What if the hardest job you ever had wasn’t laying bricks in the blazing sun, but learning how to lead people?

In this powerful conversation, Chris Thomson sits down with Andrew Woodruff, a multi-year veteran of the Student Works Management Program, to unpack the staggering transformation he experienced while balancing Queen’s University engineering with running a business that exploded past $300K in sales.

Andrew shares his chaotic first summer, the painful lessons of leading without a plan, and the breakthrough moments that helped him shift from hard worker to intentional leader. His journey reveals how resilience, feedback, and relentless growth can turn uncertainty into undeniable success.

Listen now because if you’ve ever wondered how to leap from surviving to thriving as a leader, this episode holds the insider playbook you won’t find anywhere else. Miss it, and risk staying stuck in the grind.

Andrew Woodruff is a Queen’s Civil Engineer and Concrete Canoe Team Captain, who is a multi-year operator with the Student Works Management Program. Rising from a small-town background and a start in bricklaying, he has scaled his student-run business into a six-figure operation while balancing one of Canada’s toughest academic programs. A Mexico performer and Presidents Club winner, Andrew is known for his relentless drive, growth mindset, and ability to inspire and lead teams under pressure.

🔗 LinkedIn

• The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
• Alex Hormozi’s content on habits and hard work
• Queen’s University Engineering Concrete Canoe Team

• Connect with Chris: Website | LinkedIn
• Learn more about the Student Works Management Program
• Apply to be an Owner / Operator in the Management Program
• Looking for a fun job this summer? Summer Job Opportunities
• Hear more Alumni Success Stories

The Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast is an original production brought to you by Chris Thomson and Podcast Your Brand. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

How can running a student painting business set you on the path to becoming a corporate lawyer at one of the top firms in Canada?

In this episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast, host Chris Thomson speaks with Elyse Ardiel, a Student Works Management Program alumna who went on to graduate from McGill, attended law school, started her legal career in New York, and returned to Toronto to become a corporate lawyer and partner at a leading Bay Street firm.

Elyse reflects on the lessons she learned as an operator (from setting clear expectations and building systems to working with clients and teams) and how those skills helped her succeed in law school and her career. She shares advice for students considering law school, how to build a strong application, and why staying open to opportunities can lead to a career path you never imagined.

Learn why sales, systems, and setting expectations matter just as much in law as they do in business. Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• How Student Works helped Elyse discover her entrepreneurial spirit
• Why running a business taught Elyse to love working with motivated people
• The importance of setting clear expectations with clients, teams, and yourself
• How to stay organized, communicate effectively, and perform under pressure
• Why keeping an open mind can lead to unexpected career opportunities
• Practical tips for law school applications and building a strong resume
• Why sales skills and understanding people’s needs translate into any career
• And much more...

Guest Bio:

Elyse Ardiel is a partner at Fasken, working within the firm’s Private Equity Group and Capital Markets & Mergers and Acquisitions Group. She focuses on private M&A with an emphasis on private equity and cross-border transactions, as well as corporate reorganizations, commercial law, and general corporate matters. A graduate of McGill University and law school in Canada, Elyse began her legal career in New York before returning to Toronto. As an alumna of the Student Works Management Program, she credits her experience as an operator with shaping the entrepreneurial mindset, organizational skills, and leadership qualities that helped her excel in law and business.

Resources:

Student Works

Connect with Elyse on LinkedIn

Disclaimer:

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

How do you go from being a first-year student who’s unsure of what direction to take to running a $460,000 business while still in university and preparing to coach the next generation of entrepreneurs?

In this episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast, Chris Thomson speaks with Aris Lloshi, a veteran operator with the Student Works Management Program who is now stepping into a part-time coach role. Aris shares his journey from a slow start in his first year to restructuring his business mid-season, and eventually tripling his results through consistency, hard work, and relentless focus on developing people.

Aris opens up about what it takes to grow a business year over year, from $100k to $250k to nearly half a million, and the lessons he learned about time management, building systems, over-recruiting, and holding people accountable. This conversation is a powerful look at how consistency, integrity, and a learning mindset can transform both business results and personal growth.

Discover what it takes to shift from student operator to coach and why integrity is the ultimate leadership trait. Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• Why putting systems in place early creates better results with less effort
• How to restructure a business mid-season and turn it around
• Why 80% of results come from 20% of the right inputs
• The importance of training, recruiting, and over-recruiting the right people
• How to hold your team accountable and have hard conversations
• Why consistency is the secret ingredient to long-term success
• What it takes to transition from operator to coach while still in school
• Why integrity and being a constant learner are hallmarks of true leaders
• And much more...

Guest Bio:

Aris Lloshi is a veteran operator with the Student Works Management Program and an incoming part-time coach while completing his business degree at Concordia University. Over three years, he grew his business from a modest first-year start to nearly $500,000 in revenue, earning multiple trips to Mexico and recognition as a top performer.

Resources:

Aris Lloshi on LinkedIn

Student Works

Disclaimer:

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

What does it take to build and exit multiple eight-figure businesses, and what lessons carry through from a student painting summer to leading tech startups?

In this episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast, host Chris Thomson speaks with Dave Hanley, a Student Works Management Program alumnus who went on to co-found and scale several successful companies. Dave shares his journey from discovering entrepreneurship at Wilfrid Laurier University to co-founding Risk Control Technologies and AdvertiseCast, and playing a key role at Insurance Systems.

Now a coach and author of The Delusional Founder, Dave reflects on the skills he built early as a participant in the Student Works Management Program, the importance of adaptability, and the role sales played in every success. He also opens up about setbacks, why humility matters, and how surrounding yourself with the right people accelerates growth. This episode is packed with real-world lessons for young entrepreneurs aiming to create lasting impact.

Think your product will sell itself? Think again. Hear why mastering sales execution is the real key to growth. Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• Why Student Works connections can shape lifelong friendships and partnerships
• How sales skills can make or break even the best product
• Why adaptability and common sense matter more than rigid plans
• The importance of reading the room and managing client expectations
• Why you should never act like you know everything
• How to handle the emotional challenge of setbacks and rejection
• Why real-world experience beats textbooks every time
• The value of humility and always being open to learning
• And much more...

Guest Bio:

Dave Hanley is a serial entrepreneur, coach, and author with a track record of building and scaling software companies. An alumnus of the Student Works Management Program and Wilfrid Laurier University, he co-founded Risk Control Technologies and AdvertiseCast (acquired by Libsyn for $30M), and was the founding VP of Business Development at Insurance Systems. Dave is also the author of The Delusional Founder, where he shares lessons from decades of entrepreneurial experience.

Resources:

Student Works

Connect with Dave on LinkedIn

Books:

The Delusional Founder: Transforming Your B2B Tech Business Through Sales Execution

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.

What happens when an average student with no clear direction takes a chance on running a business and discovers a passion for leadership and coaching?

In this episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast, Chris Thomson speaks with Paul Prevost, an amazing participant in the Student Works Management Program. Paul shares how his journey began with self-development books during the pandemic and quickly turned into a life-changing experience through Student Works. From overcoming the fear of knocking on doors to running a $320,000 business while having four operators do over $500,000, Paul has transformed his mindset, skills, and vision for the future.

Paul opens up about the challenges of balancing school and business, the lessons he learned about organization and resilience, and why saying no and trusting his team became key to his growth. He also explains why caring for others is central to his leadership style and how setting clear intentions helps him drive meaningful results.

Ready to see how ordinary students become extraordinary leaders? Listen now and learn what it takes to turn uncertainty into success. Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• How Student Works sparked Paul’s journey from uncertainty to entrepreneurship
• Why organization and time management are essential for success
• The surprising benefits of balancing school, sports, and business commitments
• How to overcome fear of rejection and build confidence through action
• Why trusting your team and saying no are crucial leadership skills
• How caring for others creates stronger, more successful teams
• The role of setting intentions in business, sales, and life
• Why top performers succeed when they stay motivated even when alone
• And much more...

Guest Bio:

Paul Prevost is a successful participant in the Student Works Management Program. Starting as a student operator, he grew his business from $142,000 in his first year to $320,000 in his third, while leading a team of operators generating over $500,000.

Resources:

Student Works

Books Mentioned:

Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not

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.

How do you go from running a student painting business to building and scaling global brands, launching innovative ventures, and investing in groundbreaking startups?

In this episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast, Chris Thomson reconnects with Josh Campbell, a proud alumnus of the Student Works Management Program. Josh shares his remarkable career journey, from his early days in private equity and expanding Booster Juice across the U.S., to leading Starbucks’ Canadian expansion, scaling Saje Natural Wellness into a nationwide success, and venturing into cannabis, sustainable nutrition, and beyond.

Josh opens up about what he learned from both wins and failures, why humility and vision matter more than accolades, and how saying yes early in your career and not later on shapes your trajectory. This episode is packed with lessons on entrepreneurship, leadership, resilience, and the courage to chase opportunities that most people overlook.

Thinking about a career pivot? Learn how Josh Campbell reinvented himself from student entrepreneur to global brand leader and what you can take from his playbook. Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• How to recognize when an industry or role doesn’t fit your true passions
• What Josh learned from scaling global brands like Starbucks and Saje
• Why he chose to invest in cannabis and sustainable nutrition despite skepticism
• How to think about failures, mistakes, and the “stupid tax” every entrepreneur pays
• The three areas Josh centers his life around to stay grounded and fulfilled
• Why humility and putting the team first define true leadership
• And much more...

Guest Bio:

Josh Campbell is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and advisor with a track record of scaling businesses across industries. A graduate of the Student Works Management Program and Wilfrid Laurier University, Josh has held leadership roles in private equity, Starbucks, and Saje Natural Wellness, where he oversaw rapid nationwide expansion. He later served as President of Dosist, a cannabis wellness company, and now leads ventures in sustainable nutrition through his company Human Improvement. An early-stage investor and advisor, Josh continues to champion innovation, resilience, and leadership rooted in humility and impact.

Resources:

Student Works

Connect with Josh on LinkedIn

Buy Hi

308 | Josh Campbell | How To Launch Cutting-Edge Businesses and Exploit The First-Mover Advantage

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...

How do you transform self-doubt into leadership and uncertainty into confidence? In this episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast, Chris Thomson speaks with Joanna Cao, who shares her inspiring journey through the Student Works Management Program.

Joanna shares how stepping into real-world responsibility transformed her perspective, built her confidence, and gave her the tools to achieve things she once thought were out of reach. From building strong teams to understanding the value of coaching, she reveals the lessons that turned uncertainty into possibility and struggle into growth.

This conversation shines a light on how the program develops not just business skills, but also leadership, resilience, and the mindset needed to succeed in life and in any career path you choose.

Learn how Joanna Cao turned self-doubt into confidence and discover the steps you can take to strengthen your own leadership. Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• How the Student Works Management Program opened new possibilities and opportunities for Joanna
• Why financial stability gave Joanna the freedom to plan for bigger life goals
• The role of coaching and mentorship in overcoming tough challenges
• The importance of building and valuing strong teams
• Why knowing your “why” is critical to pushing through adversity
• How the program shapes leaders beyond business, building consistency, confidence, and personal growth
• And much more...

Guest Bio:

Joanna Cao is a standout operator in the Student Works Management Program who has grown her business year over year. She credits the program with not only transforming her professionally but also helping her grow personally as a leader and mentor.

Resources:

Student Works

Connect with Joanna on LinkedIn

Disclaimer:

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

What does it take to go from running a Student Works summer management job at university to leading high-performing teams across industries?

In this episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, Chris Thomson sits down with proud Student Works Management Program alumnus Bob Repovs, whose leadership journey began as a student entrepreneur and evolved into decades of executive experience. Bob shares how the lessons learned in the program, from managing people and projects to making tough calls, became the foundation for his leadership philosophy.

He discusses why putting people first is essential for long-term success, how to step back from day-to-day firefighting to focus on strategy, and the importance of surrounding yourself with leaders who push you to be better. From retaining top talent to making the tough calls when a fit isn’t right, Bob’s insights offer practical inspiration for anyone striving to lead with vision and purpose.

Whether you’re just starting your career or leading a large organization, this conversation will show you how the mindset and skills developed in the Student Works Management Program can serve you for life.

Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• How the Student Works Management Program shaped Bob’s leadership style
• Why self-awareness is a critical leadership skill
• How to transition from hands-on management to strategic leadership
• Why surrounding yourself with talented leaders strengthens your team
• The importance of having the right people in the right seats
• How to retain top performers, while letting go of poor fits
• Ways to rise above daily firefighting and focus on long-term goals
• Why you’re never truly alone in your leadership challenges
• And much more...

Guest Bio:

Bob Repovs is the President and CEO of Samco Machinery, a global leader in roll forming and metal processing equipment with operations in over 35 countries. A proud alumnus of the Student Works Management Program, Bob has over 20 years of international experience, including 14 years as CEO. He is committed to driving innovation, delivering engineer-to-order solutions, and leading through Samco’s P3 principles—People, Products, Passion. A member of TEC since 2002 and OG100 since 2016, Bob continues to foster valuable relationships, champion personal growth, and pursue Samco’s “Best in Class” vision.

Resources:

Student Works

Connect with Bob on LinkedIn

Disclaimer:

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