Growing Our Future

Director and Chief Operations Officer, and he has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to agriculture and young people. Tune in as Aaron and Si talk about the essence of leadership, Si's FFA journey, and how to make yourself exceptional.

Si Cook is the Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer of the Texas Farm Bureau. He has a degree in agriculture education and has worked in the agriculture industry for over 25 years. Si is a former FFA member and has a deep-rooted passion for young people and agriculture. 

Story Notes:

• What Si is grateful for
• Si's FFA journey
• Taking chances
• Symbolism of the FFA jacket
• How FFA prepares students for the future
• Making yourself exceptional

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

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. Lyda discussed her educational journey and her experiences as a professor at the Ohio State University. Born and raised in Hebbronville, Texas, Dr.Lyda 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.Lyda'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. Lyda 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

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. 

Justin also shares the story of his father's experience of being part of the US Army during World War II and how he used the GI Bill to become a successful businessman. Finally, Justin talks about his experience of attending President Clinton's inauguration and how it provided him with a unique perspective.

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

On this episode of Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduced 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

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

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

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

On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Kent Hance, Founding Partner at Hance Scarborough, LLP & Chancellor at Texas Tech University. In December 2006, Hance became the third chancellor of the Texas Tech University System, which was comprised of Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the time. Under his leadership, the system set records in enrollment, research and degrees awarded, and doubled in size, growing from two universities to four with the addition of Angelo State University in 2007 and the creation of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso in 2013. Hance, who retired from the position in 2014 as the system's longest serving chancellor, also raised more than $1.069 billion in the most successful capital campaign in the history of the Texas Tech University System.

Hance is a founding partner with Hance Scarborough, an Austin-based law firm. His primary focus is on state and federal administrative law, regulatory law, and legislative law. In addition, he advises clients on oil, gas, and other energy-related matters. He began his legal career in Lubbock, Texas, and taught at Texas Tech University for five years after graduating from law school.

Hance is a native of Dimmitt, Texas. He and his wife, Susie Hance, also an attorney, have five children and seven grandchildren.

Story Notes:

• Refocus on the Opportunities
• Anticipate
• Attention to Details and Competitive Spirit

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this Growing Our Future Podcast episode, Aaron Alejandro introduces Mike Rowe,TV host, writer, narrator, producer, actor and spokesman. Mike’s performing career began in 1984, when he faked his way into the Baltimore Opera to get his union card and meet girls, both of which he accomplished during a performance of Rigoletto. His transition to television occurred in 1990 when to settle a bet ,he auditioned for the QVC Shopping Channel and was promptly hired after talking about a pencil for nearly eight minutes. There, he worked the graveyard shift for three years, until he was ultimately fired for making fun of products and belittling viewers.

Thanks to QVC, Mike became practiced at the art of talking for long periods without saying anything of substance, a skill that would serve him well as a TV host. Throughout the ’90s, Mike had hundreds of jobs and relished his role as a chronic freelancer with lots of time to loaf around. Then, through a horrible miscalculation, he pitched a three-hour special to the Discovery Channel that ended up resulting in the show “Dirty Jobs.” Viewers liked it and Discovery responded by ordering 39 episodes, a shocking commitment that Mike was contractually obligated to honor. For the first time in his career, Mike went to work with a vengeance.

Over the next decade, Mike would become known as “the dirtiest man on TV.” He traveled to all 50 states and completed 300 different jobs, transforming cable television into a landscape of swamps, sewers, ice roads, coal mines, oil derricks, crab boats, hillbillies, and lumberjack camps. For this, he has received both the credit and the blame.


Story Notes:

• Nuggets of Gold
• Front Row Seat to the Work Ethics
• Dirty Jobs
• Celebrating All Jobs
• Fundamental Attitude of Gratitude

To learn more about Mike Rowe, visit:
https://mikerowe.com/

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this Growing Our Future Podcast episode, Aaron Alejandro introduces Cleophus (Cleo) Franklin Jr., Founder, President & CEO of Franklin Strategic Solutions. Cleo is an author, keynote speaker, educator, and entrepreneur. Business advisor, executive coach, strategy consultant, and brand builder.   He is the CEO and Founder of Franklin Strategic Solutions (FSS) and the Franklin Leadership Foundation.

He brings over 30 years of expertise in designing, developing, and delivering game-changing and award-winning business growth strategies for start-ups, non-profits, and multi-million dollar businesses across many sectors and global markets. Cleo believes in maintaining a positive mindset, creating partnerships with a purpose, and always striving for significant outcomes.

Story Notes:

• Coffee with Cleo
• Global Opportunities
• "If you Want to be the Best, Train with the Best."

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org