a framework for personal growth that includes taking action, being resilient, encouraging others, and never quitting. The conversation also touches on the significance of leadership and making impactful decisions in life. Listeners are encouraged to seize opportunities and live with purpose, ultimately aiming to inspire future generations.Story Notes:Gratitude and the Gift of BreathTronell's Journey: From Football Dreams to ResilienceThe Tronell Effect: Keys to SuccessSeizing Opportunities and Making DecisionsThe Importance of LeadershipClosing Thoughts and EncouragementLearn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro engages with Dr. Curtis Paulson, a pioneer in agricultural communication. They discuss the importance of gratitude, the influence of early life experiences, and the significance of taking risks in education and agriculture. Dr. Paulson shares his journey from a farm boy in Minnesota to a leader in ag communication, emphasizing the value of work ethic, innovation, and the role of technology in shaping the future of agriculture. The conversation highlights the impact of land-grant universities and the collaborative efforts that have led to the growth of agricultural communication programs.Story Notes:Dr. Curtis Paulson's Early InfluencesAha Moments in AgricultureCareer Path and EducationThe Importance of Work EthicInnovations in Agricultural CommunicationEstablishing Agricultural Communication ProgramsThe Role of Technology in AgricultureReflections on Growth and SuccessCatalysts of Change: The Role of CreativityNavigating Career Transitions: Lessons from AcademiaLearn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro engages with legendary rodeo announcer Bob Tallman, exploring themes of gratitude, agricultural heritage, and the importance of education in agriculture. They discuss the role of organizations like 4-H and FFA in shaping young people's futures, the challenges facing the agricultural industry, and the need for conservation and resource management. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding where our food comes from and the opportunities available in agricultural careers.Story Notes:The Importance of Gratitude in AgriculturePersonal Stories and Agricultural HeritageUnderstanding Agriculture and Food ProductionThe Future of Food and Agricultural CareersConservation and Resource Management in AgricultureThe Impact of Waste in Food ProductionWater Conservation and Its ImportanceLearn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro speaks with Dan Taylor, a prominent figure in Texas agricultural education and the FFA. They discuss the importance of gratitude, mentorship, and the journey of Dan's life in agriculture, including his experiences as a teacher, businessman, and philanthropist. The conversation also highlights the significance of the Discovery Center in Lubbock, Texas, and the legacy of the Texas FFA Foundation.Story Notes:Gratitude and Its Impact on LifeDan Taylor's Journey in AgricultureThe Influence of Mentorship in Agriculture EducationUnderstanding Cotton GinningThe Importance of the Discovery CenterThe Legacy of the Texas FFA FoundationLearn more at MyTexasFFA.org

On this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, we meet Jennifer Green, the Public Relations and Events Manager at Cavender's. We discuss Jennifer's journey from her early days shopping at Cavender's to her current role, emphasizing the importance of relationships, research in job interviews, and finding a competitive edge. Jennifer shares valuable insights on leadership skills, the impact of FFA on personal development, and the significance of resilience and adaptability in careers. The conversation concludes with fun questions about concerts and personal reflections.Story Notes:Jennifer Green's Journey to Cavender'sImportance of Research in Job InterviewsFinding Your Competitive EdgeLeadership Skills for Young PeopleThe Impact of FFA on Personal DevelopmentResilience and Adaptability in CareersCommunication and Positivity in LeadershipLearn more at MyTexasFFA.org

On this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, we meet Colton Kyle, president of American Sniper, discussing themes of growth, leadership, and the importance of discernment. Colton shares his journey, emphasizing the significance of gratitude, vulnerability, and effective communication in leadership. The conversation highlights the value of asking questions and seeking truth in an age of misinformation, while also reflecting on the lessons learned from agriculture and personal experiences. In this conversation, Aaron and Colton discuss the importance of connections, competitive edges, and living one's faith in business. They explore how personal relationships can enhance professional opportunities and the significance of authenticity in branding. The dialogue emphasizes the need for young people to find their unique advantages in a competitive world while also highlighting the role of faith and purpose in achieving true joy and fulfillment.Story Notes:Colton Kyle: A Journey of Growth and LeadershipThe Importance of Discernment and Asking QuestionsVulnerability and Leadership TraitsEffective Communication and Strategic ThinkingGratitude and Life Lessons from AgricultureThe Power of Connections and TimingFinding Your Competitive EdgeLiving Your Faith in BusinessThe Importance of Personal ConnectionsUnderstanding True Joy and PurposeLearn more at MyTexasFFA.org

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 SupportSarah Sprayberry's Journey in AgricultureAdvocacy Through Social MediaBuilding a Positive Online PresenceLeadership and Resilience in AgricultureLearn 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 StorytellingThe Importance of Failure and LearningLiving Your Brand and Leaving a LegacyThe Value of Empathy in LeadershipTips for Telling Your Story and Leading OthersLeadership Skills: Empathy, Leading by Doing, and Continuous LearningFun Question: Best Concert ExperienceThe Inspiration Behind the SlinkyLearn more at MyTexasFFA.org