Author, speaker, and life coach Brad Lomenick sits down to discuss life strategies like the "who factor" people in life that encourage, equip, and empower.  Be a positive catalyst in an organization and the importance of being humble, hungry, and full of hustle.

We explore how gratitude beats entitlement, why access plus hustle changes careers, and how H3—humility, hunger, hustle—becomes a durable edge for students, educators, and leaders in agriculture. Brad shares the “who factor,” feedback loops, and the art of creating mile markers that last.

• gratitude as a leader’s temperature setter
• entitlement contrasted with service and hospitality
• R2A2 framework for turning ideas into action
• Brad’s journey, mentors, and the who factor
• building networks and using access without entitlement
• curiosity as a core leadership habit
• H3 framework: humility, hunger, hustle in balance
• rhythms that prevent burnout and enable generosity
• agriculture’s future: tech, relationships, communication
• feedback loops and practical self-awareness
• memory moments and creating mile markers for others

Go out and do something great for somebody. You might just plant that tree under whose shade you may never see

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

On this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, we have the chance to sit down with Kerri LeDoux, Executive Director of the Live Like Johnny Organization and mother to the late Johnny Callan.  Kerri shares a heartfelt testimony of Johnny's life and the example he led.  She shares his desire to help others and how the FFA became the vehicle for him to live his brand.  

At the time Johnny was a Ford Leadership Scholar and President of the Area IV FFA Association, Tyler Koch was the Leadership Development Coordinator.  He shares the following about Johnny, "Johnny Callan wore the blue jacket like so many before him, and set the gold standard for genuinely selfless service like no other."  He went on to say, "In my office at the Buzbee Law Firm I keep two photos, one of my daughter Meadow, and the other is of Johnny’s Dock. Johnny’s dock is my daily reminder to try and live, work, serve, and love like Johnny, so that my daughter just might live like Johnny too."

You'll enjoy this story of Johnny and how we too can "live our brand" to make a meaningful impact on our community.

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

On this episode of Growing Our Future, host Aaron Alejandro welcomes Lorie Vincent, Founder & President of ACCELERATION by Design LLC. Lorie shares her inspiring journey from the Texas Panhandle to national leadership, her mission to empower rural communities, and why gratitude, collaboration, and bold vision are essential to growth. 

🎥 In the video, Lorie shares her journey from growing up in the Texas Panhandle to leading efforts that empower rural communities nationwide.

💡 What you’ll learn:

• Why gratitude is the foundation for building strong communities
• How listening and collaboration spark real change
• Why honoring heritage and thinking boldly can shape a thriving future

Her story is proof that when we plant seeds of greatness in our lives and communities, the harvest can impact generations.

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

Aaron Alejandro sits down with Kat Villarreal, an agricultural science teacher and FFA advisor in South Texas, to trace her journey from a non-farm kid to building a thriving IDEA Public Schools FFA program (now ~350 members). Kat shares how mentorship, grit, and student leadership took her chapter from zero to state-level achievements.

What You’ll Learn

• Three leadership skills Kat drills into students: confidence, responsibility, vulnerability
• How to build a program from scratch in an urban, non-traditional ag setting
• Why mentorship and access (college visits, contests, public speaking) unlock opportunity
• Practical ways FFA shapes real-world skills: handshakes, advocacy, communication, teamwork
• The mindset that it’s “okay to win”—and how to earn it

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

🎙️ On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, host Arron Alejandro sits down with Melissa Rosenbusch-Spicer, a lifelong educator and champion of agricultural science. 🌱

👩‍🏫 Melissa shares her journey from growing up in a family of ag teachers to shaping lives as a 29-year ag educator, and now carrying her passion into her work with Bloom for Good.

✨ What you’ll learn:

• Why faith, family, and purpose are the foundation of lasting leadership.
• How agricultural education builds life skills that go far beyond the classroom.
• The leadership traits every student—and professional—should practice: communication, work ethic, dependability, and compassion.

💡 Melissa’s mission is clear: to pour into the next generation so they can grow their future with confidence, character, and heart.

👉 Tune in to be inspired by the power of ag education and the mentors who make it possible.

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Kade and Morgan Hodges, owners of Hodges Livestock, to share their inspiring journey from meeting in college to running a thriving family ranch.

You’ll hear how they:
✅ Turned major setbacks—like losing half their leased land—into breakthrough opportunities
✅ Pivoted into innovative solar grazing with 1,300 sheep
✅ Built their business on faith, resilience, and creativity
✅ Lead with purpose as stewards of God’s creation

💡 What you’ll learn: Practical leadership tips, how to adapt in challenging markets, and why relationships and persistence are game-changers in agriculture.

🌱 Their mission: To be faithful stewards of God’s creation, producing profitable, productive livestock for consumers and fellow ranchers while preserving the ranching way of life.

🎧 Tune in for a story of grit, vision, and purpose that will inspire anyone chasing a dream.

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

Dr. Arquimides Reyes shares his inspiring journey from a small farm in El Salvador to becoming an associate professor of animal science at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. His story exemplifies how agricultural education, mentorship, and the FFA can transform lives and create leaders who give back to their communities.

• Grateful for family, God, teaching opportunities, and the FFA which instilled purpose and passion for agriculture
• Grew up on a small dairy and beef farm in El Salvador before coming to the United States at age 11
• Initially viewed agriculture as "the job of the poor" until FFA showed him the true potential of agricultural careers
• Nearly dropped out of high school to work full-time and support his family
• The FFA jacket became a symbol of opportunity that "levels the playing field" for all students
• Graduated as valedictorian and pursued higher education at Texas A&M and Colorado State University
• Identifies adaptability, communication skills, and integrity as keys to success in agriculture
• Currently serves as an associate professor and volunteer firefighter, committed to giving back to his community
• Believes "when your values are clear, your choices are easy"

Go out and do something great for somebody – encourage them, equip them, empower them. Plant great seeds and grow an incredible future.

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

George Couros, author of "The Innovator's Mindset," shares his journey from reluctant teacher to educational innovator and how exceptional leadership transformed his perspective on education. He explores how creating environments where both adults and students can thrive leads to better educational outcomes while preparing communities to navigate an uncertain future.

• Originally from a small Canadian town where community shaped his educational philosophy
• Found his passion for education through an exceptional principal who gave teachers ownership
• Focuses on developing all learners in an organization, not just students
• COVID provided opportunity to rethink priorities and approaches to education
• Teaches his children skills he never learned, preparing them for challenges he can't predict
• Believes in the importance of modeling lifelong learning for students
• Emphasizes engagement comes from seeing purpose, not just making learning "fun"
• Identifies three competitive edges: the "sponge factor" (willingness to learn), taking action on feedback, and personal connection
• Strives to make every interaction the best part of someone's day

Make it your goal to be the kind of person who brings out the best in others. When you focus on being present, continuously learning, and building genuine connections, you create opportunities for yourself and those around you.

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

Dr. Justin Terry, Superintendent of Forney ISD, shares how mentorship and innovative educational approaches are transforming students' futures through entrepreneurial mindsets and real-world experiences.

• Mentorship as a foundation for leadership development - having both internal and external mentors provides guidance and diverse perspectives
• The Opportunity Central (OC) - a 350,000 sq. ft. facility that's student-run, multifunctional, and serves as both educational space and community event center
• Creating a culture of innovation through consistent messaging and values like "people first" and "inspiring innovation"
• Helping students develop their competitive edge by identifying their strengths and cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset
• Competing for students' minds requires the same intensity as competing in athletics
• The future of education will require engaging not just students but entire families
• Leadership requires embracing change, maintaining an open mind to possibilities, and always treating others with kindness

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

Winston Chandler's 27 years as a dorm parent at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch transformed countless lives through his wisdom, faith, and commitment to helping troubled youth find their path. His simple yet profound wisdom—"you're never going to learn anything unless something depends on you"—became the foundation for developing responsibility, work ethic, and character in the boys under his care.

• Boys Ranch provided structure, responsibility, and purpose for troubled youth
• Winston's philosophy centered on hard work, faith, and caring for something beyond yourself
• Accountability in agriculture teaches valuable life lessons—"if we don't do our job, something dies"
• Giving young people meaningful work helps them discover their abilities and purpose
• Successful mentorship requires maintaining high expectations while showing genuine care
• A strong work ethic, competitive spirit, and faith create foundation for personal growth
• Winston's humility in acknowledging his own mistakes taught the importance of accountability
• The impact of good mentorship extends across generations through those who were mentored

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org