Leaders Of Tomorrow Podcast

Chris Thomson
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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. 4d ago

    470 | Mark Tanel – The Systems and Relationships Behind Real Sales Growth

    What if the riskiest move in your career is refusing to take any risk at all? Chris Thomson sits down with Mark Tanel, a Student Works alumnus who now leads national sales for Dulux, now Canadian Industries Limited. Fifteen years ago Mark was a Queen’s Commerce student headed straight for accounting, until one elective changed his mind and his entire path. They get into the calculated risks that moved Mark across the country, the real difference between hunting and farming in sales, and why leaving every role with integrity kept doors open years later. Mark also shares the full-circle moment of now serving Student Works as a supplier, and the systems thinking that has carried through his whole career. If you are early in your career and wondering whether to play it safe or bet on yourself, this conversation is the nudge you need. Listen now. Timestamped Highlights00:27 – The "introverted extrovert" who had to learn how to own a room06:05 – Why a future accountant blew up his own plan in fourth year07:14 – The phone call to Dad that changed Mark’s entire career08:57 – Inside a book of business worth over $80 million, and what it teaches you11:16 – Moving across the country at 23, and why the risk paid off15:10 – Hunter or farmer: the sales distinction that decides your paycheck20:16 – How one phone call about Mark reopened a door he thought was closed29:09 – The overlooked product line that grew from $500K to $7M in a few years35:03 – Getting comfortable being uncomfortable, the skill nobody teaches47:46 – What Mark believes really makes a leader of tomorrow About the GuestMark Tanel is the National Sales Manager at Dulux, now Canadian Industries Limited (CIL), and a Student Works Management Program alumnus. A Queen’s University Commerce graduate, he began his sales career at Nestlé, managing major retail and grocery accounts across Canada, including a book of business worth more than $80 million, before moving into the paint and coatings industry. Known for a systems-first, relationship-driven approach to sales, Mark now partners with organizations like Student Works to create value on the supply side of the business. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website Resources MentionedQueen’s UniversityNestlé CanadaSobeysLoblawsDelissio Pizza (Nestlé frozen brand, discontinued)PPGDulux PaintsClubLinkForbes 30 Under 30 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 Chris Thomson. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

  2. Jul 14

    469 | Jack Buiter, Ali Baksh, and Owen Chilvers – How the Most Improved Operators Doubled Their Businesses

    What actually separates the operator who doubles their business from the one who stays stuck? Chris Thomson sits down with three of the most improved operators in the Student Works painting division, Jack Buiter, Ali Baksh, and Owen Chilvers, to unpack how they went from rough first years to breakout seasons. Each of them hit a wall early: inconsistency, fear of what people think, a big vision with no plan, and each found a way through. They get into the mindset shifts, daily habits, and business strategies behind doubling a student-run business: keeping commitments to yourself, building an enrolled team, Facebook marketing, hiring the right people, and learning to charge what you are worth. If you are coming back for another season and want to know exactly what it takes to step up instead of stalling out, this conversation is your roadmap. Listen now. Timestamped Highlights● 00:37 – Jack on the first year that handed him a brand new problem every single day ● 03:25 – Owen sells $20,000 on day one, then watches it all go downhill ● 06:14 – The $200K vision Ali set with no real plan to reach it ● 08:20 – The missing piece that stalled Jack’s first two months ● 15:07 – How Owen now does in 40 hours what used to take him 100 ● 17:56 – The 0 for 12 start behind Ali’s flat second year ● 23:29 – Fear of other people’s opinion, and how Chris dismantles it ● 26:14 – The December 27 commitment Ali made to himself ● 36:17 – Why Chris says a painting business is really just math ● 37:46 – The marketing channel that became nearly half of Jack’s business ● 41:42 – Owen on the “secret sauce” that does not exist About the GuestsJack Buiter is a second-year operator with the Student Works Management Program, managing in Hamilton while completing a master’s at the University of Guelph. He did $194,000 and earned the Mexico trip in his first year and is tracking toward roughly $450,000 this season, driven by strong systems, an enrolled team, and Facebook marketing. 🔗 LinkedIn Ali Baksh is a third-year operator based in Durham and a student at Western University. After two roughly flat years around $105,000 to $107,000, he broke through in year three toward roughly $250,000, with his sights set on the million-dollar club next year. 🔗 LinkedIn Owen Chilvers is a second-year operator managing in Halifax while studying at Dalhousie University. He joined the program at 17, did $120,000 his first year, and has already sold around $250,000 this season while tracking toward roughly $350,000, powered by a relentless focus on mindset, integrity, and efficient marketing. 🔗 LinkedIn Resources and Links Mentioned● Facebook Ads (Meta) ● Indeed ● Jim Collins (“First Who, Then What”) ● Landmark ● Dan Kennedy (pricing principle) ● John Cameron (Facebook ads advisor) Important Links● Connect with Chris: Website | LinkedIn ● Learn more about the Student Works Management Program ● Apply to be an Owner / Operator in the Management Program ● Looking for a fun job this summer? Summer Job Opportunities ● Hear more Alumni Success Stories The Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast is an original production by Chris Thomson. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

  3. Jul 7

    468 | Hugo Geoffroy – How One Massive Failure Sparked a Career-Defining Breakthrough

    What if your biggest failure was the secret catalyst to your future success? This episode features a hard-hitting conversation between Chris Thomson and Hugo Geoffroy, COO of Elevate Club and Student Works alumnus, as they pull back the curtain on what it really takes to go from cocky rookie to transformative leader. Hugo’s journey is raw: from a disastrous start to running a rapidly scaling company in his late 20s, he shares the brutal lessons, mindset shifts, and high-stakes risks that fueled his comeback. If you’re ready to stop coasting and start creating genuine value, listen now. Miss this episode, and you risk wasting your talent and delaying the breakthrough that could define your career. What you’ll hear here, you simply can’t get anywhere else. Timestamped Highlights00:05 – The brutal wake-up call that changed everything06:27 – Why pain and failure create unforgettable growth09:32 – The coaching moment that unlocked Hugo’s true talent13:39 – The hidden cost of ignoring your network revealed17:00 – Surprising lessons from scaling with the wrong people20:32 – How Elevate Capital uses community to create financial breakthroughs27:55 – Why leaping without guarantees can lead to explosive rewards34:52 – The mindset shift that made failure impossible to fear About the GuestHugo Geoffroy is the COO of Elevate Club, a fast-growing business group specializing in real estate, financial coaching, and operations. As a Student Works alumnus and serial entrepreneur, he’s known for transforming failure into massive growth and for building high-performing teams leveraging the power of alumni networks. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website Resources & Links MentionedContracting.comSpray-NetTony Robbins (Physiology)Carol Dweck – MindsetCutco 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 Chris Thomson. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

  4. Jun 30

    467 | Hugh Hunt – Are You Making These Million-Dollar Leadership Mistakes?

    What if the only thing standing between you and a million-dollar breakthrough is your mindset? This week, Chris Thomson invites six-year Student Works veteran Hugh Hunt to reveal the path from confused university student to high-performing operator, coach, and soon-to-be member of the million-dollar club. In a raw, no-fluff conversation, they unpack the brutal realities of leadership, the traps of complacency, and the unexpected joys of building winning teams. Hugh Hunt shares the quiet habits and hard-won shifts that made delegation work, why most operators get productivity wrong, and how he turned anxiety into action. Miss this episode, and you risk repeating the same costly mistakes. Listen now if you want the uncommon strategies and battle-tested mindset it really takes to lead at the top, the stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Timestamped Highlights01:03 – The moment a pandemic forced a total career pivot03:11 – The laughable but painful initiation into real leadership05:15 – The urgent time hack that separates performers from burnout07:01 – Why the “hardest” work isn’t what you think it is10:21 – The breakthrough that ended imposter syndrome for good13:12 – Delegation disaster vs. true team empowerment16:09 – The brutal lesson of fitting square pegs into round holes28:25 – The 2-minute rule that instantly transformed productivity31:46 – A gratitude practice that rewires success and happiness About the GuestHugh Hunt is a sixth-year operator and highly successful coach in the Student Works Management Program, known for doubling business growth year over year and leading one of the most high-performing teams in the program’s history. With a background in both music and business, Hugh brings a unique perspective on leadership, mindset, and operational excellence. His story exemplifies raw authenticity and relentless personal development. 🔗 LinkedIn Resources & Links MentionedSimon workflow and time tracking softwareHumankind by Rutger BregmanLinkedIn Learning 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 Chris Thomson. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

  5. Jun 23

    466 | Best of: Goal Setting

    Are your goals stuck on paper, or do you really know how to bring them to life? This thrilling collage episode features candid stories and hard-won strategies from Payam Zamani, Andrew Thompson, George Walsh, John Morgan, and Tycho Koren, young leaders who turned bold visions into breakthrough results. You’ll hear what happens when excitement fades, setbacks pile on, and the process gets gritty. Learn proven, real-world goal-setting frameworks that go far beyond motivation, from aligning ambition with purpose, to the science of tracking your numbers, to coaching yourself and your team with unshakeable standards. Listen now because the real pain is spending another year aimlessly “trying.” This episode is your edge, your urgency, and your guide to turning vision into financial victory. Don’t miss these game-changing insights you simply won’t find anywhere else. Timestamped Highlights00:00 – The surprising power of building your team before your business is even close to your goal02:01 – Why clarity, standards, and staying committed outlasts mere motivation every time02:50 – Payam Zamani reveals the single mindset shift that shattered his income ceiling04:05 – “I dreaded the money talk…”—the confidence breakthroughs behind six-figure sales06:51 – George Walsh maps out the hidden link between team structure and sales confidence09:14 – Tycho Koren on erasing “try” from your vocabulary and building systems that actually deliver10:16 – The math and mindset of $400,000+ revenue goals—broken down, step by step11:31 – John Morgan on a radical truth: the only difference between winners and whiners is who acts on opportunity About the GuestsPayam Zamani is an entrepreneur, investor, and author, who is recognized for aligning ambition with purpose and building businesses with impact beyond money. | Episode 401: Building More Than Wealth: Merging Business with a Higher Calling Andrew Thompson is a top-performing operator who transformed early stumbles into $180K in summer sales, who demonstrates the power of resilience and self-belief. | Episode 362: Spring Turnaround: Triumph Over Business Challenges George Walsh is the owner of Rydel Siding and a Student Works operator in Newfoundland. He is known for his leadership in accountability, team development, and growth. | Episode 358: Blueprint for Growth: Third-Year Operator's Story Tycho Koren is the COO of Actualize, who is a systems-driven leader who coaches young entrepreneurs to replace “trying” with actionable strategy. | Episode 237: Moving the Needle Forward In The Midst Of Challenges John Morgan was a franchise owner with Student Works, who brings discipline and relentless execution to exceeding massive sales targets. | Episode 148: How I am Planning to Achieve My 2020 Sales Goal of $750,000 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 Chris Thomson. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

  6. Jun 16

    465 | Madison Hetherington – Now or Never: How to Build a Purpose-Driven Company

    What if the only thing holding you back is the story you tell yourself? In this high-voltage episode, Chris Thomson talks to Madison Hetherington, founder of Propel Marketing and Student Works alum, who quietly turned exposure and experimentation into a seven-figure company before age 30. Together, they go beyond surface-level wins, diving into the real setbacks, the mindsets that nearly sabotaged everything, and how unwavering purpose became her most unfair advantage. If you believe bigger means better, or if you think youth is a barrier, miss this conversation and risk missing the playbook behind authentic, rapid growth. Hit play now for hard-won lessons you will not find anywhere else, direct from someone still in the trenches. Timestamped Highlights00:41 – The brutal overwhelm every future leader faces at 1902:50 – Why confidence is the missing ingredient in most young founders04:33 – The surprising value of trying (and quitting) things fast06:35 – Trading travel dreams for real-world, character-building action09:00 – The untold story behind Propel’s vision and the power of owning your strengths11:21 – Chasing shiny objects versus the unexpected rocket-fuel of true focus14:35 – Why shrinking your team may actually skyrocket your client results17:48 – The dangerous myth of success and the profit reality check20:36 – How brutal failures quietly become your competitive edge22:13 – The uncomfortable cost of leadership no one talks about25:32 – Three unglamorous habits that deliver compounding returns29:18 – AI and the next five years: How smart founders outpace the pack31:01 – What most agencies get totally wrong about purpose and growth About the GuestMadison Hetherington is the founder and CEO of Propel Marketing, a high-performance social media agency recognized for rapid growth and a results-driven team. She is a Student Works Management Program alumna whose business eclipsed seven figures within three years. Madison’s blend of tactical grit and purpose-led vision sets her apart as a leading voice for young entrepreneurs. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website Resources & Links MentionedAlex HormoziTony RobbinsMorgan Housel – The Psychology of MoneyDan Sullivan – Strategic CoachLinkedIn LearningSun LifeRBC 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 Chris Thomson. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

  7. Jun 9

    464 | Connor Leslie – Crush Your Limits With These Proven Leadership Hacks

    What if the real key to explosive growth was learning to coach, not just grind harder? In this no-holds-barred episode, Chris Thomson sits down with Connor Leslie, a medical science student whose journey from crew member to $650K business operator will challenge everything you think about leadership, teamwork, and personal transformation. Together, they unpack why most young leaders plateau and how radical systems, powerful networks, and coachability can shatter revenue ceilings. Against the backdrop of brutal setbacks and breakthrough moments, Connor reveals the habits, mindsets, and playbooks that outpace the crowd. Miss this episode, and you risk repeating old mistakes, losing the hidden advantage of transformative peer networks, and staying stuck in the lone wolf grind. Listen now to hear exclusive strategies you will not find anywhere else. This is your playbook to lead at the next level. Timestamped Highlights01:09 – How Connor broke free from routine success traps02:18 – The bold leap that changed his money mindset for life07:10 – Eye-opening “worker call” that revealed a hidden network11:01 – The painful lesson that forced Connor to rethink delegation14:24 – How big mistakes on the job became his fast-track to growth17:19 – The secret power of a top-performer morning mastermind24:38 – Shifting from doer to coach for exponential team success33:13 – The resilience rule that stops failure from slowing you down About the GuestConnor Leslie is a third-year medical science student at Dalhousie University and a multi-year Student Works Operator. After starting as a door-to-door marketer, he scaled his business from $15K sales to over $650K projected revenue, ranking him in the top 1% of young entrepreneurs nationwide. Known for his relentless growth mindset and proven leadership as a high-performing coach and team builder. 🔗 LinkedIn Resources & Links MentionedDalhousie UniversityLinkedIn LearningBook reference: The Compound EffectBook reference: Growth Mindset research (Carol Dweck) 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 Chris Thomson. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

  8. Jun 2

    463 | Marc Pumple – How One Youthful Pivot Changed His Life Forever

    What does it really take to escape mediocrity and create a life most only dream about? This episode dives into the remarkable transformation of Marc Pumple, from an “unemployable” Canadian student to a commercial real estate powerhouse generating over $65 million in deals. The conversation unpacks why the path to true entrepreneurial freedom demands more than work ethic. It takes self-ownership, relentless decision-making, and a refusal to settle for a standard job. With stories of gut-wrenching risk, behind-the-scenes negotiation, and brutally honest lessons learned from failures, this isn’t another self-help chat. It’s a real-world blueprint for turning experience, courage, and reputation into exponential success. Listen now if you dare to claim more for your life. Miss it, and you risk wasting years on the sidelines. This episode delivers exclusive access to rare insights from one of Canada’s most driven alumni—wisdom not found in textbooks or Instagram reels. Timestamped Highlights00:51 – The hidden advantage that launched Marc’s early journey02:34 – Why most “unemployable” minds secretly become top entrepreneurs04:36 – The brutal grind that forges real confidence (and market power)06:46 – How to win clients even when you cost more than the competition10:36 – Leaving security behind: The high-stakes leap from corporate to solo success12:17 – Grit, fear, and the secret to landing $65 million in deals15:44 – The untold value of learning from your toughest mistakes20:15 – The skill that lets you see high-value opportunities before anyone else27:01 – The underrated power habit behind Marc’s multi-million dollar results About the GuestMarc Pumple is the founder of P & P Properties, a commercial real estate brokerage generating over $30 million annually. With a background at Cushman & Wakefield and decades of hard-won experience, Marc has become a trusted authority on high-value dealmaking, entrepreneurial resilience, and building an elite reputation from the ground up. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website Resources & Links MentionedCushman & WakefieldFrank Stronach (Magna International)Elon Musk 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 Chris Thomson. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

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5
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Thomson
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    470
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Student Works Management Program™
  • Show Website
    Leaders Of Tomorrow Podcast