Leaders Of Tomorrow Podcast (Chris Thomson)
Explorez tous les épisodes de Leaders Of Tomorrow Podcast
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| 13 Dec 2019 | 100 | The Phenomenal Value of Failure | 00:09:48 | |
Our today's solo is about failure. Blinded by victories, we fail to realize that failure and victory are two sides of the same coin. Have you experienced disappointment at not scoring a big win right away? Have you felt like hanging up your boots after experiencing a big failure? If yes, listening to this show will help you reframe your attitude towards failure. Tune in for some excellent insights!
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| 07 Feb 2020 | 113 | Amer Abu Shakra | The Six Rules of Success that Helped me Break the All-Time Sales Record at Student Works | 00:50:49 | |
In this episode, Chris interviews Amer Abu Shakra, Business Owner, Student Works Painting. Amer shares his SIX rules of success that helped him hit the all-time high sales record of $500,000 at Student Works. This show starts with Amer sharing some background information with listeners. Born in Jordan, Amer is truly thankful for the excellent opportunity that Student Works has given him. Amer was incredibly focused from the get go and shares how he managed to generate half-a-million dollar worth of business without compromising on his studies. To define his SIX rules of success, Amer drew inspiration from entrepreneurs like Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos. These are his rules:
As Amer explains each of these rules, he shares some interesting anecdotes that will surely pique your interest. For instance, he shares how he managed to build a dream team whom he trusts explicitly. He also reveals his process of breaking down large tasks into tiny and attainable bits. Amer reveals that he has an accountability buddy in Austin, another member of the Student Works community. If you are failing to meet the audacious goals that you have set for yourself, tuning in to this show will give you loads of value.
Connect with Amer:
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| 17 Mar 2020 | 124 | Will Scully | How I Managed to Turn Around My 140-Year Old Family Business | 01:01:11 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Will Scully, President, William Scully Limited. This show starts with Will sharing how he got enrolled in Student Works. Will reveals how he as a teenager was unable to be in charge and assume responsibility. Until Student Works came along. This segment of the show is particularly interesting as Will shares why his Student Works stint has proved to be far more useful than his economics degree. Can a college education equip you with the skills necessary to survive in the real world? Next, Will shares some interesting information about his family business, William Scully Limited. William Scully Limited is a 140-year old Canadian regimental outfitter. When Will joined William Scully, the business was in dire straits. Lack of systematization and a refusal to change with the times were some of the reasons for this dismal situation. So, how did Will manage to turn around his business? Are the challenges of managing an existing business significantly different compared to starting a whole new business? Particularly, Will talks quite a bit about how prudent financial guidance helped him streamline operations. We also reveal how small and medium-sized businesses can attract the best possible talent. Towards the end of the show, we share some critical attributes that truly define a leader of tomorrow. Tune in for some excellent insights! Resources: | |||
| 14 Jun 2019 | 048 | Jeremy Scully | How to Enhance Your Productivity as a Business Owner | 00:18:41 | |
In this show, Chris interviews, Jeremy Scully, District Manager, Student Works Painting. Jeremy highlights some crucial skills that allow you to perform at your highest level, and grow your business to the next level. This show starts off his Jeremy sharing how he managed to generate sales worth a million dollars as a full-time student. Jeremy reveals that managing and coaching his team made it possible for him to achieve this remarkable feat. In fact, this is what kicked off his journey as a coach. What surprised Jeremy about being a coach? Jeremy shares that different people get motivated by different triggers. So, how do you discover the underlying “Why” which will help you extract the maximum possible productivity from your people? Listeners will learn the importance of asking questions, and listening instead of talking. Next, we discuss some of the important attributes that are integral to success as a business owner. Among other things we share the importance of consistency, accountability and time management. Jeremy also reminds us that top performers are keenly aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and are constantly striving to get better and better. Towards the end, Jeremy has some sound advice for young entrepreneurs. You will learn the 3-step path to success: Learn, Replicate, and Develop. Tune in for some excellent nuggets!
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| 03 Apr 2020 | 128 | Nicholas Wiktorczyk | How I Started a Successful Technology Business with Just $8,000 | 00:52:49 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Nicholas Wiktorcyzk, Co-founder & CEO, Spently. We start this show with Nicholas sharing some of the biggest frustrations that he had as a teenager. How did he get started at Student Works? And, did his Student Works stint help him eliminate these frustrations? Nicholas shares how Student Works laid the foundation for an arduous but rewarding entrepreneurial journey. After Student Works, Nicholas worked for a bit at Lululemon. This segment of the show is really interesting as listeners will get a peek into the amazing and inspiring culture of Lululemon. Nicholas shares how Chip Wilson, the founder mentored and incredibly coached him out the company to start his business, Spently. The next segment of the show is all about Spently. Spently is an app for Shopify that helps ecommerce merchants use their transactional emails (e-receipts, shipping confirmations +) to drive repeat sales and build a better customer experience. Nicholas regales listeners with some interesting anecdotes about how he started his business with just $8,000. We have a particularly interesting discussion about how businesses are gravitating from Amazon to Shopify. Nicholas also shares some interesting information about his other business, Monte & Coe. We wrap up this show by sharing some great nuggets for aspiring and new entrepreneurs. Nicholas shares some of the biggest mistakes that he has made as an entrepreneur. What did Nicholas have to change about himself as he went from being a college student to a value creator? What are some key habits that make Nicholas tick? Nicholas shares the many sacrifices he had to make to fulfill his entrepreneurial dreams. You will also learn the importance of riding out the lows with grit and persistence. Tune in for some excellent nuggets! Resources:
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| 23 Jul 2019 | 059 | Andrew Fitzpatrick | Powerful Attributes for Finding Professional Success | 00:46:47 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Andrew FitzPatrick, District Sales Manager, Nedco. Andrew shares his experiences – his wins as well as his failures and reveals some critical attributes that can help you find professional success. This show starts off with Andrew recalling his life before Student Works. Though a bright kid, Andrew had difficulty channelizing his boundless energies in the right direction. This all changed with Student Works as Andrew discovered focus and purpose for the first time in his life. In this segment of the show, we discuss the importance of finding the right launch-pad for gaining momentum early on in your career. So, what are some important values learned at Student Works that are helping Andrew to date? Among other things, we discuss work ethic, team building, and effective conflict resolution. After graduating from Student Works, Andrew ended up working at Reliance Home Comforts, a fast-growing HVAC company. Which attributes helped Andrew rise quickly through the ranks? How did Andrew manage to lead a large team of more experienced and older people? And why he quit his job to work with a B2B company? In his current capacity, Andrew is managing $100 million worth of B2B business. As Andrew shares his experience, we realize that companies are looking for folks who can bring about a transformation. In order to have this transformative impact, Andrew reminds listeners to always seek out a larger mandate in their professions. We are also reminded why it is important to constantly step out of our comfort zones and learn new skills that enable us to manage larger mandates. Can good mentors help bring out the best in you? Are companies looking to hire entrepreneurial individuals? How do you deal with bad hires who are affecting the performance of the entire team? Sharing many interesting anecdotes, Andrew reveals his approach in dealing with these common situations. Towards the end, Andrew shares some key habits that have contributed greatly to success. We wrap up this show by discussing why a “Leader of Tomorrow” should be able to predict shifts in the marketplace and influence the change management process Tune in for some excellent nuggets!
Links: Connect with Andrew:
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| 18 Oct 2019 | 084 | Why Training your Employees is the Key to Success | 00:08:42 | |
In today's show, Chris takes some time out from his busy recruitment season to discuss the importance of training? Sadly, even in today's day and age, many organizations overlook the importance of a standardized training program. Can you really expect to find entrepreneurial success without investing adequate efforts into training? To answer this question, Chris shares how the training ideology at Student Works has evolved over the years. Tune in for some excellent insights!
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| 07 Aug 2020 | 163 | James Svetec | How to Run a Profitable Airbnb Business in the Wake of COVID | 00:51:08 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews James Svetec. Owner and Founder, BNB Mastery Program. James helps other people earn a full-time income by managing Airbnb properties. Why did James get started with the Airbnb in the first place? In the first segment of the show, James shares how he first started managing Airbnb properties. Later, he partnered with his Student Works batchmate, Sam to get into the online coaching space. If you are thinking of starting an online business, this segment of the show will be particularly interesting to you. Online coaching involves building evergreen assets – which eventually allows you to dramatically scale up your business. Here, you will learn that you cannot have all your online systems and processes tuned to perfection from the get go. And why choosing progress over perfection is important for overcoming procrastination and realizing your entrepreneurial ambitions. James also shares some expert tips and tricks for running profitable and high-converting Facebook ads. One of the biggest mistakes that marketers make is that they get emotionally attached to their ads. Instead of making data-driven decisions, marketers end up relying on their “gut”. So, which are some important metrics you should rely on while building and scaling your Facebook ads? Next, we also make some interesting comparisons between paid traffic and organic traffic. Recently, James has decided to focus more on his YouTube channel. Depending on your offer and market, can organic traffic mean more profits for you and your business? In the latter segment of the show, James shares some inspiring as well as interesting information about how Airbnb was managed in the wake of the virus outbreak – perhaps, the biggest meltdown in the history of tourism. We hope you enjoy this show! Resources
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| 24 Mar 2020 | 126 | Dan Desmarais | How I Built a World-Class Virtual Consulting Practice | 00:53:53 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Dan Desmarais, President, Cantactix Solutions Inc. Dan worked as a Student Works painter and manager in 1989-90. After Student Works, Dan entered the corporate world and eventually formed his own consulting company. Today, Dan’s organization is providing services to some of the biggest retail organizations in the world. This show starts with Dan recalling his life before Student Works. Working hourly jobs, Dan was frustrated that he was not working to his full potential. Another big grouse of his was the fact that he was not getting recognition for his work. This is when Dan discovered Student Works. Here, listeners will learn how managing a painting business can equip young college students with the skillsets necessary to succeed in the real world. After Student Works, Dan had a very successful stint in sales at P&G. Dan shares the FIVE-STEP sales process that he learned at P&G that he uses even today. After P&G, Dan worked for 12 years at JDA Software Group Inc. JDA is in the business of providing space management tools to top-tier retail and manufacturing organizations. In the next segment of the show, Dan gives us an interesting peek into the world of retail. You will learn how the world’s largest retail organizations use sophisticated data analytics to optimize their inventory and save millions of dollars. The economic crisis of 2008 threatened to end Dan’s successful stint in an abrupt fashion. However, some quick thinking helped Dan strike a partnership with JDA instead. This led to the formation of Dan’s current business, Cantactix. The business model of Cantactix Solutions Inc. is particularly interesting. Cantactix provides space management solutions and planogram automation tools to companies in the retail space. How does Dan manage his entirely virtual team of 35+ people? Is managing a virtual business significantly different from running a traditional business? Dan reveals some great insights. The last segment of the show is particularly interesting as Dan talks about his many failures and successes. As far as failures go, he reveals how he quoted lowball prices to build up his client roster in the initial stages of his business. Whereas, Dan’s endeavor to give back to his employees and to continuously update his knowledge will surely inspire you. We wrap up this show by sharing some crucial attributes that truly define a leader of tomorrow. Tune in for some excellent nuggets!
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| 05 Mar 2019 | 019 | Rick Eastwood | Blue Ocean Strategy To 100M+ In Revenue | 00:40:42 | |
In this episode, Chris interviews Rick Eastwood. Rick talks about his experience in developing and growing businesses, the challenges he's faced and the lesson's he's learned throughout the process. How can a person's life change after going through the Student Works Management Program? We approach this from Rick's own experience and also from that of his son, who was part of the program and is now an admirable person and a successful professional. You'll also learn how Rick faced difficult times after going through recessions and changes in the market and how he was able to reinvent his business to rise up again after taking a big hit. What does it take to be an entrepreneur? How long does it take to become successful? Listen to the answers from someone who has walked the walk for more than three decades.
What You Will Discover In This Episode: - Why as an entrepreneur you should rely on timing and never on luck. - How reinventing your business can give you an advantage over established competitors. - Why people are the most important part of a business. - The traits you need to develop as a leader. Tune in to learn more! Learn More: https://studentworks.com | |||
| 01 Oct 2024 | 389 | Rick Eastwood | How to Build a Multi-Million Dollar Business | 00:44:39 | |
What does it take to build a successful business from the ground up and turn it into a multi-million dollar enterprise? In this episode, I sit down with one of the most remarkable entrepreneurs I know, my close friend and longtime colleague, Rick Eastwood. You’ll hear how friendships, like the one we’ve shared since our Student Works days, can shape not only your personal life but also your professional journey in ways you’d never expect. Rick Eastwood, one of Canada's top entrepreneurs and the CEO of The Central Group, shares the ups and downs of growing a business from $5 million to nearly $200 million. From starting as a Student Works manager to leading one of Canada's 50 Best Privately Managed Companies (as recognized by Deloitte), Rick has seen it all. This episode dives deep into the entrepreneurial mindset, business pivots, and how strong networks can make or break your success. Curious about the critical moments that almost led Rick to failure? Want to know how Rick navigated losing 60% of his business or how he attracted the top talent that fuels his success today? Tune in to hear Rick’s invaluable lessons on leadership, resilience, and building lasting relationships in business. Don't miss this chance to gain insights from a top leader who has mastered the art of staying relentless in the face of challenges. Listen now and enjoy! In This Episode You'll Learn:
Resources Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make Competition Irrelevant | |||
| 04 Sep 2020 | 171 | Troy Treleaven | How I Went from Being a Butcher’s Apprentice to Owning One of the Largest Coaching Franchises in the World | 01:01:30 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Troy Treleaven, Owner and Managing Partner, Dale Carnegie. Troy owns and manages one of the largest Dale Carnegie franchises in the world. We start this show with Troy sharing his backstory. Ambition and a big engine for work meant that Dale started working from a young age. At 16, Troy was working as a butcher’s apprentice – and he ended up getting fired from the job inspite of giving his 100%. This experience motivated Troy to get into entrepreneurship and take control of his future. This is when he discovered Student Works. Learning how to sell and the importance of assembling a dream team were two important lessons that Troy learned at Student Works. Good sales skills can help you in every aspect of life. And Troy shares how Student Works taught him the art of selling to complete strangers alongside other important business functions like production and finance. After Student Works, Troy even ventured into retail clothing by investing in a Rugby Originals clothing store in Peterboro. However, this was a short-lived adventure as Troy joined Dale Carnegie as a salesman at the age of 23. By 30, Troy was a coach. And eventually, he bought out the Dale Carnegie franchise to become an owner/managing partner. In the next segment of the show, Troy shares the different opportunities and challenges of managing a legacy organization like Dale Carnegie. How do Troy and his team remain agile and continue to pivot with the changing times? How do they ensure that the institution remains relevant while staying true to the values espoused by its iconic founder? The next thing that we talk about is the importance of keeping your FOCUS. As entrepreneurs, we love to try new things. We love to challenge ourselves. And this means that we are enamored by all the shiny new objects that come our way. But, in doing so, our focus wanes and our CORE business takes a hit. In this segment of the show, Troy shares how he, excited the prospect of creating multiple income streams, tried his hand at different businesses – only to realize the virtue of focusing on one thing and one thing only. We wrap up this show with Troy sharing some of his biggest failures and mistakes and then revealing what he learned from them. If you are a new or aspiring entrepreneur, you will find this segment of the show particularly interesting. Enjoy! Resources | |||
| 19 Nov 2024 | 396 | Bruce Hodges | How To Turn Life’s Lessons Into Leadership Success | 01:01:07 | |
How do life’s toughest lessons shape the leaders of tomorrow? On this episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast, host Chris Thomson interviews Bruce Hodges, an accomplished entrepreneur, global leader, and proud alumnus of the Student Works Management Program. Bruce shares his incredible journey, starting from running a student franchise to becoming a CEO with extensive international experience. Along the way, he faced extraordinary challenges, including personal financial setbacks, and ultimately turned those lessons into fuel for building a mission-driven business, Parachute, aimed at disrupting predatory lending practices. Bruce reflects on the critical skills he developed during his Student Works days, such as sales, team management, and embracing discomfort to grow as a leader. He discusses the power of taking risks, seizing opportunities, and staying grounded in a strong sense of purpose. From insights into financial literacy to the importance of living a values-driven life, Bruce offers a wealth of advice for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs. Whether you're a Student Works participant, alumni, or simply looking to sharpen your leadership edge, this episode is packed with inspiring stories and actionable lessons to elevate your career and life. Enjoy! In This Episode You'll Learn:
Resources: Books: Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones | |||
| 12 Jun 2020 | 147 | Steve Wolf | Secrets to Creating a Highly Effective Sales Playbook | 00:47:30 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Steve Wolf, Enterprise Sales Director, SmartAdvisor Growth Platform at SmartAsset. Growing up in Waterloo, Steve graduated from Wilfrid Laurier. As a student, Steve shares that his biggest frustration was not being given opportunities due to his lack of experience. He goes on to reveal how his Student Works stint helping him unleash his untapped potential. In this segment of the show, Steve also shares his THREE biggest takeaways from his Student Works Experience – namely, process, preparation, and levelheadedness. After Student Works, Steve worked at Everyday Health, a digital media company that owns websites and produces content relating to health and wellness. This part of the show is particularly interesting as listeners will learn how digital platforms operate and generate revenue. Steve’s current company, Smartasset is a personal finance technology company that provides advice to people on major financial decisions. As an enterprise sales director, Steve is responsible for communicating his organization’s value proposition and painting a picture of a long-term work relationship. Hearing Steve in this part of the show will make you realize that sales is an incredibly thoughtful and complex process. This entire show is sprinkled with some excellent value nuggets. Some of the prominent topics discussed include setting correct expectations at your workplace, the conditional nature of the employee-employer relationship, and transitioning from student life to professional life. We wrap up this show by sharing some key attributes that truly define a leader of tomorrow. Tune in for some excellent nuggets!
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| 17 Jan 2020 | 107 | Definition of Integrity | 00:11:15 | |
In today's show, Chris reveals the true meaning of integrity. Integrity, Chris reveals is comprised of three components. The first component is "Doing what you said you will do, and doing it on time". This first component highlights the power of keeping your word. The second component of keeping your integrity is "Knowing what you are to do, doing it as it was meant to be done, and doing it on time". This second component is about being keenly aware of your responsibilities, and adopting a pro-active approach. The third and final component is "Doing what others expected you to do, and still doing it". Lot of expectations, like the ones that our friends and families have from us are unspoken but are valid and real. Tune in for some excellent insights! Resources: | |||
| 10 Sep 2024 | 386 | Julia Murphy | Navigating the Rise: A Young Leader’s Quest for Growth and Connection | 00:40:26 | |
In this episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, Chris is joined by Julia Murphy, a young leader whose journey highlights the challenges and rewards of personal and professional growth. Throughout the conversation, she shares how embracing responsibility, managing teams, and handling multiple tasks helped her navigate both her business and academic life. You'll learn about her development as a leader who thrives in demanding environments and seeks to bring out the best in those around her. Discover how mentorship and coaching have played critical roles in reigniting Julia's passion. She explains how her newfound love for problem-solving and managing people helped her shift her career focus and find fulfillment in guiding others to success. This episode serves as an empowering example of how persistence, adaptability, and a strong support system can drive meaningful growth and success. Don't miss another episode of The Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 05 Jun 2020 | 145 | Steve Gruber | My Sales Playbook | 00:55:01 | |
In today’s show Chris interviews Steve Gruber, Founder, Venture Accelerator Partners. Steve provides sales, media, and social media services to organizations in niche segments. We start this show with Steve recalling his life as a kid. Always entrepreneurial and driven, he credits his supportive family for setting him on the right path. However, like many of us, Steve was frustrated with his lack of clarity. In the next segment of the show, Steve talks about this Student Works stint. Listeners will learn how Student Works can help you hone an entire gamut of skill-sets that lay the foundation for a successful career. Particularly, Steve talks about how he learned to sell while at Student Works. Additionally, we discuss how a process-driven and scientific approach is necessary for consistent success. You will also learn why persistence is the key to success in sales. Can you expect to scale up your business if you are easily dissuaded by rejections? After Student Works, Steve worked as an account manager for Ovum in Boston. Ovum was focused on developing new IT technologies for telecommunications companies like AT&T and Lucent. Here, Steve shares how the leaders had a flawed understanding of the market as they attempted to market technologies with no potential revenue streams. Next, Steve evolved to working in sales at Ovum's European Division. Here, Steve draws some interesting parallels between American and European organizations. When the economy hit a rough patch, all the senior employees led from the front and chose to take 30% pay cuts in a bid to avoid firing junior employees. This segment of the show will particularly resonate with those grappling with the COVID crisis. However, later Steve had a bittersweet experience as he was tasked with managing the company’s operations in Canada. Here, Steve shares how he, ironically got into trouble for being “too successful”. “I never worked so hard for so little in my whole life”. Currently, Steve manages Venture Accelerator Partners, a business that he started at the height of the financial crisis in 2006. From earning grossing just $35,000 revenues in his first year, Steve has certainly come a long way. We hope you enjoy this show! Resources | |||
| 28 Jul 2020 | 160 | Matt and Cassidy | How We Managed to Overcome Some of the Biggest Challenges of Managing a Real Estate Business | 00:59:43 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews business partners and life partners, Matt and Cassidy. Matt and Cassidy are in the real estate business. We start this show with Matt and Cassidy sharing some interesting details about their real estate investing business. What are the advantages of investing in real estate? Is real estate a more lucrative compared to investing in the stock market? In the next segment of the show, Matt and Cassidy share how they have managed to overcome some of their biggest challenges to scale up their business. Listeners will learn the different steps Matt and Cassidy have taken to protect their business from the aftermath of COVID-19. Additionally, they give listeners a “peek” into their sales playbook in this segment of the show. Matt and Cassidy also reveal how they have managed to strike a fine balance between their personal and professional lives. Having your life partner as your business partner is complicated. You need to accept each other’s flaws while leveraging each other strengths. But this is not easy. You need to adjust your work style to that of your partner. Moreover, you can’t let disagreements at work spill over to your personal life. In this segment of the show, Chris also shares his experience of working with his wife, Helen at Student Works. We also share some nuanced tips that will allow you to tap into your thinking mind and manifest what you truly wish to do. Specifically, we discuss how meditation can greatly enhance your personal and professional life. Matt and Cassidy share how meditation allows them to be more present, and more connected to the world around us. We hope you enjoy this show! What You Will Learn In This Show
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| 23 Aug 2019 | 068 | My Profit Philosophy | 00:07:07 | |
In today's short solo, Chris shares the oldest and perhaps the most important commandment at Student Works - "Help operators make money". Often, profit is associated with greed, and there are many business owners who are not motivated by money alone. Chris, however, has a different take on this. Chris points out that profit is the reward for providing an amazing service in an ethical manner. In fact, a healthy profit is a testament of your abilities. Whether you are a current or aspiring business owner, this show will surely be of great interest to you. Tune in now!
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| 12 Feb 2019 | 013 | Ryan Nagy | With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility | 00:24:15 | |
Learn More: https://studentworks.com | |||
| 03 Jan 2020 | 103 | How to Successfully Set Goals with Longer Time Frames | 00:12:23 | |
In today's show, Chris reveals why setting long-term goals is critical for finding success. As we embark on our professional journey to realize our vision, many of us tend to get bogged down by the initial setbacks. Losing hope and patience, we stop putting in our best effort. Citing various examples, Chris shares why it’s important to take these failures in our stride, and persevere, no matter what. For all this and much more, tune in to this show now!
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| 15 Nov 2019 | 092 | How to Build a Powerful Brand | 00:11:14 | |
In today's thought-provoking show, Chris explains how you can build an alluring brand that stands the test of time. Listeners will learn that why customer satisfaction is the only way to build a brand. Citing his own example, Chris shares the different systems via which Student Works is delivering the best possible customer experience. Tune in for some excellent brand building tips!
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| 08 Nov 2019 | 090| How to Effectively Deal with Competition in Business | 00:08:18 | |
In today's short but insightful show, Chris reveals the best way to deal with competition. Excessive focus on a competitor is immensely detrimental to your performance and business. Citing his example, Chris shares how focusing on his own business has allowed him to develop solid systems and training methodologies over the years. Apart from this, will a firm focus on yourself help you discover more lucrative opportunities? Chris shares some real-life examples to better explain his point. Tune in for some excellent insights!
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| 04 Mar 2025 | 405 | Amer Abu Shakra | Resilience and Vision: The Secrets to Building a Successful Business | 00:55:13 | |
How do you transform a record-breaking summer into the foundation for a multimillion-dollar business? In this episode of Leaders of Tomorrow, Chris Thomson sits down with Amer Abu Shakra, a dynamic entrepreneur and alumnus of the Student Works Management Program. From breaking a $500,000 business record in the program to founding Contracting.com, a multimillion-dollar business that empowers contractors, Amer’s journey is a testament to resilience, vision, and the power of mentorship. Amer reflects on the pivotal lessons learned at Student Works, including collaboration, mindset shifts, and building systems for success. He candidly shares the trials of launching Contracting.com, navigating through near-failure to establish a thriving business, and how his experience with Student Works shaped his approach to leadership and innovation. This episode is filled with practical advice and inspiration for anyone looking to excel in business and life. Enjoy! In This Episode You'll Learn:
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| 31 Jul 2020 | 161 | Conrad Smith | How I am managing a $1.25 million business in my second year as a District Manager at Student Works | 00:45:40 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Conrad Smith. As a second-year student with Student Works, Conrad is running a $800,000 business and managing a team of motivated and high-performing individuals. So, what made Conrad join Student Works in the first place? In the first segment of the show, Conrad shares that he suffered from a lack of confidence, and was actively looking for an opportunity that allowed him to address this particular aspect of his personality. And this is when he come across Student Works. In this first year as a Student Works operator, Conrad managed to scale up his business to $200,000. But his second-year was a completely different ball game as he had to mentor and support a team of rookie operators apart from managing the daily nitty-gritty of his business. This challenge was further exacerbated due to the onset of the virus. Inspite of all this, Conrad had a spectacular year. So, what are some of the reasons that he attributes his success to? What are some key habits that make him tick? In this last segment, we particularly discuss the importance of integrity and maintaining accountability. We hope you enjoy this show! Resources | |||
| 17 Sep 2024 | 387 | Cameron Herold | Building Systems That Scale Your Business Effectively | 00:58:17 | |
What separates successful entrepreneurs from those who give up? It’s not just talent or luck—it’s mindset and strategy. In this episode, we explore how building systems, taking risks, and embracing setbacks can set you on a path to long-term success. It’s about more than making money—it’s about designing a life you love. Today, I sit down with Cameron Herold, an entrepreneurial coach, keynote speaker, and thought leader who, like me, started in the world of student painting. Cameron began his journey with College Pro Painters, a company with shared roots into Student Works. From running franchises to scaling massive enterprises like 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, Cameron has experienced it all and is here to share the lessons that helped him build a multimillion-dollar career. Curious about how Cameron turned small businesses into multimillion-dollar enterprises? Want to know how you can do the same, starting with the skills you already have? We dive deep into those questions, along with the hard-earned lessons Cameron picked up along the way—including why failing is often the first step to success. If you’re ready to take control of your career and learn from one of the best in the business, this episode is for you. Listen now and enjoy! Key takeaways:
Resources: Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief podcast Books written by Cameron: Vivid Vision: A Remarkable Tool for Aligning Your Business Around a Shared Vision of the Future The Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO | |||
| 26 Mar 2019 | 025 | How to Launch and Scale your Business to the Next Level | 00:39:31 | |
In this episode, Chris interviews Richard Simtob, President, Simtob Consulting/Invesments. Richard shares interesting details about his long entrepreneurial career and reveals the many attributes that have allowed him to find success in multiple businesses. This show starts off with Richard recalling his life before Student Works. How did his stint at Student Works prepare him for his eventual foray into entrepreneurship? You will learn how Richard picked important lessons in work ethic, project execution, and sales. Next, we Richard talks about his many entrepreneurial ventures – some which he started while in college. Why did Richard drop out of college? And why did he eventually migrate to the United States from Canada? Richard shares the many strategies which allowed to launch and grow his new business venture, The Talking Book World. Eventually, why was Richard forced out of The Talking Book World? Was it difficult for him to start all over again? And, how did he find success again with Wireless Toyz? You will also learn about Richard’s latest business venture, Zoup! Fresh Soup Company. Richard also reveals how you can grow your business using the franchise model. You will learn why the franchise model is apt for folks who are planning a foray into entrepreneurship. Other topics discussed include benefits of mentorship, how to forge a successful business partnership, and some key attributes of successful people. Tune in to our latest show now Learn More: https://studentworks.com | |||
| 22 Nov 2019 | 094 | How to Build and Leverage Your Professional Network | 00:07:56 | |
In today’s short but insightful solo, Chris shares some excellent networking tips that will help professional and young entrepreneurs alike. Courtesy his many years in business, Chris has a powerful network of entrepreneurs and professionals who hold him in high regard. How many successful people do you know who are willing to do business with you? In today’s show, Chris shares some excellent tips for building and leveraging your own professional network. Tune in for some excellent tips!
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| 02 Jun 2020 | 144 | Greg Thomas | Powerful Tips for Organizational Success | 00:49:09 | |
In today’s show Chris interviews Greg Thomas. Our main topic for today’s show is Greg’s new book, “Code Your Way Up”. Greg, a former software developer shares the main premise and inspiration for his new book. As folks with technical skills transition to managerial level positions, they encounter a separate set of challenges that they are often ill-equipped to deal with. And often the soft skills that are required to perform well at these higher positions are even more difficult to learn. So, what is the surest way of learning these new skills? Can you emulate someone who is already doing well, and expect to ease into your new role? Additionally, once you are promoted to a new position, you will have to deal with teammates who are perhaps, unhappy with this development. You will learn how you can have effective one-on-ones with your teammates (and now your juniors) to assuage concerns. In the next segment of the show, we discuss how to establish an organizational culture, tweak it, and make it better. How can you build a dream team of people who will get the job done? And how can you find new employees who have values that align with your best-performing employees? If you are worried about the current situation and its impact on your career, you will be particularly interested in what Greg has to say. You will learn how the current virus outbreak can lead to newer and better opportunities. Other topics discussed in today’s show include recognizing capabilities, why good leaders need to be good followers, the importance of continuous learning, and much, much more... We hope you enjoy this show! | |||
| 08 Oct 2019 | 081 | The Main Drivers of Entrepreneurial Success with Adel Jawhary, James Svetec, and Matthew Andrews | 01:00:09 | |
We have a special show for you today. For the first time, Chris is joined by three ex-Student Works operators – Adel Jawhary, James Svetec, and Matthew Andrews. Adel, James, and Matthew share their entrepreneurial journey so far and reveal some main attributes that have driven their success. This show starts with Adel, James, and Matthew sharing some interesting details about the companies that they have founded. Adel’s Rydel Roofing has seen sales touch $10 million in its sixth year of business. James runs an online coaching organization, BNB Mastery program with annual sales of over a million dollars. Whereas, Matthew has ventured into real estate with Gryphon Homes and Stay Valet. In this first segment of the show, our guests reveal some crucial attributes which have allowed them to scale up their businesses at such a scorching pace. Adel shares how he has built a dream team and systemized processes over the years. James, on the other hand, credits his willingness to learn for his amazing success. While Matt discusses the importance of collaboration and innovation for continued success. Next, we discuss goal-setting and how Student Works can help you achieve your big, hairy, audacious goal. In a recurring theme, our guests point out how they upped their targets once they got exposed to Student Works and its elite pool of people. Should you set purely monetary goals? Or should you dream of achieving something more far-reaching? Our next topic is productivity. Whether you are an entrepreneur or working in the corporate world, achieving optimum productivity is a task that most of struggle with. What are some effective ways of boosting your and your team’s productivity? How can you combat the resistance that threatens to hold you down? Are machine-like productivity and single-minded focus feasible and long-lasting solutions? In this segment of the show, we get a “peek” into the mind-set of high performing individuals. Contrary to popular perception, high-performing individuals are far from perfect. Rather, like Adel, James, and Matthew, they are willing to learn from their past mistakes and are striving for constant improvement. Finally, towards the end of this show, our guests share some of the biggest challenges they had to overcome once they stepped into professional life. If you are a new or aspiring entrepreneur, this segment of the show will serve as an important reality check for you. Do not miss this special show. Tune in now!
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| 15 May 2020 | 139 | Steve Woodall | Critical Attributes for Professional Success | 00:57:13 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Steve Woodall, Director of Client Strategy, Student Life Network. Even before Student Works, Steve was a hardworking and driven individual working multiple jobs and taking part in a host of extracurricular activities. When Steve came across Student Works, he welcomed this opportunity of working in a business with well-oiled systems and processes. In this segment of the show, listeners will learn how a summer at Student Works can help you develop business skills across the entire gamut – from sales to production. After Student Works, Steve moved to Toronto to work at Breakaway Tours, a progressive and fun organization. Here, Steve shares how his Student Works stint helped him hit the ground running. In 2005, Steve decided to move to move to Vancouver and set up a “tour guys” business – giving guided tours to thousands of visitors, and particularly students every year. Steve has been working at Student Life Network, a two-sided marketplace connecting organizations with students since 2012. Here, Steve gives us a peek into his role and shares how he helps establish a connection between the Amazons & Warner Brothers of the world with students. We hope you enjoy this show! Resources
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| 06 Mar 2020 | 121 | Kyle Pavlich | How I Broke the All-Time Window Cleaning Sales Record at Student Works | 00:35:19 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Kyle Pavlich, a Student Works District Manager. This show starts with Kyle recalling his life before Student Works. As a teenager, Kyle admits that he had difficulty keeping his commitments. Further, Kyle shares how his argumentative nature further fuelled his frustrations. The second segment of the show is about Kyle sharing his Student Works experience. Listeners will learn some of the biggest takeaways that Kyle learned from his Student Works stint – namely importance of accountability, good habits, and building stress tolerance. Listeners will learn how Kyle managed to break the all-time Student Works windows cleaning record in his second year. Here, we talk a bit about the importance of building a dream team whom you can trust to get the job done. Towards the end, Kyle shares how he was inspired to raise $2,300 for MS. Certainly, Kyle’s heart is in the right place as he reveals his deep desire to give back to society. This show wraps up with Kyle sharing some crucial attributes that truly define a leader of tomorrow. Topics discussed include developing a single-minded focus, surrounding yourself with the right people, and much, much more. Tune in for some excellent nuggets! Resources: | |||
| 26 Jul 2019 | 060 | Stress – Why it Happens and How to Reign it In | 00:07:08 | |
All of us feel stress at one point or another. While some of us have work-related stress, others are struggling with relationship-based stress. So, how do you fight and manage stress? In this show, Chris shares some common sense measure which will help you do just that. Tune in to learn various ways via which you can build your tenacity and win your battle against stress. This is a show you do not want to miss.
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| 21 Jan 2020 | 108 | Rob Dempsey | Overview of the Insurance Industry, and Understanding Risk Assessment | 00:50:59 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Rob Dempsey, Senior Vice President, Stevenson & Hunt, a part of Arthur J. Gallagher Canada Limited. This show starts with Rob recalling his life before Student Works. While he was always a great student, Rob is honest enough to admit that he was never an out-of-the-box thinker. Did the Student Works program help hone his ingenuity? Rob goes on to shares some of the biggest lessons that he learned at the program. The next segment of the show is really interesting as Rob explains to listeners how the insurance industry works. Specifically, you will learn about different insurance products and how insurance companies assess risk. Rob also reveals some great tips that will help you reduce your premiums. Right after Student Works, Rob worked in the municipal healthcare insurance space. Because risk assessment in this space is easier, bids are invited via a RFQ or Request for Proposal. This Rob reveals greatly limits an insurer’s growth and earning potential. At his current job, Rob is insuring large construction projects. Risk assessment is far more complex, as every project and contract is unique in its own way. So, what steps does Rob take to vet a project and do an accurate risk assessment? And what are some red flags that every insurer should watch out for when they vet a project? We also discuss how risk assessment and computing insurance costs is becoming more and more complex with technological advancements. We cite the example of Tesla who are planning on coming out with their own insurance for their autonomous cars. The last segment of the show will be really interesting for new and aspiring entrepreneurs. Topics discussed include building your communication and negotiation skills, investing time to understand your product, and realizing your strengths and weaknesses. For all this and so much more, tune in to our show now.
Links: Apply to the Student Works program
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| 11 Sep 2020 | 173 | Chris Reynolds | A “Peek” into the Incredible Work Culture at KPMG and McKinsey | 00:54:47 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Chris Reynolds, Founder and Managing Partner at Venn Capital Partners. Chris kickstarts today’s show by sharing a bit of a backstory. As a young professional, Chris was (and still is) a hustler with a big engine for work. Like most people at that young age, Chris wasn’t sure about what he wanted to do career-wise. So, to get clarity, he took up various summer jobs which helped him hone foundational skillsets that allowed him to grow as an individual. During this stage of his career, apart from working a summer at Student Works, Chris started his own venture and also worked as an investment banking intern in London. In this segment of the show, listeners will learn the importance of picking the right summer job. Additionally, we discuss the importance of taking risks and putting yourself out there. He also shares how this phase gave him the confidence of tackling big challenges ahead in his life. Chris started working as an intern at KPMG in 2009 and then slowly worked his way up to being a senior accountant/consultant by 2013. In this segment of the show, you will get a “peek” into the incredible work culture at KPMG. You will learn why it is important to go through the grind if you wish to get ahead in life. We also discuss why you should always strive for continuous improvement. Having realized that he possessed weak quantitative skills, Chris reveals how he got his chartered accountancy certification while at KPMG. After KPMG, Chris moved on to another iconic organization – McKinsey in 2013. Here, Chris shares how his entrepreneurial spirit helped him get hired. As an associate partner here, Chris got a chance to hone his broad skillsets as a problem solver. Additionally, he also talks about the different pressures and challenges in the consultancy space. We wrap up this show with Chis sharing his big WHY for donning the entrepreneurial hat with his latest venture, Venn Capital Partners. Why did Chris decide to start a hedge fund right in the middle of the pandemic? Tune in to find out! We hope you enjoy this show! Resources | |||
| 30 Aug 2019 | 070 | Humility – A Hallmark of Truly Great Leaders | 00:08:51 | |
In today's short but insightful solo, Chris talks about a topic that is not often associated with leadership and business - humility. Humility, Chris points out is a hallmark of truly great, "Level 5" leaders. So, how can leaders ensure that their feet stay firmly rooted to the ground? Chris recommends a two-pronged approach. First, Chris shares that when something good happens, leaders should "look out the window", and think about all the people and things behind it. Often leaders tend to forget that success is a team sport, and this approach will serve as an excellent reminder. However, what should leaders do when things start looking south? Here Chris shares his mirror analogy. When something bad happens, a leader needs to step up and hold himself accountable. This show holds great value for aspiring and established leaders alike. Tune in now!
Resources: Good to Great and Built to Last
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| 26 Nov 2019 | 095 | Roland Thoms | 3 Chapters Of Slapping Paint On Walls - A Discussion On Pivotal Life Decisions And Confidence Builders | 00:52:52 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Roland Thoms, Owner, Varsity Painting and Student Works Painting. Roland shares some interesting anecdotes from his eventful career, and reveals some crucial attributes that have contributed to his success. This show starts with Roland recalling his life before Student Works. Always possessing an entrepreneurial streak, Roland took up odd jobs even as a teenager. However, like many of us, he totally lacked the focus and planning require to operate a formal business. In the next segment of the show, Roland talks about his Student Works stint. What was Chris’s first impression of Roland when he first interviewed him? Did Chris foresee that Roland would do so well as a Student Work operator? Roland goes on to reveal some interesting details and important takeaways from his first job. In this segment of the show, listeners will learn the importance of thorough preparation and taking failure in your stride. Next, Roland shares how he developed the Student Works business in Northern California. Here, Roland engages listeners with some inspiring success stories about his Student Work operators. Can a Student Works stint help you hone transferable skillsets that provides greater traction to your career? In the next segment of the show, Roland reveals how you can build and nurture a dream team. Particularly, he shares some heartwarming anecdotes about how he goes the extra mile to care for his workforce. Towards the end, Roland reveals some crucial attributes that have contributed to his success. Topics discussed include an importance of a stable marriage life, building confidence and learning from stressful situations. Tune in for some excellent nuggets!
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| 26 Apr 2019 | 034 | Breaking out of Your Comfort Zone | 00:06:33 | |
In today's solo, we discuss why stepping out of your comfort zone is crucial for becoming the best version of yourself. Stepping into the unknown is not easy, and requires our undivided focus. The unknown requires us to overcome new challenges - which are often stressful experiences marked with bouts of uncertainty. However, the exhilaration of winning far surpasses these growth pains. This podcast will be particularly interesting to those who are shying away from embracing some progressive changes in their lives. Resources: | |||
| 25 Mar 2020 | Who Is Missing? | 00:14:27 | |
This is the most important podcast I have ever created. It's not because of the guest or who I am interviewing. It's the most important because we find ourselves in the middle of a war. And we are all in this together. This podcast is about developing leaders to face and be part of creating an amazing future. I've been doing that with the student works management program for the last 35 years. I put my life to it, as you know, and so literally our future is at risk. And I am calling on all my leaders. We must our jobs as citizens of our country and the world. Our nation needs us more than ever. Who is missing in this battle against cov-id19? Resources: | |||
| 22 Mar 2019 | 024 | Why Traveling Is So Important | 00:07:58 | |
In today's show, Chris shares how traveling not only leaves you feeling rejuvenated and enthused, but also broadens your experience. Chris reveals some interesting details about his recent family vacation to Peru. A challenging hike to Machu Picchu was indeed a powerful experience for Chris and his family - one that allowed them to soak up a different culture and religion. But, does this mean that you should take months off to visit a foreign country? How can you structure your life so that you can travel without compromising on your professional commitments? Tune in to this short but powerful talk!
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| 15 Oct 2024 | 391 | Victor Turcanu | How to Build Strong Relationships in Law and Business | 00:46:46 | |
Ever wonder how skills from one discipline can shape your success in a completely different field? In this episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, Chris Thomson talks to Victor Turcanu, who made the leap from being a national-level athlete to a thriving career in law. Victor shares how his experience in the Student Works program laid the groundwork for his legal career, teaching him invaluable lessons about discipline, leadership, and entrepreneurship. discusses how the business acumen he developed during his time as a franchise operator continues to serve him as a corporate and franchise lawyer. Victor explores the challenges of balancing risk management with fostering client growth and why relationships are key in both business and legal success. Whether you're interested in law, business, or personal development, this episode offers insights into the importance of blending multiple skill sets to achieve success in any field. Victor explains how the entrepreneurial mindset has been vital to his career growth and why mentorship and continuous learning are critical for anyone looking to excel in the legal profession. Listen now and enjoy! In This Episode You'll Learn:
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| 19 Feb 2019 | 015 | Tina Pan | Inside the Life of a McKinsey Consultant | 00:29:22 | |
In this episode, Chris interviews Tina Pan, Engagement Manager, McKinsey & Company. Tina provides us with a “peek” into the company culture within McKinsey, and reveals the many reasons that make McKinsey such a unique and special workplace. This show kicks off with Tina sharing her StudentWorks experience. Which key values did Tine imbibe that has helped her immensely in her professional career? Next, Tina reveals many interesting details about her consulting career. Is Tina able to achieve a good work-life balance at McKinsey? How does McKinsey deal with employee mistakes? You will also learn how a feedback driven culture helps drive efficiencies. How does McKinsey deal with cultural diversity and gender inequality? Is a consulting career a good move for folks eventually planning on transitioning to entrepreneurship? This show wraps up with Tina sharing the important attributes that truly define a “Leader of Tomorrow”. Tune in for some excellent insights! Learn More: https://studentworks.com | |||
| 19 Mar 2019 | 023 | Jeremy White | How to Overcome the Challenges of Scaling up your Small Business | 00:41:09 | |
In this episode, Chris interviews Jeremy White, Founder, Big Spruce Brewing. Jeremy reveals how he managed to launch and scale up his brewery business in an incredibly tough and crowded marketplace. This show starts off with Jeremy recalling his life before Student Works. What are some of the biggest lessons that Jeremy learned at Student Works? And, why did Jeremy choose a corporate career after finishing his stint at Student Works? You will learn about his impressive 13 year stint in Costa Rica. Jeremy’s next big shift came when he decided to move to Nova Scotia, Canada. Being a home brewer, Jeremy decided to launch his own craft brewery. How did this entrepreneurial adventure pan out? And, why did Jeremy pivot towards a production brewery? You will learn some important lessons in business strategy that have helped Jeremy survive and thrive in a competitive market. You will learn why FOCUSING on product quality, and not your bottom line is the key to entrepreneurial success. Towards the end, Jeremy has some great advice for folks who are planning on taking the entrepreneurial route. Tune in for some excellent insights. Learn More: https://studentworks.com | |||
| 15 Oct 2019 | 083 | Jon England | The Key Drivers of Entrepreneurial and Professional Success | 00:47:47 | |
In today’s show Chris interviews, Jon England, VP of Parity, Inc. Jon reveals some interesting details about his career and highlights some crucial values and habits which have been the key drivers of his success. This show starts with Jon recalling his life before Student Works. Like many of us, John lacked clarity in his formative years. Only when he turned 18, did he start contemplating the long term-fallout of his actions? So, what steps did Jon take once he realized his folly? In the next segment of the show, listeners will learn how joining Student Works helped John achieve exactly that. Jon shares how he honed crucial skills like customer service, communication, and sales that are holding him in good stead to date. Apart from these tangible benefits, Jon reveals that he learned about goal setting and accountability during his Student Works stint. After Student Works, Jon first worked at Keylingo Translations, an organization started by another Student Works alumni. Next, he transitioned to the industry major, Salesforce. How did Jon manage to land a job at one of the most prestigious organizations in the world? Did his Student Works experience help him here? In this segment of the show, listeners will get a “peek” into the work culture at Salesforce, and learn about the practices that make it one of the best organizations in the world. After, 3 years at Salesforce, Jon got an exciting opportunity in the form of Parity, Inc. As VP Sales of Parity, Inc., Jon helps buildings and condos reduce their carbon footprint. Here, Jon shares why he felt the need to earn more than material success. Further, listeners will also learn how to overcome some common challenges that often plague small organizations. From hiring the best people to implementing systems and processes, this segment of the show is loaded with some excellent value. Towards the end, Jon has some excellent advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs. Here we talk about the importance of time management, networking, continuous learning, and self-awareness. Tune in for some excellent nuggets!
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| 19 Jun 2020 | 149 | Jordan Fietje | How to Strategize, Pivot and Maintain the Forward Momentum | 01:01:20 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews marketing entrepreneur and Private Equity Investor, Jordan Fietje. Even as a teenager, Jordan was a hard-worker and a perfectionist. However, he was frustrated with his shyness and his lack of confidence. Jordan shares how joining Student Works helped him overcome his shyness. Apart from cold-calling prospects, Jordan learned a whole range of business skills – from hiring new employees to project management to marketing. Right after Student Works, Jordan was fortuitous enough to be hired by the Canada Bread Company. The fact that this was a small and relatively unsophisticated organization worked in Jordan’s favor as he got the opportunity to pick up a range of different skill-sets early on in his career. Especially, as Manager, Insights and Innovations, Jordan got an opportunity to conduct market research, and then launch new and path-breaking products. In his tenure, Jordan got the chance to launch niche products like flatbreads targeting the middle-eastern crowd, and low carb-bread for the health-conscious. In this segment of the show, listeners will learn why working at a smaller organization is the best way to jumpstart your career. After Canada Bread Company, Jordan got a chance to work at the iconic Kraft Foods. This was a starkly different experience as Jordan had far greater resources at his disposal. In this segment of the show, Jordan talks at length of the different marketing campaigns that he ran at Kraft. Specifically, you will learn why it is important to push the envelope when it comes to marketing. Jordan shares how his strategy to hire a small agency brought in some fresh perspectives and paid off big time in the long run. After this amazing experience, Jordan decided to pivot and work in the printing sector as President, Thistle Printing Limited. After working as a field expert for all these years, this was a different experience for Jordan as he had to work in a hands-off manner and be an “expert on people”. If you have promoted to a managerial position, and are finding it difficult to handle your new responsibilities, this segment of the show will be particularly interesting to you. Other topics discussed in today’s show include the importance of continuous learning, pros and cons of entrepreneurship, a peek into the world of angel investing, cultivating unshakeable values, and much, much more... We hope you enjoy this show! Resources | |||
| 01 Oct 2019 | 079 | Fahd Alhattab | Six Critical Elements for Building Unicorn Teams and Businesses | 01:01:21 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Fahd Allhattab, entrepreneur and keynote speaker. Fahd shares some crucial elements which can help leaders achieve the audacious goal of building a billion-dollar business. This show starts with our guest, Fahd’s sharing his background information. Originally from Kuwait, Fahd moved to Canada when he was in grade 8. Even at a young age, Fahd reveals he was deeply motivated to contribute towards the greater good of the society. When he just 17, Fahd recalls how he, along with a friend set up a daycare camp for less privileged kids. Fahd is currently organizing corporate retreats for prominent Canadian organizations. To build a unicorn business a.k.a. “a billion-dollar business”, Fahd reveals it is necessary to build unicorn teams as well. So, how does Fahd, through these weekend retreats, help organizations achieve this lofty goal? In the next segment of the show, Fahd shares the SIX ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS for building unicorn teams and businesses. The first element that we talk about is “Psychological safety”. Have you, as a leader failed to facilitate the fluid exchange of ideas within your organization? If yes, this segment of the show shall be immensely useful to you. Fahd reveals how building “vulnerable based trust” with your employees can help cultivate a safe and encouraging haven that ultimately fuels creativity. Further, we also share the importance of dialogue-based conflicts. Exchange of ideas is bound to lead to conflict. Instead of avoiding conflicts, Fahd reveals how you can harness the power of conflict. Next, leaders (including aspiring ones) will learn how they can help their employees improve through coaching. What sets leaders apart from managers, Fahd shares is this ability to coach and help employees in this pursuit of constant improvement. Finally, we talk about the importance of cultivating an all-encompassing vision. Leaders will learn how to set a clear, authentic and relatable vision that instantly resonates with the entire organization. Towards the end, Fahd shares some values and habits that truly define a leader of tomorrow. How do you develop passion for your work, and in the process, take ownership of your life? Does an “All or Nothing” attitude suffice when you are trying to form a good habit? And, can you learn to say “yes” only to the most critical tasks that help you attain maximum traction? Listeners will also learn how a structured life routine can help them perform at your highest level. Fahd wraps up this show by sharing why fluidity is the single most critical attribute for a leader of tomorrow. Tune in for some excellent nuggets!
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| 27 Sep 2019 | 078 | The Value of a Powerful Network | 00:07:55 | |
In today’s solo, Chris discusses the importance of having a powerful network of people. Chris was inspired to do this show after a Student Works network in Cancun, Mexico. Seeing some of the most successful Student Works leaders hobnobbing together reminded Chris how a powerful network of people can is the surest way to gain traction in your career. So, do you have a network of trusted people with whom shares your goals, values and aspiration? Tune in for some excellent nuggets!
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| 12 May 2020 | 138 | Mark Jetsy | How to Adapt and Find Success in A Skill-Based Work Environment | 00:40:53 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews leader and educator, Mark Jetsy. Mark is the Director of Excellence Squared Limited. After hearing his TedTalk, Chris got in touch with Mark to hear his thoughts on the rapidly-evolving education system of today. You current skillsets are an asset as well as a liability in today’s times. As a new technology disrupts current systems and processes, Mark points out that it is important to disengage and quickly learn a new skill. How well you adapt yourself to this fast-changing scenario often makes the difference between success and failure. What follows is an interesting discussion on how an increasingly skill-based work environment is impacting our mind-sets. How can you constantly improve your skills in this just-in-time education system? Have students started questioning the value of a college degree that is resulting in diminished financial rewards? So, how can you accelerate your learning and ensure that you stay on the top of your game? Mark strongly recommends having an accountability partner who can push you to perform at your highest level. Particularly, Mark points out that as you rise higher through your corporate ranks, this becomes even more critical as you have fewer less people pushing back on you. Mark also shares that a pyramid model of ascension is now passé. If the organizations of today wish to attract the best and the brightest, they need to adopt a purpose-driven model. What did Mark have to change about himself as he went from being a student to being a value creator? Topics discussed in this segment of the show include figuring out the right time to leverage, the importance of rigid discipline and time management. We wrap up this show by sharing some crucial attributes that truly define a leader of tomorrow. We hope you enjoy this show!
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| 21 Feb 2020 | 117 | Austin Trudeau | How I Beat My Yearly Goal of $300,000 as a Student Painter | 00:49:48 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Austin Trudeau, Marketing Graduate Student & Business Coach at Student Works Management Program. Austin, our very first guest podcast guest is back to share his Student Works experiences. When Austin was here the first time, he shared his goal of running a $300,000 painting business. In today’s show, Austin shares how he easily surpassed his goal by clocking a revenue of $343,000. So, how did exactly did Austin achieve this audacious goal? In the first segment of the show, Austin shares how he evolved into a better leader and manager in this second year of running a painting business. Contrary to popular perception, listeners will learn that once you master some crucial management skills, running a large-scale business is NOT more difficult than running a small business. In this second year, apart from running a large scale business, Austin is also coaching young entrepreneurs. What prompted Austin to take this decision? Has this new role helped Austin evolve into a better leader? He shares his immense satisfaction on grooming first-year students and reveals how he eventually intends to transition to full-time coaching & consulting. In this segment, listeners will learn how creating an accountability network can help you hit your goals. We also talk a bit about time management and prioritization. This is an area that many folks, including high-performing ones, struggle with. If you are prone to procrastinating mundane but necessary tasks, you will find this segment of the show particularly useful. Towards the end, we share some crucial attributes that can help you evolved into a “Leader of Tomorrow”. For all this and much, much more, tune in to our latest show now!
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| 22 Jan 2019 | 007 | Khierstyn Ross | Secrets Of An Ironman Finisher | 00:41:50 | |
So great to have Khierstyn Ross in the show today. Khierstyn is the Managing Director of her own business, the Crowdfunding Uncut, based in Toronto, Canada. She helps business owners who are looking to gain international exposure for their physical product and build long-term and sustainable business. She used to be a Senior General Manager at Student Works Painting. Her task was mainly as a consultant who streamlines company operations for strategic growth targets. One of her excellent achievements during her stint there was the implementation of the required changes for Student Works to do $6M in revenue for 2013. Today she shared how joining Student Works made her get out of commoditized space and how she was able to create something new. Not only that, but she also talked about her way of networking, what she does and where she goes to find a different set of eyes. That’s not all; you will also her talk about what she does to keep her on track of her habits, what are the tools she used to do that. Khierstyn did not hold any details that will not help you in your journey as an emerging leader. Sit back and enjoy! Learn More: https://studentworks.com | |||
| 18 Feb 2020 | 116 | Jason Haelzle | Essential Characteristics of Wildly Successful People | 00:37:26 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Jason Haelzle, Principal, Vice President, GHD. This show starts with Jason recalling his life as a teenager. A high performing engineering student, Jason was also a national-level hockey player and a star Student Works operator. So, how did Jason manage these different and demanding roles? In this segment of the show, we discuss the importance of cultivating a solid work ethic. Next, Jason shares some interesting details about this professional life. Right after Student Works, Jason started working for an engineering firm, CRA. This 400-person firm grew ten-fold in just under a decade. Eventually, CRA merged with GHD to create a 10,000-person strong engineering giant with a global footprint. In this segment, Jason recalls his early days at CRA, and shares how he managed to rise through the corporate ranks to eventually become Principal and VP. What are some key attributes that contributed to Jason’s spectacular success? Jason also talks a bit about the many advantages of working for a large-scale business. Topics discussed include the ability to exploit global opportunities and take up larger, more sophisticated projects. Towards the end, we have some excellent advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs. Jason also shares some of his biggest failures and what he learned from them. We wrap up this show by sharing some critical attributes that truly define a leader of tomorrow. Tune in for some excellent nuggets!
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| 05 Feb 2019 | 011 | Matt Andrews | How to Overcome the Challenges of a New Business Venture New Business Venture | 00:41:06 | |
In this episode, Chris interviews Matt Andrews, Acquisition and Assets Manager, Gryphon Homes. Matt shares his successes and more importantly, his failures and reveals how you can overcome the challenges of a new business. Chris kickstarts this show by quizzing Matt about his experience at Student Works. Why did Matt keep coming back to Student Works for three straight years? Matt shares how his experience at Student Works laid a solid foundation for his eventual entrepreneurial success. You will learn how Matt managed to transition to real estate investing after his stint at Student Works. What are some of the biggest challenges in real estate investing? How can inexperienced folks with no track record find buy-in from investors? You will also hear Matt share his rather difficult experience of working with an unethical contractor. Matt also shares some great nuggets for enterprising folks who are contemplating the entrepreneurial route. Are there any significant tradeoffs to be being an entrepreneur? We share the importance of maintaining a good work-life balance. Towards the end, Matt shares his ambitious plans for the future. Listening to this adventurous young man will surely inspire you to realize your dreams. Tune in now! Learn More: https://studentworks.com | |||
| 28 Jan 2025 | 400 | Will Malouf | How to Master Organization for Professional Success | 00:43:56 | |
How do you go from a disorganized student to a thriving director in mergers and acquisitions? In this episode of Leaders of Tomorrow, Chris Thomson speaks with Will Malouf, an inspiring alumnus of the Student Works Management program. Will shares his journey from running a Student Works franchise to becoming a Director at Valsoft, one of the most prominent players in the software acquisition space. His story demonstrates how the skills learned in the program—organization, communication, and leadership—translate into incredible professional success. Will reflects on the lessons he learned at Student Works, including the importance of building rapport, planning ahead, and managing emotions in high-stakes situations. He shares how these skills gave him a competitive edge in his career and helped him scale new heights in the mergers and acquisitions industry. This episode is packed with insights on how foundational habits, mentorship, and hard work can shape your future. Enjoy! In This Episode You Will Learn:
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| 25 Jan 2019 | 008 | No Excuse Management | 00:07:57 | |
In today's show, we discuss the need to take 100% ownership for whatever happens in your life. Are you one of those who is constantly looking for excuses for not meeting your targets? Are you constantly blaming externalities like the broader economy and the expensive labor market? Chris Thomson discusses and explains the "No Excuse Management" philosophy. You will learn how taking two fold accountability - first for your activity and then for your results can prod you into action, and help you achieve your goals. This show is filled with wisdom that will force you to take stock of your actions. Tune in now! Learn More: https://studentworks.com | |||
| 05 Nov 2024 | 394 | Mark Cox | How to Master Sales for Career Advancement | 01:09:00 | |
How can mastering sales transform your career and elevate your business? In this episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, Chris Thomson sits down with Mark Cox, one of our alumni, founder of In The Funnel (ITF) Sales Coaching , and a seasoned sales expert with over 25 years of experience. Mark shares his incredible journey from being a top operator in the Student Works Management Program to leading a consulting firm that has helped over 70 companies achieve double-digit growth. He unpacks the lessons he learned along the way, providing valuable insights into how understanding sales at a deep level can create massive opportunities in both entrepreneurship and the corporate world. Mark dives into the fundamental principles that drive sales success, such as the importance of mindset, skillset, and toolset. He discusses how preparation and planning can help salespeople perform authentically in the moment, creating meaningful conversations that lead to results. With a focus on real-life examples, Mark talks about the necessity of stepping out of your comfort zone to grow, the power of perseverance, and how surrounding yourself with the right people can fuel long-term success. Listeners will gain practical advice on how to build a strong foundation in sales, why sales is a critical skill for anyone in business, and how lessons from Student Works apply to achieving success at the highest levels. Whether you’re just starting out in sales or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers valuable takeaways for building a high-performance mindset and reaching your goals. Enjoy! In This Episode You'll Learn:
Resources: 017 | Mark Cox | How to Become a Sales Champion | |||
| 13 Jan 2019 | 003 | Adel Jawhary | How This 25 yr old is running a 6.5+ million business | 00:46:15 | |
In this episode, Chris interviews Adel Jawhary, Owner and Executive Director, Rydel Roofing. Adel shares the various systems and processes which enabled him, along with his business-partner Ryan managed to hit $6 million in sales in just 5 years. Tune in now!
Learn More: https://studentworks.com | |||
| 04 Jun 2019 | 045 | Marcus VandenBrink | How Student Works Has Helped me Find Success as a Serial Entrepreneur | 00:59:10 | |
In today's show, Chris interviews Marcus Vandenbrink, CEO, Business View Publishing and a serial entrepreneur. This show starts off with Marcus sharing his background information. Marcus, always a hard worker showed signs of entrepreneurship as a kid too. However, once in high school, Marcus faced confusion and loss of focus that is common to many of us. How did enrolling into the Student Works program help Chris find clarity again? Apart from building his sales skills, Marcus reveals that his Student Works stint also helped him hone his recruiting and time management skills. In this segment of the show, you will learn the importance of continuous learning to become the best version of yourself. Next, Marcus shares some interesting details about this first entrepreneurial venture, Swifttrade - the first direct access trading platform in Canada. How did Swifttrade become one of the fastest growing companies in Canada? And, why did Marcus sell a highly profitable and growing business? Listening to Marcus will make you realize the importance of exiting a business at an opportune time. How and why did Marcus transition to the energy business after selling Swifttrade? Marcus shares how his Student Works network helped him find a new business opportunity in the form of Energy One Canda. You will learn how solid foundational skills can help you find success even in a competitive business field. After selling his business Direct Energy, Marcus dabbled in real estate development for a while before making a shift to the corporate world. As an Executive VP of an international publishing company, Marcus shares how he managed to turn around the company’s dismal North American operations. In this segment of the show, we realize that transferable skillsets can give you great flexibility and render you a good fit in any industry. But, why did Marcus quit this job in spite of finding tremendous success? As the entrepreneurial bug bit Marcus again, he decided to form his own publishing company. Marcus reveals how building and retaining a dream team has helped him gain traction in his latest venture. Towards the end, we learn some of the biggest learnings that Marcus has imbibed from his failures. Tune in for some excellent insights!
Connect with Marcus:
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| 24 Apr 2020 | 133 | Pat Dubreuil | Being Innovative During A Time Of Crisis | 01:00:51 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Pat Dubreuil, Vice President Community & First Nation Engagement at Manitou Gold Inc We start this show with Pat recalling his pre-Student Works day. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, Pat always had a big engine for work and a propensity for adventure. He shares that a proven and simple business model attracted him to join Student Works in the first place. Pat is a serial entrepreneur with interests in mining, hospitality, and medical equipment. One of Pat’s first entrepreneurial ventures was back in the year 2000 when he partnered up with his dad to invest in Magpie Relay Motel & Resort. Pat shares that he had a clear exit strategy in mind BEFORE investing in this business. As per his plan, Pat sold off his business in 2005 at an attractive valuation. The subsequent owner ran this business to the ground, and Pat bought this business back in 2014 at 10 cents on the dollar! Next, Pat shares how he set up his enormous mining business. Pat is the Vice President of Manitou Gold Inc., a gold exploration company that holds 22,500 hectares of land near the town of Dubreuilville, Pat’s hometown. This segment of the show is particularly interesting as Pat shares how he built up his mining business from scratch in a very strategic manner. Pat reveals how he learned the ropes of the mining business, the important systems and processes by working in some of the best and largest organizations before venturing out on his own. In a bid to do his bit for fighting COVID-19, Pat has come up with an ingenious solution – mobile decontamination rooms for PPE equipment. As the entire world faces an acute shortage of PPE and other medical equipment, listeners will learn how the use of these mobile units can help immensely. This show is peppered with some great nuggets for young and aspiring entrepreneurs. Topics discussed include transitioning from one business to another, navigating the complexities of a business partnership, and the importance of systems and processes.
Resources | |||
| 12 Jul 2019 | 056 | Cameron Burns | Productivity Hacks to Get More Done | 00:33:58 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Cameron Burns, Veteran Operator, Student Works. Cameron reveals some effective productivity hacks that will help you meet your end goals. This show starts off with Cameron sharing how he managed to become the top operator at Student Works. Is there a “secret sauce” that has contributed to his success? Far from it. Cameron reveals how he has become a top operator by implementing and following rigid systems. In this segment of the show, you will get some important lessons in consistency and accountability. Cameron also reveals some important lessons in conflict management. How do you deal with an irate customer who is not happy with your work? We share the importance of taking full responsibility for your work. As Cameron shares some excellent nuggets, we discover how he has progressed as an operator in 18 months. Did Cameron envision himself managing a large business in just 18 short months? Here we learn how delegating is critical for scaling up your business. Along with being a top operator, Cameron has miraculously managed to maintain a 4.0 GPA. How did he manage to achieve this impressive feat? We wrap up this excellent show by sharing some crucial attributes that define a “Leader of Tomorrow”. Tune in for some excellent nuggets!
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| 08 Mar 2019 | 020| Willingness – Your Key to Long-Term Success | 00:09:03 | |
In this show, Chris Thomson shares why "Willingness" is a crucial attribute for success. Chris points out that willingness is often the differentiating factor between winning and losing. Can you look back and recount the many times you did NOT put in an honest, one hundred percent effort? Lack of willingness to follow up on your coaches' advice is more often than not, the reason for a lackluster result. You will learn how a combination of willingness, structure and continuous learning can help you meet your end goals. Tune in for some great insights! Learn More: https://studentworks.com | |||
| 11 Feb 2020 | 114 | Dan Woolford | Key Traits of Successful People | 00:36:40 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Dan Woolford, Director of Business Development, Virox Technologies Inc. Dan shares his professional journey that commenced right after the Student Works program. Dan’s extraordinary success saw him rise from the position of a sales rep to that of the company’s GM. What were some of the biggest challenges that Dan had to overcome as he transitioned from student life to professional life? And, how did his Student Works stint help him overcome these challenges? Dan reveals how he ended up working as Fusioncast’s only sales rep. He goes on to explain Fusioncast’s proprietary metal casting process that results in immense cost savings owing to the use of Urethane with bronze. Even though the company was wildly successful, Dan and other key stakeholders decided to sell the business to an American counterpart that showed a great deal of alignment and synergies. Dan brokered this deal, and eventually ended up working for another company some of the investors of FusionCast also owned. Why did Dan and his peers sell out their stake? And, why did Dan decide to move on to his new employer, Virox? This segment of the show will interest both entrepreneurs and professionals. This is an interesting case study that shows why and when a strategic sell-out might be the best option forward. We wrap up this show with Dan sharing some habits and values that he owes his success to. What did Dan have to change about himself as he went from being a university student to a value creator? Topics discussed include the importance of continuous learning, dynamism, and integrity. Tune in for some excellent insights!
Resources: Paper Napkin Wisdom: Your Five Step Plan For Life and Business Success | |||
| 01 Sep 2020 | 170 | Kaitlyn Sage | How a Student Works Stint Can Equip You With Foundational and Transferable Skillsets | 00:50:56 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Kaitlyn Sage, a fourth-year college student. Currently, Kaitlyn is managing a large painting business as a second-year Student Works manager. As a high-school student, Kaitlyn was a hard worker who was always looking for new ways to grow. When she was in grade 12, she worked in Sears as a sales associate. Here, she always went the extra mile to assume extra responsibilities and perform to the best of her ability. A willingness to do more led her to work as a Content Marketing Manager at Teagen’s voice for a bit. Currently, Kaitlyn is pursuing environmental science at Carleton University. In the next segment of the show, Kaitlyn shares how Student Works has helped her hone transferable and foundational skillsets. Kaitlyn’s first year at Student Works was particularly rough as unwillingness to delegate meant she ended up working 90-hour weeks. Kaitlyn also got some important lessons in expectation setting and relationship setting in her first year. Just as she was gearing up to apply all the valuable lessons as a second-year Student Works manager, COVID struck. Admittedly, Kaitlyn was flustered when the pandemic initially broke out. But she was quick to pivot and re-establish sales processes that were more aligned with the new situation. In this segment of the show, listeners will learn how we tend to perform at our highest level when we are faced with an unprecedented and challenging situation. Kaitlyn also reveals what motivated her to be a coach. Apart from being a part of her peer mentoring program, Kaitlyn also coaches young kids aged six to fourteen. Other topics discussed in today’s show include key attributes of top performers, maintaining a good work-life balance, how to seamlessly communicate with your peers and employees, and much, much more. Resources | |||
| 11 Feb 2025 | 402 | Quinton Carroll and Angela Lister | Mentorship, Growth, and the Power of Pushing Limits | 00:48:17 | |
What separates good leaders from truly exceptional ones? In this episode of Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, Chris Thomson sits down with Quinton Carroll and Angela Lister, two standout senior coaches in the Student Works Management Program, to uncover the lessons that transformed them from top-performing operators into influential mentors. Quinton and Angela discuss the pivotal moments that shaped their leadership journeys, from stepping outside their comfort zones to pushing their limits as entrepreneurs. They reveal how the program helped them develop the confidence, resilience, and skills to guide others toward success. Whether you're looking to level up in business, leadership, or personal growth, this episode is packed with insights that will challenge you to think bigger and achieve more. Listen now and enjoy! In This Episode You'll Learn:
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| 10 Sep 2019 | 073 | Simon Miller | Powerful Attributes for Leading a Successful Life | 01:07:58 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Simon Miller, Director of Customer Success at Workday Canada. Simon shares the most important attributes which enabled him to overcome personal challenges and rise through the corporate ranks. This show starts with Simon sharing his background information. Growing up in abject poverty and being subjected to emotional and mental abuse by his step-father fueled Simon’s desire for success. Ambition and hard work paid off big time as Simon was awarded a full scholarship to Trent University. In this segment of the show, we learn how to avoid giving in to feeling overwhelmed and anxious and face challenges head-on. Next, Simon shares why he chose to enroll at Student Works. Simon reveals how he chancedupon Student Works at an opportune time when he had lost his scholarship. Again, with his back to the wall, Simon put in all his efforts to make his painting business a success. Was it difficult for someone with zero business experience to manage a painting business? After Student Works, Simon became interested in the Internet and its immense potential. Starting as a junior salesperson, Simon gradually transitioned to IT consultancy. His first job in IT involved Analytics and he gradually mastered programming, training and project management. He was thrown into some large analytics implementations where he learned to lead people he had no direct line management over. He was not afraid to move from one job to the next when he saw a dead end. In one case he was willing to quit a job after recognizing the need for better work-life balance. Simon shares some interesting anecdotes about his 13 year stint at Oracle. An insider’s account of the work culture at one of the largest software companies in the world is sure to keep you hooked. Here, Simon discusses how continuous learning can help you adapt to new technologies and survive in a tough industry. Specifically, we share how the industry and its employees struggled to adapt to cloud technology in the initial years. In this segment of the show, listeners will learn how Student Works can equip you with transferable skillsets that can help you immensely in your corporate career. Along with his corporate career, Simon is also a successful real estate investor, having started with nothing and ending up with a mortgage-free million dollar private cottage island. He shares Throughout his journey, Simon has worked to balance the pressures of a 20-year marriage and four children with the pressures of generating a single income needed to simply pay the bills in Oakville, ON. Part of the journey has been from working hard to working smart to learning when and how to back off to enjoy life. While not explicitly discussed, a large part of this journey has been one of faith, volunteering, the importance of friends and mentors, and giving back through charitable donations. Towards the end of this show, listeners will learn about Simon’s role at Workday, his current employer. A leading provider of enterprise cloud applications, Workday delivers financial management, human capital management, planning, and analytics applications designed for the world’s largest organizations. Simon reveals what he cares about the most at Workday – first his team, and then his customers. Simon has benefitted from world-class management training at | |||
| 17 Apr 2020 | 132 | Peter Bendevis | How to Take Calculated Risks and Build Multiple Streams of Income | 00:49:15 | |
How to Take Calculated Risks and Build Multiple Streams of Income with Peter Bendevis Summary: In today’s show, Chris interviews Peter Bendevis, CPA, CA, RLC LLP. This show starts with Peter sharing his background information. A self-confessed nerd, growing up, Peter had excellent technical skills. But he was low on confidence and a poor communicator. Listeners will learn how Peter’s Student Works stint helped him build these skillsets as well. After Student Works, Peter joined a small accountancy firm for a long and fulfilling experience. Here, Peter shares the advantages of working at a small or medium-sized firm over an E&Y or Deloitte. Recently, Peter quit his job to concentrate full-time on his photography business. In the next segment of the show, listeners will learn how Peter has managed to set up a thriving business where he shoots 250 weddings every year. Peter had a great plan from the get-go, and he did not shy away from investing in the best equipment and advertising. He reveals his loss leader strategy which enabled him to build up his client portfolio in the first year of his business. Listeners will be particularly interested to learn how Peter managed to scale up his business by keeping a firm focus on sales and customer relationships. And, that’s not all. While in college, Peter invested three-quarters of a million dollars to buy a franchise of the popular restaurant, East Side Mario’s. So, how exactly did a college student with little credit history manage to raise such a large amount? This part will serve as an eye-opener to many entrepreneurs who are struggling to implement their ideas due to lack of funds. Peter also shares how you can overcome some of the biggest challenges of running a franchise business. We wrap up this show by sharing some crucial attributes that truly define a leader of tomorrow. We hope you enjoy this show. Tune in for some excellent nuggets! Resources: | |||
| 10 May 2019 | 038 | Dealing With Disappointment | 00:06:26 | |
In today's solo, Chris deviates from the norm to talk about a prevalent but often-ignored topic - disappointment. Whether you are a business leader or aspiring to be one, the sooner you learn to stomach disappointment, the better. Chris reveals that as a leader and entrepreneur, you will have to take tough decisions that further your business. Chris reminds us, that as leaders, it is not our job to keep everyone happy. Even if you do your best, unhappy staff members and unhappy clients are inevitable. Tune in to our authentic and realistic show now!
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| 18 Mar 2020 | How Leaders React In A Time Of Chaos | 00:14:11 | |
With all that is going in the world today - Chris felt compelled to do a bit of an impromptu podcast. With so much going on around the world, how do leaders need to react in times of chaos? Listen to the episode and find out. There are three areas that we will look at in this episode. 1. Leadership 2. Community 3. Growth
Chris has a brilliant reframe near the end of the episode that can help change the lens of any negative event in our business and life. This is truly a remarkable time to be a leader. Now, more than ever, your family, your team and the people around you need us the most. How do you choose to react? | |||
| 14 Jan 2025 | 398 | Guy Metcalfe | Mastering Stress to Fuel Your Growth Journey | 00:52:47 | |
In this episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, Chris is joined by Guy Metcalfe, former Managing Director and Global Chairman of Morgan Stanley, and now a board member for many boards including CBRE Group Inc During the conversation, Chris and Guy explore the art of building a thriving and cohesive team, highlighting how authentic leadership and a well-nurtured culture drive success. You'll discover the value of leading by example and fostering a sense of community through shared experiences and open communication. Guy offers reflections on how challenges, including stress, can be harnessed as catalysts for growth and achievement. By sharing personal anecdotes, he illustrates the importance of maintaining perspective, managing stress, and balancing ambition with self-care. With actionable advice and heartfelt stories, this episode will inspire those striving for excellence to embrace challenges as opportunities, cultivate trust within their teams, and recognize the profound impact of meaningful relationships on long-term success. Don't miss another episode of The Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 18 Feb 2025 | 403 | Jamie-Lee Bongard | How a 17-Year-Old’s Vision Turned Into a Billion-Dollar Legacy | 00:50:11 | |
Ever wondered how vision and perseverance can shape a billion-dollar career? In this episode of Leaders of Tomorrow, Chris Thomson speaks with Jamie-Lee Bongard, a successful entrepreneur and a Student Works Management Program alumni. Jamie-Lee shares how her experience as a 17-year-old in the program laid the foundation for her remarkable journey to owning three Keller Williams franchises and leading over a billion dollars in real estate transactions. Jamie-Lee discusses the essential skills she developed in Student Works, such as resilience, vision planning, and relationship building, which she continues to use daily in her business and personal life. From achieving extraordinary success in real estate to balancing her role as a mother of four, Jamie-Lee provides an inspiring and practical guide for aspiring leaders. This episode offers valuable insights on mentorship, time management, and the importance of aligning your goals with your values. Listen now and enjoy! In This Episode You'll Learn:
Resources: Follow Jamie-Lee Bongard on LinkedIn Books Mentioned: | |||
| 12 Nov 2019 | 091 | Bob Repovs | How to Overcome the Challenges of Managing a Large, Complex Business | 00:54:26 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Bob Repovs, President & CEO, Samco Machinery. Bob shares how you can overcome some of the biggest challenges of managing a large, manufacturing business via effective communication, delegation, and diversification. This show starts with Bob recalling his life before Student Works. Like many of us, as a teenager, Bob was also unsure about what he wanted to do with his life. Did his Student Works stint help him gain a clearer perspective? In this segment of the show, listeners will learn how real-world experience can help you, particularly in your formative years. The next segment of the show is particularly interesting as Bob shares some great tips for effectively dealing with challenging clients. As a Student Works operator, Bob recalls how he had to take a client to court for non-payment of dues. This experience proved to be invaluable as Bob went on to deal with far more demanding clients throughout his career. Next, Bob shares how he transitioned to his family business at Samco Machinery. Bob recalls how the opportunity to get involved in the ISO9000 certification process allowed him to learn the nuances of different business processes. When Bob started, Samco was much smaller. This required him to assume multiple roles and responsibilities. Over the years, under Bob’s stewardship, Samco has managed to evolve into a 200-person strong organization clocking annual sales above $40 million. In the next segment of the show, Bob shares how to overcome the challenges of managing a large, complex manufacturing organization. Listeners will first learn the importance of building a dream team that can get the job done. But, should you, as a business leader trust your employees with complete and total autonomy? How do you achieve a fine balance between freedom and accountability? Next, Bob shares how large manufacturing organizations can manage economy downturns. Arguably, compared to service-oriented organizations, it is far more difficult for a capital intensive manufacturing organization to survive a prolonged slowdown in demand. Bob shares some creative cost-savings measures that he resorts to in such situations. Furthering our conversation on this topic, listeners will also learn how product and market diversification can help organizations survive difficult periods in the business. Intense competition and narrow margins are harsh realities that any business has to deal with. In this segment of the show, Bob discusses how Samco’s presence in varied sectors and multiple countries has helped ensure greater operational and financial predictability. Towards the end of the show, Bob shares some excellent networking tips that will be useful for new and experienced entrepreneurs alike. Further, listeners will also learn how a structured life helps Bob combat work-related stress. Tune in for some excellent nuggets!
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| 26 Feb 2019 | 017 | Mark Cox | How to Become a Sales Champion | 01:05:48 | |
Mark founded In the Funnel - Sales Consulting (ITF) with the mission of dramatically improving the performance and professionalism of B2B sales teams. With a focus on strategy, process, tools, and discipline, Mark has helped over 70 companies achieve double-digit growth by implementing ITF’s proprietary Sales Playbook. Prior to founding ITF, Mark lead sales organizations in outsourcing, services and technology businesses for over 20 years. He has personally sold, structured and negotiated some of the largest single-sales transactions in North America including a billion-dollar deal with a top 10 U.S. bank. Mark has a passion for intentional sales management and LOVES to coach sales teams. In addition to the family, Mark’s personal passions include hockey, fitness training, and music.
Learn More: https://studentworks.com | |||
| 28 Jun 2019 | 052 | How to Set Audacious Goals and Achieve them | 00:09:28 | |
In today's thought-provoking solo, we dispel some common misconceptions with regards to goal setting and success. Recalling his early days as a Student Works operator, Chris reveals how a fear of failure dissuaded him from setting ambitious goals. This, Chris realized was due to excessive attachment with this goal. In this show, we learn that it is commitment, and not attachment that drives success. You will learn why it is important to reign in stress, adopt a strategic approach, and never take your eyes off the ball. Tune in for some excellent insights!
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| 12 Nov 2024 | 395 | Recast: Zak Lefevre | From Student Works to ChargeLab | 00:57:22 | |
In today's episode of Leaders of Tomorrow, Chris talks to Zak Lefevre, co-founder and CEO at ChargeLab, a company that builds OCPP-Compliant software for managing EV charging stations. They are the back-end software behind North America's leading EV fleets, charging networks, and charging sites. Zak’s entrepreneurial journey started with Student Works back in 2011 and, like most of our alumni, he believes that this experience played a big role in his professional and personal development. You will learn a little bit about Zak’s background and who he was before joining our program. Zak will share the best part about Student Works and the invaluable lessons he took with him from this experience. He will also talk about the first business he ever started when he was very young. You will find out what made Zak interested in electric vehicles, how he started ChargeLab and he will also share some of his early ideas about how to make money with this company. Zak will also talk about the importance of not getting too greedy, why you should learn as much as you can about the business before you start anything, the most important qualities the leader of tomorrow should have and so much more. Listen now and enjoy another fascinating discussion with one of our amazing alumni! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 15 Sep 2020 | 174 | Michael Zipursky | How to Leverage Your Expertise and Build a Successful Virtual Consulting Business | 01:03:14 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Michael Zipursky, co-founder, Consulting Success®. Today, you will learn how to leverage your expertise to start your own successful, consulting business. All of us have some unique skillsets that often have excellent demand in the marketplace. However, most of us fail to get off the starting block. One of the main reasons for this is a hesitation to approach larger, more successful organizations. In this first segment of the show, Michael shares how you can overcome this negative mindset and confidently market your services to marquee clients WITHOUT falling prey to the imposter syndrome. Michael also shares an interesting backstory about how he managed to establish his web design and development business in Osaka, Japan. In this part of the show, you will learn the importance of binary thinking and taking action. Currently, through his organization, Consulting Success®, Michael offers online programs and coaching programs to help individuals and small consulting firms. When you are new to the marketplace, you first need to provide value so that can connect with your ideal clients. For this, you need to shed your scarcity mindset and focus on just helped people without focusing on monetary gains from the get-go. But, if you are new to the marketplace, how can you come up with an irresistible offer that you KNOW will sell? And once you find some success, how can you scale up your consulting business without the stress and overwhelm? What are some significant challenges that you are likely to face along the way, and how will you overcome them? Tune in to find out! Resources | |||
| 14 Jan 2019 | 004 | Earn The Right To Work Here | 00:08:57 | |
In today's show, we share how businesses need a strict and well thought of recruiting policy in order to survive and thrive in a competitive market. How do you find and vet good people who are a good fit for your business? Which factors should you evaluate when vetting people? We also discuss how you can deal with undisciplined employees who are not performing according to business guidelines. This show is loaded with some great learnings for better managing your business. Tune in now! Learn More: https://studentworks.com | |||
| 29 Jun 2020 | 152 | Luke Fenn | How Ingenuity and Organizational Skills Helped Me Build a $200,000 Business | 00:46:10 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews student painter and district manager, Luke Fenn. This show starts with Luke recalling his life before Student Works. Because a bunch of his buddies were already student painters, Luke was quick to grasp this entrepreneurial opportunity when he came across it in his first year. While Luke managed to notch up $100,000 revenues in his first year, he admits his first year was incredibly stressful. So, when Luke came back to Student Works in his second year, what all did he change about his management style? Luke shares how he managed to build his organization by hiring sales and production staff so that he could manage his business in a completely autonomous and hassle-free manner. The next segment of the show is particularly interesting as Luke shares some great details about how he got and executed the biggest job of his career – a $200,000 job where he had 21 people on site! Here, you will learn how ingenuity and a strong network can take you ahead in life. As Luke built up his organization, he had had to assume the role of a coach and mentor. So, what surprised Luke most about being a coach and mentor? Luke shares how assuming his role required him to connect on a deeply personal level with his teammates. Other topics discussed on this show include cultivating self-awareness and coachability, taking action with intention, discovering opportunities in the outside world, and capitalizing on them. We hope you enjoy this show! Resources | |||
| 03 Jul 2020 | 153 | Martyn Johns | Powerful Organizational Attributes for Long-Term, Sustainable Growth | 00:48:00 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Martyn Johns, Director, NAPA AutoPro. We start this show with Martyn recalling his life before Student Works. As a teenager, Martyn was frustrated with financial uncertainty and lack of opportunities. This is a common theme that resonates with many youngsters who are eager to find success in their early twenties. At Student Works, Martyn got the chance to see the bigger picture and assume crucial responsibilities. And he had to face significant challenges as well. Listeners will learn how Martyn managed to scale up Student Works operations from $300,000 to $25 million- only to fold up operations owing to the 2008 financial crisis. What were some important takeaways that Martyn took away from this experience? Did this setback affect his work relationships in any way? The next segment of the show is particularly interesting as Martyn talks about this current job at NAPA Autopro, a family-owned organization involved in automotive care. Here, Martyn shares why he finds working in family-owned organizations to be a far more rewarding experience. Especially, he reveals how his company leadership is backing its employees to the hilt in the wake of the pandemic. You will also learn how Napa’s unconditional support for its franchisees has resulted in a long-term and sustainable business model. Martyn also talks at length about his company’s firm focus on customer service. How has Napa Autopro managed to beat large car manufacturers to attain the coveted #1 spot in customer service in JDPower rankings? Additionally, we touch upon a gamut of interesting topics like profitability, increasing valuations, and the complexities of succession planning in family-owned organizations. We wrap up this show by sharing some crucial attributes that define a leader of tomorrow. We hope you enjoy this show! Resources | |||
| 22 Oct 2024 | 392 | Zach Weiler, Chris Bennett and Landon Roberts | How to Overcome Setbacks and Finish Strong | 00:45:40 | |
How do you go from facing major setbacks to finishing the season strong? In this episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, Chris Thomson sits down with three high-achieving operators from Student Works: Zach Weiler, Chris Bennett, and Landon Roberts. Each of these young leaders faced significant challenges in their first year with Student Works but turned things around with determination and strategic thinking to achieve outstanding results. Zach, Chris, and Landon share their unique journeys, from the frustrations of managing crews and hitting production snags to the personal growth that came from facing these challenges head-on. They talk about the mindset shifts, systems, and habits that allowed them to go from average results to extraordinary performance. Whether you're a first-time entrepreneur or looking to push through a difficult season, this conversation offers insights into what it takes to finish strong and set yourself up for long-term success. Curious about how these leaders went from struggling to thriving? This episode will inspire you to reflect on your own obstacles, rethink your strategies, and take action to reach your full potential. Listen now! What You Will Learn In This Episode:
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| 14 Apr 2020 | 131 | A Simple, Two-Step Solution for Dealing with Self-Doubt | 00:10:31 | |
Today's show is about dealing with self-doubt. No matter how confident you are in your abilities, you will face moments of self-doubt. Particularly, it is common to encounter self-doubt when you are trying some new that is outside your comfort zone. So, what should you do in such situation? Chris shares a simple but effective two-step solution. The first step is acknowledging your self-doubt. And the second step is reaching out to the right people. For all this and much, much more, tune in to our latest show now! Resources: | |||
| 18 Jun 2019 | 049 | Chad Grenier | Essential Business Leadership skills and How to Develop Them | 00:59:20 | |
In this show, Chris interviews Chad Grenier, EVP NA Strategy, Agency Operations & Digital Transformation Lead Mosaic, North America. As of the top leaders in Mosaic, Chad manages a 1500 corporate workforce and 15000 field staff operators. This show starts off with Chad recounting his life before Student Works. Having experienced financial hardships, Chad was always motivated to make money. But, like most of us at that age, he lacked focus. How did Student Works help Chad channelize his energies in the right direction? After Student Works, for a while, Chad contemplated starting his own business. But, then he ended up working for Twilight Sports International for 5 years instead. Here, Chad learned the ropes of TV production and marketing. A chance meeting with Aidan Tracey, Director, Mosaic convinced Chad to put his resignation in 24 hours. Why did Chad make such a quick decision even though he had a great job that he absolutely loved? From this incident, we learn the importance of continuously looking for better opportunities and taking calculated risks. Next, Chad gives us a “peek” into the work culture at Mosaic. First, we talk about best HR practices and leadership development. How does Mosaic ensure productivity levels that are completely off the charts? Chad reveals how leaders can develop young talent, and teach them to focus on the things that have the biggest impact. We also discuss some good habits that you have an impact on health, business and life. You will also learn about the different business strategies that has helped Mosaic grow their sales from 20 million to 300 million – a 15 fold increase in a short period of time. How does Mosaic amplify the media experience for a prominent brand? What strategies can you employ to successful attract hundreds of people to a marketing event? Chad also reveals how his marketing experience from Student Works is holding him in good stead to date. Towards the end, Chad has some sound advice for young entrepreneurs. You will learn how the right environment, the right attitude and able mentors can fast track your success. Tune in for some excellent nuggets!
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| 04 Aug 2020 | 162 | Alexandra Gendron | How I Ran a Profitable and Large-Scale Window Cleaning Business | 00:36:47 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Alexandra Gendron. We start this show with Alexandra sharing some background information. Growing up, Alexandra shares that she always had a big engine for work. However, her biggest frustration was that she was not getting paid in a manner that was commensurate with her potential. This is when she stumbled onto Student Works – a “life-changing experience” for Alexandra. Alexandra has worked for two years in the painting business and two years in the window-cleaning business. Having worked in both painting and window-cleaning business, how does she compare and contrast both businesses? Alexandra reveals while the window-cleaning business requires more planning and organization, on a broad level, the same skill-sets are required to run both businesses. She also talks at length about doing business in the post-COVID era. Especially, Alexandra shares how she had to alter her sales playbook so that she can continue to generate business without violating any social distancing norms. Listeners will also learn the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. After a hectic first year, Alexandra shares how delegation and smart management allowed her to run a $150,000 business in her second year. Other topics discussed in today’s show include importance of inculcating patience and key attributes of top-performers. We hope you enjoy this show. Resources Chris’s Email | |||
| 26 May 2020 | 142 | Jonathan George | How to Unleash Your Inner Rockstar | 00:51:19 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews speaker, entrepreneur, and coach Jonathan George. Jonathan is the CEO of JG Entertainment and creator of Unleash Your Rockstar Movement. We start this show with Jonathan recalling his early years. Being a gay, Jonathan struggled with his identity as a child. His father, a conservative pastor was particularly unsupportive of his orientation. Additionally, Jonathan shares how being a creative in a family of sportsmen worked against him. In the year 2000, Jonathan got his first big break as a participant in the Next Big Star. He recalls how the producers pressurized him to hide his gay identity. At this critical juncture, when faced with this tough choice, what did Jonathan do? Jonathan goes on to regale listeners with some interesting anecdotes from his entertainment career. As a coach, Jonathan mentors young singers, influencers and steers them in the right direction. Grace Harper, one of Jonathan’s mentees had a particularly difficult start to her career. Her bad rendition of the national anthem as a 12-year old went viral and she was dubbed as the “worst national anthem singer ever”. From this point onwards, Jonathan took her under his wings, and helped her hone her skills. Later when Grace went on to take part in American Idol, the organizers played her national anthem video. Instead of being flustered, Harper delivered a killer performance that became the most watched video of the year. This inspiring anecdote highlights how revealing your flaws actually draws people towards us. While it is difficult to be honest about our shortcomings, sharing our story will only make people fall in love with us. Topics discussed in today’s show include developing unshakeable confidence, building a powerful personal brand, and overcoming fear and achieving your dreams. We hope you enjoy this show! Resources | |||
| 08 Oct 2024 | 390 | Chris Caruso | How to Break Records and Push Your Limits | 00:30:01 | |
What does it take to set a record and break the limits you thought you had? On this episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, Chris Thomson welcomes Chris Caruso, one of our operators who broke the all-time window cleaning record. Chris shares his journey from being a window cleaner for Student Works to breaking the all-time window cleaning sales record—earning over $210,000 in a single season. Chris offers insights into his challenges, personal growth, and the power of pushing yourself beyond comfort zones to achieve new heights. Chris talks about the physical, emotional, and mental lessons learned from working so hard that he reached his limit—and why that limit became a crucial moment of growth. This conversation isn’t just about business success; it’s about understanding yourself, striving for balance, and learning when to ease off the throttle to achieve long-term fulfillment. Curious about how a young entrepreneur juggles intense workloads, motivates a team, and still manages to find meaning beyond just hitting targets? This episode offers a candid look at the highs and lows of scaling a business and how a powerful "no excuses" mindset can create transformative experiences. Listen now and enjoy! In This Episode You'll Learn:
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| 28 May 2019 | 043 | Amer Abu Shakra | How I Broke the All-Time Sales Record at Student Works | 00:44:41 | |
In this episode, Chris interviews Amer Abu Shakra, Business Owner, Student Works Painting This show starts off with Amer sharing some excellent goal-setting Tips and Tricks. Adamant on breaking the all-time sales record of $310,000 at Student Works, Amer upped the stakes significantly by setting a sales target of $500,000! Should you set a goal that scares you to death? Will an audacious goal motivate you to better yourself, and perform at a level, that you previously thought impossible? Once you have set your goals, you need a well-structured execution plan that will help you achieve your grand vision. Amer shares how networking with the Student Works Community has helped him hone his business skills. At Student Works, you are encouraged to reach out to the top performers to discover the main drivers of their success. In this segment, we discuss the importance of keeping an open mind and continuous learning. What are some crucial attributes of top performers? Amer also shares that top performers have the wisdom and humility to recognize their strengths, and more importantly their weakness. Leveraging your strengths and delegating out tasks that you are not good at is crucial for scaling up and growing your business. Amer reveals how focusing on sales, his core competency has allowed him to hit his audacious sales targets. Did Amer foresee himself running a $500,000 business before he joined Student Works? Amer is honest enough to admit that his Student Works stint has helped him evolve into a more capable person. Amer also expresses gratitude to his 14-employee team and reveals that collaborative team effort is central to the success of any business. Apart from this, you will also learn the importance of doing business with integrity and complete transparency. Towards the end, Amer shares some crucial attributes that define a "Leader of Tomorrow". Tune in for some excellent insights!
Links: Connect with Amer:
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| 17 Jul 2020 | 157 | Bini Kanungo | How My Student Works Stint Is Helping Me Leapfrog the Competition | 00:50:51 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Bini Kanungo, Sales Engineer, Ascent Compliance and co-host of the We the Sales Engineer podcast. We start this show with Bini recalling his life before Student Works. Ironically, while Bini is a successful sales engineer right now, as a high school student, Bini was reserved and lacked confidence. However, he always driven and had a big work engine. So, why did Bini decide to join Student Works in the first place? In the next segment of the show, we discuss how Student Works can serve as a great foundation for young people who wish to hone transferable skill sets that can help them leapfrog the competition. Being an introvert, Bini had a particularly difficult time cold-calling prospects as a Student Works rookie. However, his ambition and persistence allowed him to hone his sales skills over a period. Additionally, Bini reveals how Student Works helped him shape his work ethic and build some solid organizational skills. After graduation, Bini worked at Halogen Software for a bit. However, this stint was cut short as Bini got laid off after Halogen was acquired by a large organization. This phase was particularly difficult for Bini as he worked odd jobs to scrape through. Currently works as a sales engineer at Ascent Compliance. Ascent Compliance is a SAAS-based organization that was recently recognized as one of the 50-fastest growing tech companies in Canada. In this segment of the show, Bini gives us a peek into his work life. Why does a SAAS business model work so well for the clients as well as the organization? What sort of clients does Ascent typically take on? Listeners will also learn the importance of workplace culture in this segment of the show. Towards the end, Bini reveals what inspired him to start his podcast, We The Sales Engineer. We hope you enjoy this show! Resources | |||
| 28 Feb 2020 | 119 | Our Biggest Competitor Has Left the Marketplace | 00:09:50 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Lance Spitzig, Student-at-law, BLG LLP. We start this show with Lance recalling his life before Student Works. What was Lance like before joining the program? And, what were some of his major frustrations as a teenager? Lance shares his disappointment with the dearth of good opportunities that allowed him to hone his skillsets. Next, Lance shares some key highlights from his Student Works stint. Listeners will learn how this experience set Lance up for a successful career in the corporate world. The next segment of the show is about Lance’s long-contemplated venture into law. Lance starts this part of the show by sharing his experience as an undergraduate student. After a brief hiatus from academia, he entered law school with renewed focus that allowed him to graduate with top honors. During law school, Lance worked as a summer student on Bay Street for one of Canada’s biggest law firms. After graduation, Lance returned to that firm as an articling student. Lance walks us through the entire job search and hiring process. Listeners will also get a “peek” into the life of a law student and lawyer, the daily routine and responsibilities. If you are planning on taking this career route, this segment of the show will interest you greatly. We wrap up this show with Lance sharing some key habits that have contributed to his success. Topics discussed include looking inward to overcome challenges, the importance of cultivating a self-care routine, and maintaining focus. Tune in for some excellent nuggets!
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| 16 Aug 2019 | 066 | The Extraordinary Power of Focus | 00:08:33 | |
In today's solo, Chris talks about the power of focus. Lack of focus means diverting attention from critical tasks that demand your best efforts. But, how do you ensure that you remain free of such distractions? In this show, you will learn the importance of taking considered decisions, and saying "no" more often. Tune in to this powerful solo now!
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| 21 Jun 2019 | 050 | Why Giving Back is Important | 00:08:30 | |
In today's show, Chris reminds us how selfless contributions can help address some of the most serious problems that are plaguing today's society. Chris shares how Student Works has been organizing multi-city car washes for the worthy cause of helping MS society. The success of this huge event has been made possible due to efforts of its student managers and well-wishers. You will learn how this noble endeavor has helped raise $1.5 million over the past 12 years. If you are in a position to give, listening to this show will certainly inspire you to do your bit for the society. Tune in now!
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| 09 Apr 2019 | 029 | How to Have a Successful and Fulfilling Professional Life | 00:46:51 | |
In this episode, Chris interviews Bryan Kane, President, Publicis Toronto. Brian shares some KEY attributes which will permit professionals to rise above and beyond their job descriptions AND find continued success in their professional lives. This inspiring show starts off with Bryan recalling his life before Student Works. What are some key skills that Bryan learnt at Student Works which have helped shape his career? You will learn that you cannot attain success if you do not plan for it. Next, we trace Brian’s career’s path, and how he ended up being the President of Publicis Toronto. Brian reveals how you can manage to keep your entrepreneurial spirit alive in a corporate setting. We also share how rising beyond your job description can pay your rich dividends in the long term. How do you ensure that you do not miss out on path breaking career opportunities? And, what are some ways of staying relevant in a rapidly evolving market? Why is it crucial that you cultivate a correct attitude towards failure and success? Towards the end, Brian shares some powerful habits of highly successful people. For all this and much, much more, tune in to our latest show now! Connect with Bryan on
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| 24 Sep 2019 | 077 | Chris O’Rourke | How to Discover and Find Success in Emerging Markets | 00:43:48 | |
In today’s show, we interview Chris O’Rourke, Vice President of Sales and Business Development at UCIT/Stealth Monitoring. Chris reveals how you can script extraordinary success stories by fulfilling the needs of emerging needs in the market. This show starts with Chis recalling his life as a teenager. Before joining Student Works, Chris had a particularly difficult time enrolling into university. Because his family could not afford to finance his education, Chris started assembling and delivering furniture for one year to save up. This is how Chris financed his first year of education. However, at the end of the first year, when he was again on the verge of running out of money, Chris discovered the Student Works program. How was Chris’s experience at Student Works? Apart from the money aspect, Chris shares how the program allowed him to network with amazing individuals. Next, Chris shares some interesting details about the painting business. Listeners will learn how Chris was awarded a $300,000 contract from Canada Waste Management. In this segment of the show, listeners will learn the importance of grit and persistence. After Student Works, Chis transitioned to a managerial role at the electronics major, Canon. Leveraging his Student Works experience, Chris shares how he was able to become the top performer across North America. What followed was a string of huge successes for Chris. Chris worked as Territory Manager at Tyco International where he saw sales grow from a paltry $300,000 to $26 million in a short period. As VP of Sales and Business Development, Chris repeated this feat at Installation Services Organization. Here sales more than doubled from $22 million to $48 million in just three and a half years. His current track record as Vice President of Sales and Business Development at UCIT/Stealth Monitoring has been even more impressive. In this segment of the show, listeners will learn about the fast-evolving security business. Chris’s organization relies on video analytics and AI to provide security services at a fraction of a cost. Presence in the sunrise sector has allowed Chris to grow his employee base from 25 to 700. Meanwhile, valuations have also ratcheted from $14 million to $175. In this segment, Chris shares some strategic business decisions that he was made in recent times. Towards the end of the show, Chris has some excellent advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs. Specifically, we talk about the need to develop emotional intelligence and humility. Tune in for some excellent insights!
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| 08 May 2019 | 037 | Jonathan Suter | How to Ditch your Corporate Job and Actually Start a Business | 00:52:09 | |
In this episode, Chris interviews Jonathan Suter, co-founder, SimpleTax. Jonathan shares how grit, ingenuity and focus can help you quit your corporate job, follow your dreams, and start your business. This show starts off with Jonathan sharing his background information and his life before Student Works. Did Jonathan always have a huge appetite for hard work? Jonathan shares some inspiring (and funny) anecdotes that are sure to interest you. You will also learn about Jonathan’s first work stint at Nortel, touted back then as “a safe haven” for those looking for a stable career. What lessons did Jonathan learn when his entire department was axed overnight? Next, Jonathan shares his Student Works experience and reveals the important and universally applicable lessons that he learned while there. Particularly, Jonathan highlights the need to cultivate unwavering focus. Listeners will learn how focus is necessary for delivering a successful and sustainable product. Chris and Jonathan also remind listeners that the road to success is laden with many challenges – challenges that test our patience, courage, and ingenuity. After Student Works, Jonathan worked in the technology sector for a while now. While this experience was rewarding for Jonathan, he always harbored entrepreneurial ambitions. However, like most of us, Jonathan was not willing to give up his job security unless the “perfect business opportunity” knocking on his door. So, did that eventually happen? What led Jonathan to finally give up the comfort of his job and don the entrepreneurial hat? In our last and perhaps, more interesting segment, you will hear Jonathan talk about SimpleTax, a company that he co-founded along with his wife, Allison. Jonathan reveals his strong “Why” behind starting SimpleTax. He also reveals his amazing “pay what you make like” business model. How has SimpleTax managed to survive (and thrive) with such a unique payment model? What position does SimpleTax hold in the DIY tax space today? Towards the end, Jonathan shares some crucial attributes that define a “Leader of Tomorrow”. For all this and much more, tune in to our latest show now!
Links: Connect with Jonathan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathansuter/
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| 16 Jul 2019 | 057 | Renaud Herry-Saint-Onge | How I Managed to Evolve into a Successful Serial Entrepreneur | 00:32:14 | |
In today's show, Chris interviews Renaud Herry-Saint-Onge, former district manager, Student Works Painting and a successful serial entrepreneur. This show starts off with Renaud recalling his life before Student Works. How did a shy teenager like Renaud go on to become a dynamic and successful entrepreneur? Listeners will learn how the Student Works program instilled in Renaud focus, courage, and a sense of purpose. In the next segment of the show, Renaud shares how his life progressed after leaving Student Works. Why did Renaud leave his first job barely six weeks after joining? And, what important lessons did he learn working as a painter in Australia? Renaud shares his experiences and reveals that he came back to Canada, even more focused and driven. Next, Renaud decided to dabble in the food truck business, which unfortunately did not pan out as expected. In this segment of the show, you will learn the importance of partnering with the right person. After this unsuccessful stint, Renaud transitioned towards the Roofing business. As a co-owner at Refine Roofing, Renaud has managed to increase revenues three-fold to a million dollars. Renaud reveals how systemization has helped him manage this growth with easy. Towards the end, Renaud shares some crucial advice for budding entrepreneurs. Tune in for some excellent nuggets!
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| 24 Sep 2024 | 388 | Alex Irvine | Unlocking Growth: The Power of Delegation, Systems, and Coaching | 00:43:27 | |
What if the things you thought you were good at turned out to be your biggest blind spots? In this episode, Chris talks to Alex Irvine, a top performer in the program. He built a $275,000 business and earned a place in the President’s Club. Now, as a full-time coach, he shares how his experience with Student Works helped him grow as a leader and develop the systems that allow him to thrive in business and life. During the episode, you will discover how Alex Irvine’s journey through the Student Works Management Program uncovered surprising truths about leadership, organization, and personal growth. It’s not just about running a business—it’s about recognizing where you need to improve and learning how to scale up without burning out. Curious about how the Student Works program prepares young entrepreneurs for the real world? Want to learn how to lead, delegate, and build a strong team from the ground up? Alex’s insights into scaling a business while maintaining balance offer a roadmap for anyone ready to take their leadership to the next level. Tune in for actionable strategies and inspiration, and share this episode with anyone looking to start their entrepreneurial journey! What You Will Learn In This Episode:
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| 29 Nov 2019 | 096 | How to Harness the Benefits of Good Listening | 00:09:36 | |
In today's short but powerful solo, Chris highlights the importance of being a good and attentive listener. Because our mind is preoccupied with our problems, we often fail to fully register what the other person is saying. Good listeners, Chris points out are far more likely to have successful personal and professional relationships. If you feel that you need to work on your listening skills, this is a show that you must tune in to! Resources: | |||
| 17 May 2019 | 040 | THE Secret To Explosive Business Growth | 00:07:41 | |
In today's solo, Chris talks about the impact that personal development can have on your business. In order to demonstrate the importance of personal development in business, Chris recounts a past experience with a client. While dealing with a particularly obstinate client, Chris lost his cool and behaved in a manner which was quite unlike him. So, which are some of the main personality traits that can affect your leadership capabilities? In this show we discuss three common weaknesses - Being too defensive, too nice and having low self-worth. You will learn how tackling with your biggest fears can make you a better person and a leader. Tune in for some inspiring nuggets!
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| 25 Aug 2020 | 168 | Frank Forte | How to Shed a Fixed Mindset and All The Things You Can Do To Develop an Agile or Growth Mindset | 00:52:16 | |
In today’s show, Chris interviews Frank Forte, Founder, Forte Leadership Technology, and author, A.G.I.L.E. Mindset Demystified: Mindset Over Mechanic. Frank reveals how you can cultivate an agile or growth mindset that can help you thrive in the complicated environment of today. Conventional thinking has led to a formal education system that is lacking in many aspects. One of the main fallouts of this phenomenon is that young people who are just starting their professional life are timid, and constantly seeking outside validation. They are too scared to try out anything that is drastically against the norm. So, how can the young people of today shape an agile and growth mindset? In today’s show, Frank shares some great tools and techniques that can help you do just that. Listeners will be reminded that failing over, again and again, is the ONLY way to broaden your horizons and enhance your skillsets. Frank shares why you need to set a BHAG – your own Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal. Sharing your BHAG with your mentors and peers will ensure accountability and push you to put in your best. In this segment of the show, Frank shares his own experience of being mentored by great John Maxwell. John is one of the foremost leadership experts in the world – and one of the main reasons for this is his surreal story-telling abilities. Frank shares that while successful leaders are excellent at number crunching, they also need to learn HOW to wrap an engaging narrative around that data. Other topics discussed in today’s show include the importance of self-leadership, the concept of servant leadership, tips for dealing with failure, and much, much more. Enjoy! Resources | |||
| 14 May 2019 | 039 | Kory MacKinnon | How To Win And Invest Through Real Estate Investing | 00:47:43 | |
In this episode, Chris interviews Kory MacKinnon, a real estate strategist, author, and speaker who also runs a successful six-figure coaching business. In this show, Kory shares how a strategic and progressive mindset can help you build your own real estate investment portfolio. This show starts off with Kory sharing his background information and recalling his life before Student Works. What was Kory’s biggest frustration as a teenager? Kory touches upon a common and highly relevant topic that is likely to resonate with most of us – the struggle to find the right vehicle that will launch you to success. Next, Kory shares with listeners his Student Works experience. What were some important values that Kory imbibed that are helping him to date? Specifically, Kory reveals how Student Works hones your social skills and helps you evolve into a champion salesman. You will also learn how you can avoid succumbing to stress and overwhelm by being solution-oriented rather than problem oriented. This serves as a good segue to the next topic of discussion – Kory’s real estate investing career. How did Kory end up investing in his first real estate deal? How did it pan out? What, according to Kory, are some crucial attributes personality traits found in a successful real estate investor? This section of the show will be particularly interesting to all current (and aspiring) real estate investors. You will learn the importance of a well-rounded real estate education. We also reveal the ideal tenant profile that will help generate stable returns on your real estate investment. What is the difference between real estate investing and stock market investing? Is it true that you can lose your shirt (and everything else) if you make poor real estate investments? Are apartments buildings more difficult to manage compared to mobile storage parks? Kory also shares his thoughts on mentorship, and recalls his experience as a Tony Robbin’s mentee! Listeners will learn the ART of breaking down complicated processes into lucid and meaningful ones. In the last segment of the show, Kory makes some honest and thought provoking admissions about his biggest failures. What lessons did he learn from these mistakes? Kory also has some excellent advice for all young folks who are planning on taking the entrepreneurial route. Towards the end, Kory shares some crucial attributes that define a “Leader of Tomorrow”. For all this and much more, tune in to our latest show now!
Links: Connect with Kory:
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| 21 Apr 2020 | Power Of Acceptance | 00:10:15 | |
Given the global situation, how do we CHOOSE to react is a massive decision. In this episode, Chris discusses the power of acceptance and how our team at Student Works is coping with the situation on hand.
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| 20 Dec 2019 | 102 | Reflections on the Year Gone By | 00:14:14 | |
In today’s very special show, as we record our 100th podcast, we reflect on the year gone by. We started this podcast to help us execute our larger vision of co-creating the next generation of leaders. So, have we been successful in this endeavor? Chris cites tangible data like downloads, customer retentions, and testimonial to show how this podcast has helped us move one step closer to our goal. Do not miss this special show!
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| 23 Apr 2019 | 033 | Yusudan Ren | An Insider’s Account of the Changing Face of the Insurance Industry | 00:44:31 | |
In this episode, Chris interviews Yusudan Ren, Regional Sales Director, Sunlight Financial. Yusudan shares some interesting nuances of the insurance industry and dispels some common misconceptions in this informative show. This show starts off with Yusudan recalling his life before Student Works. Did Yusudan always foster entrepreneurial ambitions? What were some of his biggest frustrations while growing up? And, what were some of the most important lessons that he learned while at Student Works? Next, Yusudan talks about his stint at Sunlight Financial. We get a peek into the work culture at Sunlight. Is the work culture at Sunlight quite different from a technology company? You will learn the importance of working in a flexible organization that allows you to learn the nuances of a business. Listeners will also get a macro view of the insurance industry. How do insurance companies calculate premiums? We also reveal how insurance companies are increasingly relying on Big Data to crunch their numbers. Towards theend, Yusudan shares some key attributes that truly define a Leader of Tomorrow. Tune in for some excellent insights!
Links: Connect with Yusudan on
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