Speakers

Speakers for the 2013 Texas FFA State Convention are: 

John Beede

In his wickedly entertaining style, 30 year old professional speaker, author, and adventurer John Beede has been struck by lightning, attacked by a 5-foot iguana, swam with a whale shark, once did the hokey-pokey in the eye of a hurricane, and just returned from climbing Mt. Everest. Beede’s adventure stories have earned him the nickname, “The Climber Guy,” and he’s going to help you “Climb On!” to your highest personal leadership potential. Since graduating from Wheaton College, IL with a bachelor’s degree in communications, he has become the owner of two companies, John Beede International and Sierra Nevada Publishing House.

He has also been an instructor of rock climbing, white-water rafting, wilderness survival, sailing, mountaineering, and has participated in dozens of expeditions and adventures around the world. In his talk, Beede’s integration of his outdoor adventure stories and his powerful success strategies will catapult you to a new level of personal achievement.

Les Brown

As a renowned author, speaker, television and radio personality, Les Brown has risen to national prominence by inspiring others to shake off mediocrity and live up to their full potential.  With no formal education beyond high school, Brown has distinguished himself as an international authority on harnessing human potential.  Born a twin in low-income Liberty City in Miami, Fla., Brown and his twin brother were adopted when they were six weeks old by Mamie Brown. As a single woman with a big heart, Miss Brown had very little education or financial means.  With young Brown’s inattention to school work, his restless energy, and the failure of his teachers to recognize his potential, Brown was misdiagnosed as educable mentally retarded.  Suffering for years by the label and the stigma, he was nevertheless driven by his passion to learn and his hunger to achieve his goal as a radio disc jockey.

In a humorous twist of fate and cunning, Brown rose from a hip-talkin’ morning DJ to a broadcast manager; from voracious reader to author; from community activist to community leader; from political commentator to three-term state legislator; from a banquet and nightclub emcee to a premier keynote speaker for Fortune 100 companies. 

Brennan Costello

Brennan Costello is the 2012-13 National FFA Central Region Vice President. He is a sophomore at the University of Nebraska where he is majoring in agribusiness. His career goal is to work in agricultural sales or communications to utilize his strengths in customer relations, industry knowledge and operations. “My purpose as a national officer will be to engage the potential of FFA members,” Costello said. “I want to do more than simply help. Students have the potential. They need to be actively involved in maximizing their potential through classroom learning, experiences and leadership development,” Costello said.

 

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