EmpowerU Podcast: “Success Is Found In The Process... Featuring Brandon Callas”
Release Date: November 1, 2024
Introduction
In the latest episode of EmpowerU, hosts Weston Hendrix, Augustus Sexton, and Quinn Hartley dive deep into the theme “Success Is Found In The Process” with their special guest, Brandon Callas. The episode, released on November 1, 2024, aims to inspire listeners by exploring Brandon’s extensive journey within the livestock industry, his coaching philosophies, and the pivotal role of faith in his career.
Brandon Callas's Background
Brandon Callas opens up about his roots and early influences. Growing up in Needville, Texas, Brandon was immersed in livestock and agricultural activities from a young age. As the middle child, he took on the role of the worker in his family, handling steers, pigs, and other livestock under the guidance of his father, a county agent.
Brandon Callas [01:52]: “We showed heat, pigs, steers, even a few chickens and turkeys as well. When your dad's the county agent, you have to try everything.”
Brandon’s passion for livestock judging led him to pursue higher education in the field. He attended Connors State College before transferring to Texas A&M, where one of his proudest achievements was persuading an Oklahoma girl to join him at the university. His transition continued at Kansas State University (K State), where a chance involvement with coaching transformed his career trajectory from a prospective PhD candidate to a dedicated livestock judging coach.
Transition from Texas to Oklahoma
Brandon narrates his move from Texas to Oklahoma, highlighting the differences between the two states in terms of livestock opportunities and competition levels.
Brandon Callas [08:10]: “Both states have definitely have their strengths. The gravity of the Texas majors, the rewards for kids and opportunities for kids are still second to none.”
In Texas, the abundance of livestock and numerous show opportunities make it a vibrant environment for budding judges and breeders. In contrast, Oklahoma presents a more intense competitive landscape with fewer opportunities, requiring participants to aim higher and work harder to succeed.
Coaching Philosophy
As a coach at Redlands Community College, Brandon distinguishes between coaching at junior colleges versus senior colleges. He emphasizes building foundational skills and character in junior college students to prepare them for success at higher levels.
Brandon Callas [15:43]: “In junior college, you're there to build the basics, build kids fundamentals, build their character so they can be successful in senior college.”
His approach focuses not just on winning, but on the personal and professional growth of his students, ensuring they develop into well-rounded individuals equipped for future challenges.
Judging Approach and Mindset
Brandon shares his comprehensive approach to livestock judging, stressing the importance of delivering constructive feedback while maintaining humility.
Brandon Callas [27:14]: “My job is to give you the truth of what I see in that animal and dictate it to you in a way that's understandable.” [27:14]
He strives to ensure that every participant, regardless of the outcome, leaves the ring with a sense of education and fairness, avoiding any feelings of resentment or discouragement.
Trends in Livestock Judging
While Brandon acknowledges the presence of trends in livestock judging, he maintains that breeders are the primary drivers of these trends. Judges, in his view, should focus on evaluating the animals based on consistent fundamentals rather than chasing fleeting trends.
Brandon Callas [29:27]: “I think it's the breeders that set the trends. And so my job as a judge is to try to find what's Best.” [29:27]
Defining Success
Central to the episode’s theme, Brandon defines success not as an end goal but as continual personal and professional improvement.
Brandon Callas [30:40]: “Success is getting better every day. To me, success is within the process.” [30:40]
He emphasizes the importance of daily growth, both in his work with livestock and his spiritual journey, aligning his definition of success with his faith in God.
Challenges of State Fairs
Brandon discusses the unique challenges presented by different state fairs, particularly highlighting the competitive nature of the Fort Worth and Oklahoma state fairs.
Brandon Callas [32:23]: “Fort Worth is probably just to survive the big blue wall, to get pulled, to get through your class without something going wrong and then to finally get through your division.” [32:23]
He underscores the high level of competition and the rigorous standards required to succeed in these prominent events.
Faith and Competition
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around integrating faith with competitive ambition. Brandon advises maintaining humility and letting faith guide competitive endeavors.
Brandon Callas [35:27]: “If you still stick to the fundamentals, you'll get more classes... that's how you achieve success.” [35:27]
He references biblical passages to illustrate balancing ambition with spiritual integrity, ensuring that competition remains a means to honor God rather than diminish personal humility.
Mentorship and Leadership
Brandon elaborates on what makes a good mentor, highlighting the importance of genuine care and long-term impact.
Brandon Callas [37:26]: “All of my mentors, the folks that I've drawn from, the common denominator is they care.” [37:26]
He emphasizes that true mentors prioritize the mentee’s well-being and future over their own reputation or immediate gains.
Inspirational Quotes and Bible Verses
Brandon shares his favorite Bible verse, Proverbs 16:9, which has profoundly influenced his life and career.
Brandon Callas [39:03]: “Proverbs 16:9. It changed my life. Man decides the direction of his heart, but the Lord guides his steps.” [39:03]
This verse encapsulates his belief in God’s guidance and the importance of aligning personal goals with divine will.
Empowerment and Personal Motivation
When asked about what empowers him, Brandon attributes his strength to faith, family pride, and witnessing the growth of young individuals in the livestock industry.
Brandon Callas [40:21]: “Please, God. In everything I do, I want my wife to always feel proud that I'm her husband and I want my kids to go out and, and change the world for Christ.” [40:21]
He finds motivation in nurturing others and seeing the positive impact of his coaching and mentorship on their lives.
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with a reflection on Brandon’s impactful journey and the mutual respect between him and the hosts. Brandon acknowledges the growth and achievements of EmpowerU, expressing pride in mentoring the next generation.
Brandon Callas [43:37]: “I'm proud of what y'all are doing, and y'all keep it up.” [43:37]
The hosts extend their gratitude, highlighting Brandon’s significant contributions to the industry and their personal development.
Final Thoughts
“Success Is Found In The Process... Featuring Brandon Callas” offers a profound exploration of what it means to achieve success through dedication, humility, and faith. Brandon Callas’s experiences and insights provide valuable lessons for anyone involved in the livestock industry or seeking personal and professional growth. This episode embodies EmpowerU’s mission to empower listeners by sharing knowledge and confidence from industry leaders.
Notable Quotes:
- Brandon Callas [01:52]: “When your dad's the county agent, you have to try everything.”
- Brandon Callas [08:10]: “Both states have definitely have their strengths...”
- Brandon Callas [15:43]: “In junior college, you're there to build the basics...”
- Brandon Callas [27:14]: “My job is to give you the truth of what I see in that animal and dictate it to you in a way that's understandable.”
- Brandon Callas [30:40]: “Success is getting better every day. To me, success is within the process.”
- Brandon Callas [35:27]: “If you still stick to the fundamentals, you'll get more classes... that's how you achieve success.”
- Brandon Callas [39:03]: “Proverbs 16:9. It changed my life.”
- Brandon Callas [40:21]: “Please, God. In everything I do, I want my wife to always feel proud...”
This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened while highlighting Brandon Callas's key insights and experiences within the livestock industry.