Leaders Of Tomorrow Podcast

Chris Thomson

Are you an ambitious young entrepreneur? Do you consider yourself a role model and leader of tomorrow? If so, this is going to be the show for you. Leaders Of Tomorrow is a show dedicated young and ambitious entrepreneurs looking to forge their own path in this world. Each week, we will bring you an inspiring interview and share with you behind the scenes some of the values and beliefs of our 8-figure business; Student Works Management Program. From interviews with young millionaires and personal anecdotes from our head coach; Chris Thomson, this show will give you everything you need to know to become a Leader Of Tomorrow.

  1. -2 J

    441 | [RECAST] Part 1 - Cancer is a Journey

    This week, we’re sharing the first part of a recast of Chris Thomson’s powerful conversation on Paper Napkin Wisdom with host Govindh Jayaraman. In this deeply personal episode, Chris opens up about his cancer journey, from the moment he was told he had a large mass on his liver and bile ducts, through the confusion of a terrifying working diagnosis, to the mindset and gratitude practices that helped him stay grounded. It’s an intimate look at courage, leadership, and the choice to live with purpose no matter what life brings.  Far more than a medical story, this conversation is about resilience, mindset, and reframing fear into purpose. Chris shares practical lessons on advocacy, communication, receiving support, and choosing the story you tell yourself when life turns upside down. Timestamped Highlights[00:00:00] – Govindh introduces Chris Thomson and their 30-year friendship [00:01:35] – Chris explains why he’s sharing his cancer journey and overcoming fear of others’ opinions [00:03:40] – “Who am I to tell this story?” — Chris on realizing the importance of sharing hope [00:06:30] – The day everything changed: learning about a grapefruit-sized mass near his liver [00:08:10] – Turning to his network — how relationships became a lifeline [00:09:40] – Hearing the words “cholangiocarcinoma” — a supposed 12-to-18-month death sentence [00:10:10] – The importance of not buying the “working diagnosis” until confirmed by biopsy [00:13:00] – Why doctors give worst-case estimates and what patients should really hear [00:16:00] – Choosing perspective: getting affairs in order and communicating with his team [00:18:20] – “You can tell people you don’t know.” — transparent leadership during crisis [00:21:50] – The power of reframing: asking “Why is this happening for me?” instead of to me [00:23:03] – Lessons from Seneca: “We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.” [00:25:35] – A conversation with his son, living the same mindset he teaches others [00:27:34] – Meeting another survivor and finding hope in community [00:30:00] – How giving first in relationships came back as support when he needed it most [00:33:00] – The art of receiving help with gratitude and grace [00:36:00] – “Bring good energy.” — why kindness helps healing [00:37:25] – Mindfulness, meditation, and radical self-care during crisis [00:41:00] – “My job was to be as healthy as possible for the fight of my life.” [00:42:00] – The plot thickens: ongoing uncertainty and inconclusive biopsies [00:44:09] – Closing part 1 — the unknown ahead

    44 min
  2. 4 NOV.

    440 | Jakob Graham | Why You Don’t Need to Be Ready to Start Leading

    What happens when success meets humility and life throws you the ultimate curveball? In this deeply personal conversation, Chris Thomson sits down with Jakob Graham, a three-year veteran of the Student Works Management Program and incoming coach, to unpack how entrepreneurship, ego, and family challenges shaped him into a grounded, mature leader. Jakob shares his journey from being a confident 21-year-old who thought he had it all figured out to facing a family health crisis that changed everything. Through heartbreak, hard lessons, and real growth, he learned the value of integrity, vulnerability, and showing up even when life feels uncertain. Listen now because if you’ve ever wondered what true leadership looks like beyond the numbers, this episode will remind you that success starts with who you become when things get hard. Timestamped Highlights[00:03:36] – Jakob’s early years in painting and his first taste of entrepreneurship[00:07:12] – The harsh truth about “luck” and the myth of overnight success[00:10:34] – How Student Works improved his time management, focus, and grades[00:12:02] – The ego check that changed how he handled conflict and coaching[00:15:03] – Building systems and auditing his business for long-term growth[00:17:38] – How self-awareness and vulnerability became his superpowers[00:22:48] – The life-changing family crisis that reshaped his priorities[00:30:33] – Rebuilding a $260K business with a “we not me” mindset[00:34:00] – Why integrity and consistency separate the top performers[00:39:20] – Becoming a mini coach: why you’ll never feel fully ready—and that’s okay[00:42:37] – Advice for new entrepreneurs: fail fast, ask for help, and keep swinging About the GuestJakob Graham is a three-year Student Works Management Program veteran and an incoming coach for the 2026 season. A graduate of the University of Guelph, Jakob has grown his business to over $260K while building a reputation for consistency, humility, and servant leadership. After stepping away from his business to support his family through a major health challenge, Jakob returned stronger—with a renewed sense of purpose and a focus on developing others. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website | Facebook Resources & Links MentionedEgo Is the Enemy by Ryan HolidayThe Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay StanierGary Vaynerchuk on failure and timeAlex Hormozi on focus and execution Important LinksConnect with Chris: Website | LinkedInLearn more about the a href="https://rebrand.ly/student-works-d738ec" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    50 min
  3. 28 OCT.

    439 | How to Turn Students into Confident Six-Figure Entrepreneurs

    This week, we’re sharing a recast of Chris Thomson’s feature on Canadians Leading With Impact, where he sat down with Troy Treleaven and Kevin Robert Crone from Dale Carnegie Canada to talk about leadership, mindset, and building Canada’s next generation of entrepreneurs. Chris shares how he’s spent over three decades developing thousands of young Canadian entrepreneurs, turning ambitious students into confident leaders capable of running six-figure businesses before graduation. From the fundamentals of accountability and time freedom to the psychology of stress and the discipline behind leadership, Chris breaks down what it really takes to lead with integrity, contribute value, and create lasting impact in both business and life. Timestamped Highlights[00:00:00] – Troy and Kevin introduce Chris Thomson and the Student Works legacy [00:01:00] – Chris on betting on young entrepreneurs and the three freedoms: economic, decision, and time [00:05:30] – Why mindset and stress management are critical to leadership success (“No pressure, no diamonds”) [00:07:10] – Troy recalls door-to-door lessons and finding flow through challenge [00:08:20] – Chris explains why knocking on doors builds sales mastery and confidence [00:12:50] – Turning mistakes into “miss-takes”: why failure is the best teacher [00:14:50] – Chris shares his entrepreneurial roots, from university athlete to Student Works leader [00:18:20] – The 1,000-Millionaire Vision: teaching students to build wealth through leadership [00:20:15] – Why contribution comes before profit [00:21:45] – Alumni success stories: from Student Works to Wall Street and corporate leadership [00:26:30] – The truth about generational differences and why each wave of leaders must evolve [00:30:00] – Managing social media, FOMO, and the discipline of focus in the digital age [00:35:00] – The Four Referability Habits (Dan Sullivan’s framework) and restoring integrity [00:41:20] – Coaching accountability: helping young leaders see the real cost of inaction [00:43:30] – The concept of willingness and the habits of elite performers [00:46:00] – Chris on what Canadians need to raise the bar: high standards, high support [00:51:10] – How Dale Carnegie’s teachings shaped Chris’s coaching philosophy [00:53:40] – Are we missing positive psychology today? Chris on modern motivation and lifelong learning [00:54:43] – Closing reflections: leadership, contribution, and becoming your best self Resources MentionedHow to Stop Worrying and Start Living – Dale CarnegieThe Four Referability Habits – from Dan Sullivan’s Strategic CoachThe Fourth Turning – William Strauss & Neil HowePositive Psychology / Flow Theory – Mihaly CsikszentmihalyiLeaders of Tomorrow Podcast – hosted by Chris ThomsonDale Carnegie Training Canada Important LinksConnect with Chris: Website | a...

    59 min
  4. 21 OCT.

    438 | Colby Wilson | How To Turn Failure into a $275K Comeback

    What happens when early success turns into your biggest obstacle? In this powerful conversation, Chris Thomson sits down with Colby Wilson, a Wilfrid Laurier business student and three-year Student Works Management Program veteran who’s now preparing to become a mini coach. After a strong rookie season and a complacent second year that nearly derailed his progress, Colby shares the turning point that reignited his drive, and how he built a $275K business through leadership, ownership, and humility. He dives deep into lessons learned from failure, the mindset shift that rebuilt his confidence, and the joy of helping others believe in themselves. Listen now because if you’ve ever felt “not ready” to lead, Colby’s story proves that greatness starts the moment you dive in headfirst. Don’t wait for perfect. Just start. Timestamped Highlights[00:03:39] – Ambitious but naive: Colby’s life before Student Works[00:05:30] – “An accelerated capsule of growth”: lessons from year one[00:09:30] – The trap of complacency and how two lazy months cost him big[00:12:08] – Facing failure, humility, and the moment everything changed[00:17:15] – How clear planning and weekly execution rebuilt his business[00:18:42] – The secret to enrolling a motivated team that owns the goal[00:23:33] – What top performers like James, Landon, and Caleb all do differently[00:27:13] – Why Colby is stepping up to coach the next generation of leaders About the GuestColby Wilson is a fourth-year business student at Wilfrid Laurier University and a three-time operator with the Student Works Management Program. After scaling his business from $100K to $275K, Colby is stepping into a new challenge as a mini coach, mentoring future entrepreneurs while running his own high-performing team. Known for his humility, grit, and growth mindset, Colby’s story reflects the transformation that happens when ambition meets accountability. 🔗 LinkedIn Resources & Links MentionedThe Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay StanierActualize Club Performance Coaching (by Cam Russelle)Matthew McConaughey’s Oscar Acceptance Speech (leadership lesson) Important LinksConnect with Chris: Website | LinkedInLearn more about the Student Works Management ProgramApply to be an Owner / Operator in the Management ProgramLooking for a fun job this summer? Summer Job OpportunitiesHear more Alumni Success Stories  The Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast is an original production by...

    35 min
  5. 14 OCT.

    437 | James Ward | How a Lost Student Built a $400K Success Story

    What happens when a lost university student decides to go all-in on himself? In this inspiring conversation, Chris Thomson sits down with James Ward, a three-year Student Works Management Program veteran and newly appointed full-time coach, who went from feeling directionless at Western University to becoming one of the top-performing young entrepreneurs in the country. James reveals how he overcame rejection, mastered delegation, and turned discipline into leadership that now drives a $400K business. His story is a masterclass in ownership, consistency, and belief, and a reminder that success isn’t about being special, it’s about never stopping. Listen now because if you’ve ever doubted your potential or wondered what separates good from great, this episode delivers the roadmap. Don’t miss it! Your next breakthrough could start here. About the GuestJames Ward is a three-year veteran of the Student Works Management Program and a graduate of Western University. Starting with no business background, he grew from a $100K rookie operator to a $400K top performer and Operator of the Year in the window cleaning division. Now stepping into his new role as a full-time coach, James is passionate about helping young entrepreneurs unlock their potential, lead with confidence, and create life-changing success. 🔗 LinkedIn Resources & Links MentionedFacebook Ads for Local BusinessWestern University – Ivey Business School“The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel Important LinksConnect with Chris: Website | LinkedInLearn more about the Student Works Management ProgramApply to be an Owner / Operator in the Management ProgramLooking for a fun job this summer? Summer Job OpportunitiesHear more Alumni Success Stories  The Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast is an original production brought to you by Chris Thomson and Podcast Your Brand. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

    32 min
  6. 7 OCT.

    436 | Andrew Woodruff | When You Bet on Yourself and Build a $370K Business

    What if the hardest job you ever had wasn’t laying bricks in the blazing sun, but learning how to lead people? In this powerful conversation, Chris Thomson sits down with Andrew Woodruff, a multi-year veteran of the Student Works Management Program, to unpack the staggering transformation he experienced while balancing Queen’s University engineering with running a business that exploded past $300K in sales. Andrew shares his chaotic first summer, the painful lessons of leading without a plan, and the breakthrough moments that helped him shift from hard worker to intentional leader. His journey reveals how resilience, feedback, and relentless growth can turn uncertainty into undeniable success. Listen now because if you’ve ever wondered how to leap from surviving to thriving as a leader, this episode holds the insider playbook you won’t find anywhere else. Miss it, and risk staying stuck in the grind. About the GuestAndrew Woodruff is a Queen’s Civil Engineer and Concrete Canoe Team Captain, who is a multi-year operator with the Student Works Management Program. Rising from a small-town background and a start in bricklaying, he has scaled his student-run business into a six-figure operation while balancing one of Canada’s toughest academic programs. A Mexico performer and Presidents Club winner, Andrew is known for his relentless drive, growth mindset, and ability to inspire and lead teams under pressure. 🔗 LinkedIn Resources & Links MentionedThe Psychology of Money by Morgan HouselAlex Hormozi’s content on habits and hard workQueen’s University Engineering Concrete Canoe Team  Important LinksConnect with Chris: Website | LinkedInLearn more about the Student Works Management ProgramApply to be an Owner / Operator in the Management ProgramLooking for a fun job this summer? Summer Job OpportunitiesHear more Alumni Success Stories  The Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast is an original production brought to you by Chris Thomson and Podcast Your Brand. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

    45 min
  7. 30 SEPT.

    435 | Elyse Ardiel | How to Leverage a Student Business for Law Success

    How can running a student painting business set you on the path to becoming a corporate lawyer at one of the top firms in Canada? In this episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast, host Chris Thomson speaks with Elyse Ardiel, a Student Works Management Program alumna who went on to graduate from McGill, attended law school, started her legal career in New York, and returned to Toronto to become a corporate lawyer and partner at a leading Bay Street firm. Elyse reflects on the lessons she learned as an operator (from setting clear expectations and building systems to working with clients and teams) and how those skills helped her succeed in law school and her career. She shares advice for students considering law school, how to build a strong application, and why staying open to opportunities can lead to a career path you never imagined. Learn why sales, systems, and setting expectations matter just as much in law as they do in business. Enjoy! Key takeaways: How Student Works helped Elyse discover her entrepreneurial spiritWhy running a business taught Elyse to love working with motivated peopleThe importance of setting clear expectations with clients, teams, and yourselfHow to stay organized, communicate effectively, and perform under pressureWhy keeping an open mind can lead to unexpected career opportunitiesPractical tips for law school applications and building a strong resumeWhy sales skills and understanding people’s needs translate into any careerAnd much more... Guest Bio: Elyse Ardiel is a partner at Fasken, working within the firm’s Private Equity Group and Capital Markets & Mergers and Acquisitions Group. She focuses on private M&A with an emphasis on private equity and cross-border transactions, as well as corporate reorganizations, commercial law, and general corporate matters. A graduate of McGill University and law school in Canada, Elyse began her legal career in New York before returning to Toronto. As an alumna of the Student Works Management Program, she credits her experience as an operator with shaping the entrepreneurial mindset, organizational skills, and leadership qualities that helped her excel in law and business. Resources: Student Works Connect with Elyse on LinkedIn Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Leaders of Tomorrow podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.

    38 min
  8. 23 SEPT.

    434 | Aris Lloshi | How to Build a $460K Business as a Student

    How do you go from being a first-year student who’s unsure of what direction to take to running a $460,000 business while still in university and preparing to coach the next generation of entrepreneurs? In this episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast, Chris Thomson speaks with Aris Lloshi, a veteran operator with the Student Works Management Program who is now stepping into a part-time coach role. Aris shares his journey from a slow start in his first year to restructuring his business mid-season, and eventually tripling his results through consistency, hard work, and relentless focus on developing people. Aris opens up about what it takes to grow a business year over year, from $100k to $250k to nearly half a million, and the lessons he learned about time management, building systems, over-recruiting, and holding people accountable. This conversation is a powerful look at how consistency, integrity, and a learning mindset can transform both business results and personal growth. Discover what it takes to shift from student operator to coach and why integrity is the ultimate leadership trait. Enjoy! Key takeaways: Why putting systems in place early creates better results with less effortHow to restructure a business mid-season and turn it aroundWhy 80% of results come from 20% of the right inputsThe importance of training, recruiting, and over-recruiting the right peopleHow to hold your team accountable and have hard conversationsWhy consistency is the secret ingredient to long-term successWhat it takes to transition from operator to coach while still in schoolWhy integrity and being a constant learner are hallmarks of true leadersAnd much more... Guest Bio: Aris Lloshi is a veteran operator with the Student Works Management Program and an incoming part-time coach while completing his business degree at Concordia University. Over three years, he grew his business from a modest first-year start to nearly $500,000 in revenue, earning multiple trips to Mexico and recognition as a top performer.  Resources: Aris Lloshi on LinkedIn Student Works Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Leaders of Tomorrow podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.

    28 min
4,9
sur 5
74 notes

À propos

Are you an ambitious young entrepreneur? Do you consider yourself a role model and leader of tomorrow? If so, this is going to be the show for you. Leaders Of Tomorrow is a show dedicated young and ambitious entrepreneurs looking to forge their own path in this world. Each week, we will bring you an inspiring interview and share with you behind the scenes some of the values and beliefs of our 8-figure business; Student Works Management Program. From interviews with young millionaires and personal anecdotes from our head coach; Chris Thomson, this show will give you everything you need to know to become a Leader Of Tomorrow.