A Series of Webinars on Topics Related to
Leadership, Education, Agriculture, Advocacy, and Development.

There Is No One Like You

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.
Show Notes: • Growing up in poverty in Andrews, Texas wearing hand-me-downs and often unsure of his next meal • Transformation in 7th grade when a science teacher and football coach took him under their wings • 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
Ignite the Future ... With Heart

On this episode, James McLamb joins us 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
Do Amazing Work. Work with Amazing People.

On this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, we speak with Steve Durman, an expert in marketing, storytelling, and technology. Steve shares his journey in helping companies share their stories and marketing. Through his journey he shares the importance of taking risk and having faith when determining next steps in life. Steve was a key developer in the creation of the MYTEXASFFA website and promotional videos associated with the project. It was a great interview to hear how he became familiar with the Texas FFA and is now proud to help us tell our incredible story in an incredible way.
Story Notes: 🎙️ Meet Steve Durman: A passionate advocate for leadership development in agriculture and a mentor to many. 🎙️ The Importance of Leadership in Agriculture: Insights on how strong leadership can drive growth and innovation in the industry. 🎙️ Teamwork and Communication: The role of teamwork and clear communication in building successful agricultural ventures. 🎙️ Mentorship and Growth: Steve’s perspective on how mentorship helps young people build the confidence to lead in agriculture. 🎙️ Youth in Agriculture: How the younger generation can lead the way toward a more sustainable and innovative agricultural future. 🎙️ Sustainability in Agriculture: The importance of making agriculture practices more sustainable for future generations. Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org
Get a Ph.D. in Life

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. Garcia discussed her educational journey and her experiences as a professor at the Ohio State University. Born and raised in Hebbronville, Texas, Dr. Garcia 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. Garcia's educational journey began with her enrollment in her first agriculture class in high school. From there she earned a full ride scholarship to Clarendon College to judge livestock, and continued her education at Texas Tech University. She eventually earned a Master's degree at West Texas A&M University, where she coached the meat judging team and collected beef carcass data for the Food and Drug Administration, ranchers, and other companies. It was at the Southwestern Contest that Dr. David Griffin from Texas A&M University encouraged Dr. Garcia to pursue a PhD. She followed his advice, and eventually found herself at the Ohio State University. She now teaches and guides students in their academic journey, sharing her own experiences with them and encouraging them to reach their dreams. Story Notes: 🎙️ Planting the Right Seeds 🎙️ Encouragement 🎙️ Life Lessons 🎙️ Future Brighter 🎙️ Ph.D. Opportunity 🎙️ Sharing Experience and Expertise Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org
Live the Motto

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. Story Notes: 🎙️ FFA journey 🎙️ Gratitude for Life, Family, Friends, Colleagues, and Having a Voice as a Young Professional 🎙️ Foundation of Success Built From Experience Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org
Maximize Influence to Make People Better

On this episode of Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces 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.
Story notes: 🎙️ Gratitude for God's Goodness 🎙️ Authentic Leadership 🎙️ Lead With Nothing to Hide, Nothing to Prove and Nothing to Lose To learn more about Dan and the Branches Worldwide, Visit: www.branchesworldwide.org Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org
You Are the Business ... Be Successful

On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Codie 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. Codie and Kyle both share their personal experiences and advice on how to build a successful financial future.
Story Notes: 🎙️ The Importance of Financial Planning and Management 🎙️ Living within your means 🎙️ Managing College Debt Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org
Fairs Change Lives

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 in the improvement of fairs and allied fields.
Story Notes: 🎙️ Positive Things That Are Close to Us 🎙️ Choices and Decision Making 🎙️ Get involved and Serve Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org
Good Leaders Started as Good Followers

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 in FFA is worth its weight in gold…because of the responsibility and it (FFA) may be the only place that they [Students] learn that responsibility,” Sharp emphasized. Through these responsibilities come ups and downs. “You learn from your failures. Sometimes failures are more important than the victories,” he said with conviction.
Story Notes: 🎙️ Path through the FFA 🎙️ Chancellor’s Role and What is a Chancellor at a University 🎙️ Agricultural Literacy Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org