What happens when two siblings challenge themselves to grow as leaders together? In this episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, host Chris Thomson sits down with Adriana and Cole Benoit, two exceptional student leaders who have thrived in the Student Works Management Program. What started as a summer job turned into a transformational journey of self-discovery, confidence, and leadership development. Adriana opens up about how the program helped her overcome shyness, develop independence, and build lasting people skills that have shaped her both personally and professionally. Meanwhile, Cole shares the mindset shifts he experienced as a coach and operator, learning how to inspire accountability and scale a team of responsible leaders. Together, they reflect on the personal growth, business lessons, and family support that fueled their success. If you’re considering the Student Works Program or want a deeper look at how it shapes young entrepreneurs, this episode offers an inspiring window into what’s possible when you commit to becoming your best self. Enjoy! Key takeaways How the Student Works Program builds confidence and independenceHow Adriana overcame shyness and started taking ownership of her lifeWhy coaching others to take accountability is key to scaling a teamThe emotional and mental challenges of running a student businessHow leadership creates ripple effects year after yearWhy alignment between personal goals and team goals drives successWhy Adriana and Cole feel more confident about their futures than ever beforeAnd much more... Guest Bios: Adriana grew up immersed in athletics, excelling in gymnastics, figure skating, and rugby, and developing leadership skills through coaching and camp counselling. At the University of Guelph, she joined the Varsity Cheerleading team and began working with Student Works, first as a window cleaner and later as a franchise manager. Over three years, she ran a successful business producing nearly $450,000 in revenue, employing over 40 students, and serving more than 750 clients. A top performer, she is transitioning into a Business Coach role in 2024 to mentor students in running their own businesses. Cole is a dedicated Consumer Behaviour student at Western University with hands-on experience in sales, marketing, and management. Through the Student Works Management Program and other ventures, he has honed his skills in cold-calling, sales, client relations, recruitment, employee management, and project planning. Running his own service business continues to challenge and develop him professionally. Resources: 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.
