#14 - Alejandro Carrillo

Alejandro Carrillo is the owner of the Las Damas Ranch located in Mexico's Chihuahuan Desert. Before becoming a full-time rancher, Alejandro enjoyed a successful career as an IT consultant. But in 2004, he made the decision to leave the software industry and join his family's ranching business. Since then, he has revitalized the Las Damas Ranch by implementing holistic management principles–strategies and tactics that have allowed the arid landscape to thrive despite rarely receiving more than 10 inches of rain annually. Alejandro is a highly sought-after speaker and educator on many topics related to holistic management. He's a gifted teacher, a creative thinker, and a humble leader. --- Topics Covered: 1:50 - Alejandro's career in IT 4:30 - About Las Damas Ranch 8:50 - When and how did Alejandro learn of Holistic Ranch Management 13:20 - Alejandro's mentors 16:15 - Management changes to Las Damas 21:00 - How many pastures at Las Damas then and now? 24:00 - How many head of cattle then and now? 25:45 - Working with The Nature Conservancy 29:00 - New challenges Alejandro faces 33:20 - What does Alejandro look for in employees 38:45 - Alejandro's teaching ability and workshops 44:00 - What does teaching do for Alejandro personally 49:00 - Must read books 52:00 - Why should a lifelong city-dweller care about the land? 55:00 - Common misconceptions 59:00 - What gives Alejandro hope for the future --- RESOURCES: Grasslands Regeneration Project The Savory Institute Jim Gerrish Stockman Grass Farmer Magazine Las Damas Ranch Case Study Grazing for Rain - Alejandro Carrillo Ranch Resilience with Alejandro Carrillo