425 | Dan Desmarais | How to Empower Employees for Social Impact

What if a summer painting job could become the foundation for a global career? In this inspiring episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, Chris Thomson sits down with Dan Desmarais, a standout alumnus of the Student Works Management Program, who has gone on to build a thriving virtual company that serves some of the world’s largest retailers.

Dan shares how his time with Student Works in 1989–90 helped him break free from unfulfilling hourly jobs and set him on a path of leadership, ownership, and strategic thinking. Listeners will hear how this early experience launched a successful corporate career at Procter & Gamble and JDA Software, and how Dan later transformed a crisis into opportunity by founding Cantactix Solutions Inc., a leader in retail space management.

From lessons in sales and team building to managing a fully virtual business and empowering employees through social impact, Dan offers practical wisdom for anyone ready to step into leadership and build something meaningful.

Enjoy!

Key takeaways

• How to build trust in a remote business and what to do when that trust breaks down
• Why letting someone fail—just enough—can be a valuable coaching strategy
• The importance of surrounding yourself with smart, capable people
• How Dan scaled his leadership by transferring his knowledge to others
• Why every employee at his company is encouraged to make a difference in their community
• Dan’s thoughts on building businesses around purpose, not just profit
• The mental habit all future leaders need to master
• And much more...

Guest Bio:

Dan Desmarais is the President of Cantactix Solutions Inc., a company that provides planogram automation and space management tools to major retailers across the globe. A proud alumnus of the Student Works Management Program (1989–90), Dan credits the experience with igniting his entrepreneurial journey. Before founding Cantactix, Dan held leadership roles at Procter & Gamble and JDA Software, where he gained deep expertise in sales, data analytics, and retail optimization. Today, he leads a fully virtual team of 35+ employees, combining strategic insight with a strong commitment to giving back.

Resources:

Student Works

Dan’s LinkedIn

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Leaders of Tomorrow

podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.