Episodios

  • 456 | Dylan Puchniak – How Top Performers Really Buy Freedom

    456 | Dylan Puchniak – How Top Performers Really Buy Freedom
    Apr 14 2026
    What if mastering a few simple habits could transform your life, multiply your freedom, and let you have it all?This episode features an electrifying conversation between Chris Thomson and Dylan Puchniak, a record-breaking Student Works alum who left engineering for real estate and now dominates both sides of the Ottawa-Gatineau market. Discover why finishing what you start is just the beginning, and how building systems, owning your time, and relentless personal development unlock extraordinary results.Whether you’re craving more money, meaning, or true life design, Dylan’s journey reveals the invisible levers top performers pull and the silent mistakes that stall even the brightest stars.Listen now or risk missing the mindset shift and tactical edge that turn ordinary routines into lifelong advantage. This is your exclusive chance to hear proven, battle-tested strategies not taught anywhere else.Timestamped Highlights[00:01:21] – The moment Dylan’s “simple” life vision blew wide open[00:05:33] – Why student works “ruined” Dylan and set him free[00:08:53] – Skydiving, Bali, and the real cost of your dreams[00:10:34] – How money turned into the ultimate lever for freedom[00:12:27] – Turning coffee chats into a game-changing new career[00:15:53] – The “commission breath” that kills deals and destroys trust[00:23:25] – How a year off created Dylan’s biggest regret (and his comeback)[00:30:07] – The shocking power of one 2-hour daily habitAbout the GuestDylan Puchniak is a top-producing Realtor based in Ottawa and Gatineau, licensed in both Ontario and Quebec, and known for setting records since his days at Student Works. He is recognized for his white-glove service, award-winning performance, and personal brand of leadership that fuses elite systems with human-first relationships. Dylan also leads a real estate photography and videography business, and is a passionate sports advocate building connections with the Ottawa Senators.🔗 LinkedIn | Website | FacebookResources & Links MentionedRoyal LePageRich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert KiyosakiDISC assessmentDan Sullivan’s Strategic CoachOttawa SenatorsQuebec real estate regulationsKolbe AssessmentLinkedIn LearningImportant LinksConnect with Chris: Website | LinkedInLearn more about the Student Works Management ProgramApply to be an Owner / Operator in the Management ProgramLooking for a fun job this summer? Summer Job OpportunitiesHear more Alumni Success Stories The Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast is an original production by Chris Thomson. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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    45 m
  • 455 | Ashley Ayles – How Grit and Planning Made $280K Possible

    455 | Ashley Ayles – How Grit and Planning Made $280K Possible
    Apr 7 2026
    Ever wondered how some leaders rise from devastating beginnings to shatter records and inspire others?This episode is a full-access pass into the life and mindset of Ashley Ayles, a Student Works Management Program operator from Fredericton, who went from a turbulent childhood to boldly aiming for a million-dollar business, all while in university.Host Chris Thomson peels back the layers on Ashley’s truly rare transformation: how family trauma, scarcity, and self-doubt fueled her drive, and the surprising systems and habits that turned a struggling start into explosive growth. If you crave real talk on doing hard things, overcoming failure, and building unshakable confidence, listen now.Unlock today’s episode to avoid years of silent struggle, discover proven tools for accelerating your leadership journey, and hear an exclusive blueprint you simply won’t find anywhere else.Timestamped Highlights[00:00:00] – From zero experience to instant sales obsession: Ashley’s surprising favorite part of business[00:04:00] – Surviving abuse and low income: The real pain behind early grit[00:08:46] – “Don’t put old Ashley in a corner”: Accepting the past, shifting the present[00:11:08] – Massive hiring fails: Settling for mediocrity and what it cost[00:16:15] – Chaos cured: The small systems that changed everything[00:17:09] – The $10K mistake that nearly blew it all—emotions vs. execution[00:24:25] – What really drives you to smash goals long after the finish line?[00:27:07] – Scaling up: Inside the bold plan for a million-dollar teamAbout the GuestAshley Ayles is a Student Works Management Program operator based in Fredericton, NB, recognized for achieving nearly $300,000 in business sales in her rookie season while balancing full-time classes. She’s now on a mission to build a million-dollar enterprise, all rooted in personal transformation, high-trust recruiting, and empowering other young leaders to rise. Known for real talk, unstoppable drive, and her bold vision for what’s possible, Ashley is rapidly becoming a standout figure in the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurs.🔗 LinkedIn | Website | Facebook | InstagramResources & Links MentionedJulia MurphySICO StainLinkedIn LearningJT (January Training)AirbnbImportant LinksConnect with Chris: Website | LinkedInLearn more about the Student Works Management ProgramApply to be an Owner / Operator in the Management ProgramLooking for a fun job this summer? Summer Job OpportunitiesHear more Alumni Success Stories The Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast is an original production by Chris Thomson. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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    46 m
  • 454 | Chad Humphrey – Why Adversity Fuels Breakthrough Success Now

    454 | Chad Humphrey – Why Adversity Fuels Breakthrough Success Now
    Mar 31 2026
    Have you ever felt like your biggest obstacle is your own uncertainty about the future? In this electric conversation, Chris Thomson welcomes powerhouse alum Chad Humphrey, a history grad who became a national leader in medical device sales after nearly walking away from his dreams as a young entrepreneur.Chad unpacks hard-won truths about relentless resilience, life-changing mentorship, and the high-stakes lessons only learned on the edge of failure. From selling candy bars to orchestrating multi-million dollar operating room builds, his story proves you don’t need a linear path to build a radically successful career.Listen now so you don’t waste another year feeling stuck. Discover how elite leaders transform setbacks into unstoppable momentum and why this episode reveals battle-tested strategies you won’t hear anywhere else. The best opportunities are hidden in the moves most people fear. Seize them today.Timestamped Highlights09:08 – The “pack it in” moment and the gut-punch advice that changed everything13:02 – Cold-calling in the dark: When success depends on pure grit14:39 – Authentic sales secrets: Why being yourself creates high-value impact19:26 – Inside the Med Device Interview Gauntlet and the surprise career pivot22:13 – “What the bleep are you doing?” How to take huge risks (and win respect)28:16 – From hard hats to boardrooms: Radical reinvention at every career stage34:34 – The painful failures that haunt you and why they make you irreplaceable41:09 – Crisis ready: The preparation habit elite leaders never skipAbout the GuestChad Humphrey is the National Sales & Application Specialist for Digital Health Solution at Getinge, and a senior leader in the medical device space with two decades in sales, operating room design, and digital health transformation. After launching his career as a Student Works operator, Chad built his expertise at global giants like Coca-Cola, Mars Wrigley, Medtronic, and Stryker. He is recognized for his transformative impact on surgical technology solutions across Canada and his commitment to people-first leadership and mentorship.🔗 LinkedInResources & Links MentionedCoca-ColaMars WrigleyTycoMedtronicStrykerKarl StorzGetingeImportant LinksConnect with Chris: Website | LinkedInLearn more about the Student Works Management ProgramApply to be an Owner / Operator in the Management ProgramLooking for a fun job this summer? Summer Job OpportunitiesHear more Alumni Success Stories The Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast is an original production by Chris Thomson. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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    49 m
  • 453 | Christian Corben and Mikhail Lopez – How Top Rookie Operators Outperform Everyone Now

    453 | Christian Corben and Mikhail Lopez – How Top Rookie Operators Outperform Everyone Now
    Mar 24 2026
    What if your biggest growth breakthrough is just one bold decision away?In this exclusive episode, Chris Thomson sits down with 2024’s top StudentWorks rookies, Christian Corben and Mikhail Lopez, to uncover the hidden habits, resilience rituals, and mindset strategies that propelled them to nearly $50K in sales before winter’s end. These up-and-coming leaders reveal the real obstacles—internal and external—that threaten every ambitious entrepreneur and share the surprising stories you won’t hear in any business class.If you want to shortcut years of struggle, avoid rookie burnout, and tap into the proven methods driving runaway success, this episode is your playbook. Listen now before you settle for mediocrity—because these insights are field-tested, battle-proven, and only revealed here.Timestamped Highlights[00:05:12] – The unexpected truth about “starting disorganized” and leveling up anyway[00:08:00] – Why the most driven rookies work for the best mentors (and how they get hired!)[00:13:31] – Shocking: How a high school rookie booked nearly $300K, against all odds[00:16:16] – When ambition meets time limits: The silent killer no one sees coming[00:22:24] – The story of a dog attack, lost weekend, and an unbreakable mindset[00:28:20] – The little-known books and podcasts that banished wantrepreneur thinking[00:37:30] – Uncommon networking: Why your peer group is your secret weapon[00:45:55] – The 7-word morning mantra fueling nonstop rookie victoriesAbout the GuestChristian Corben is a first-year Laurier student and the standout top rookie window cleaning operator at StudentWorks Management Program, distinguished for booking nearly $300K in high school. Known for his resilience, leadership maturity, and ability to rally strong teams, Christian embodies the future of Canadian entrepreneurship.🔗 LinkedInMikhail Lopez is a top rookie painting operator at StudentWorks based in Montreal, recognized for his results-driven approach, his prior experience with powerhouse alumni like Lucas Legados and Aris Lloshi, and his commitment to continual personal growth. Mikhail is a rising force in young leadership circles.🔗 FacebookResources & Links MentionedJim Collins (author)Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday (book)Beyond the Hammer (book)The Way of the Superior Man (book)Whoop (wearable for recovery tracking)LinkedIn LearningIndeed (job platform)Laurier UniversityImportant LinksConnect with Chris: Website | LinkedInLearn more about the Student Works Management ProgramApply to be an Owner / Operator in the Management ProgramLooking for a fun job this summer? Summer Job OpportunitiesHear more Alumni Success Stories The Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast is an original production by Chris Thomson. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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    53 m
  • 452 | Best of: Leadership

    452 | Best of: Leadership
    Mar 17 2026
    What truly separates the leaders who inspire and elevate from those who simply manage? Are you ready for the kind of wisdom that makes uncomfortable ownership, integrity, and humility not just buzzwords, but daily practices that build winning teams?In this exclusive Leadership Collage episode, host Chris Thomson brings together the most impactful moments from alumni and operator conversations, featuring Guy Metcalfe, Amer Abu Shakra, Chris Caruso, Colby Wilson, Jaden Hauser, Jamie Lee Bongard, Chris O'Rourke, and Jadan Hauser. Through their experiences, you’ll uncover what real leadership looks like: from leading by example in snowstorms and pizza run rituals, to building cultures of trust, hungry ambition, and day-to-day accountability.Listen now because leaders aren’t born. They’re built from action. If you want a proven shortcut to avoid costly mistakes, accelerate your growth, and foster a team that wins together, this collage gives you exclusive insights not found anywhere else. The urgency is real: don’t let your leadership journey plateau before you discover these powerful habits.Timestamped Highlights00:00 – What happens when you’re truly willing to do anything you ask of your team?00:57 – The critical difference between leadership theory and uncomfortable ownership in practice02:04 – Why trusting your team beyond your comfort zone is the ultimate test of integrity03:20 – The surprising culture-building tactics that turn crews into loyal powerhouses05:16 – “Ownership changes everything”—how accountability transforms business results06:40 – Organizational systems and infrastructure: the hidden edge for young leaders07:20 – The three traits that help tomorrow’s leaders attract—and keep—world-class teams09:25 – Pizza, ping pong, and evening rituals: how traditions elevate team connection and spirit12:10 – When humility backfires: lessons learned the hard way in pursuit of team greatness13:31 – The drive to be better every single day—and why unstoppable progress beats talentAbout the GuestAmer Abu Shakra – Co-founder of Contracting.com, a multi-million dollar business built in his twenties, Amer exemplifies building culture through integrity, trust, and ownership. | Episode 309: The Six Rules of Success that Helped me Break the All-Time Sales Record at Student WorksChris Caruso – Operator and coach in the field, Chris is dedicated to building positive team cultures and achieving ambitious business milestones. | Episode 390: How to Break Records and Push Your LimitsColby Wilson – Field operator and coach, Colby is known for his example-based leadership, focus on integrity, and commitment to personal and professional growth. | Episode 438: How To Turn Failure into a $275K ComebackWill Malouf – Director at Valsoft, Will brings leadership perspective and business acumen to the discussion. | Episode 400: How to Master Organization for Professional SuccessGuy Metcalfe – Former Global Chairman and Global Head of Real Estate, Guy advocates for leading by example and fostering team cohesion through shared experiences. | Episode 398: Mastering Stress to Fuel Your Growth JourneyJamie Lee Bongard – Owner of three Keller Williams franchises, Jamie highlights humility, drive, and people-centered leadership as keys to success. | Episode 350: Path to Personal Growth and Business SuccessChris O’Rourke – Former Chief Revenue Officer of Zuess, Chris focuses on humility, organizational clarity, and strong foundational leadership habits. | Episode 397: From Student Works to Building a Legacy of SuccessJadan Hauser – Veteran operator, Jadan champions daily self-improvement, organization, and consistent action as the foundation of strong leadership. | Episode 410: How to Master Time Management for Entrepreneurial SuccessImportant LinksConnect with Chris: Website | LinkedInLearn more about the Student Works Management ProgramApply to be an Owner / Operator in the Management ProgramLooking for a fun job this summer? Summer Job OpportunitiesHear more Alumni Success StoriesThe Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast is an original production by Chris Thomson. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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    15 m
  • 451 | Eric Fullerton | How to Crush Doubt and Thrive as a Modern Leader

    451 | Eric Fullerton | How to Crush Doubt and Thrive as a Modern Leader
    Mar 10 2026
    Ever feel like the success you crave is just out of reach, blocked by self-doubt or a lack of clarity?This exclusive episode features Eric Fullerton, a lightning-fast riser who went from average student to Adobe’s youngest Enterprise Account Director in New York by harnessing failure, radical ownership, and a playbook he first tested as a Student Works operator.Host Chris Thomson dives deep with Eric on beating impostor syndrome, translating “victim” moments into power moves, and why real leaders fall in love with process instead of status. Whether you’re aiming for a spotlight role or just searching for your next big break, their conversation uncovers the mindset and habits you need right now.Stop hoping for a breakthrough, and learn what high-performers actually do. Listen now, because inaction kills more dreams than failing ever could—and these real-world strategies aren’t shared anywhere else.Timestamped Highlights[00:01:27] – “Somehow I got in the wrong meeting room…” Technology fails, courage doesn’t[00:06:10] – The surprising truth behind doing well in school (and why it left Eric unfulfilled)[00:09:07] – Clipboards, strange calls, and accidental life-changing decisions[00:10:26] – How to wield humility as a superpower and overcome imposter syndrome[00:14:22] – From biochemistry to boardrooms: When parents “know you” better than you do[00:17:05] – The underlying mindset that separates top earners from spectators[00:22:10] – When your lifelong dream shatters—turn pain into your next victory[00:28:16] – How daily habits rooted in ‘boring basics’ create thrilling revenue results[00:37:07] – Out-preparing your age: Secret weapons for winning the room and the deal[00:41:09] – The devastating cost of overthinking mistakes and the “helpful test” that fixed it[00:52:05] – The #1 trait the next generation of leaders must practice nowAbout the GuestEric Fullerton is the Enterprise Account Director for Adobe in New York, leading high-impact digital transformation projects with C-suite leaders across public sector and government. A Student Works Management Program alum and former top performer at Canada Life, Eric is recognized for hitting 200%+ sales quotas year after year while championing authentic leadership, resilience, and continuous personal growth.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteResources & Links MentionedCanada LifeSmith School of Business, Queen’s UniversityLinkedIn LearningSmith Certificate in BusinessImportant LinksConnect with Chris: Website | LinkedInLearn more about the Student Works Management ProgramApply to be an Owner / Operator in the Management ProgramLooking for a fun job this summer? Summer Job OpportunitiesHear more Alumni Success Stories The Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast is an original production by Chris Thomson. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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    53 m
  • 450 | Mathieu Champagne | Unveiling the Secrets Behind an $800K Leap

    450 | Mathieu Champagne | Unveiling the Secrets Behind an $800K Leap
    Mar 3 2026
    What would it feel like to finally break through your limits and know for certain you belonged at the top? In this energizing episode, Chris Thomson welcomes star operator Mathieu Champagne, fresh off scaling his student enterprise from rookie status to a high-performing, multi-hundred-thousand-dollar juggernaut.Their no-holds-barred conversation unpacks the REAL story behind radical growth: why betting on yourself is terrifying (and thrilling), how to develop the mindset to crush dry spells, the magic of team culture, and practical systems for building the discipline serious leaders need.If you’re tired of ordinary advice or stuck at good-enough, tune in now. You’ll discover proven moves to double your results, swerve rookie traps, and ignite a sense of purpose that makes relentless work feel like victory not burnout. Don’t risk plateauing. For real results, listen now before your spot is gone.Timestamped Highlights[00:00:36] – The competitive streak that lit the fire— and why betting on yourself unlocks more than degrees[00:03:23] – Hard-won lessons from painting “inside the trenches”—what rookies always miss[00:08:03] – $0 weeks, call reluctance, and the make-or-break moment that triggered a 6-figure breakthrough[00:12:37] – The Montreal January grind: when -25°C builds confidence, not frostbite[00:16:37] – The real difference between a solo hustler and a true director (it’s not what you think)[00:22:28] – Culture, connection, and the Quebec operator movement—secrets to unbreakable team unity[00:29:03] – “I was never organized”—why mapping your days and habits is a shocking superpower[00:36:10] – The conversation tactic every operator dreads, but top leaders master for growthAbout the GuestMathieu Champagne is a top-performing Student Works Management Program operator based in Montreal, Quebec. Known for doubling his business year-over-year and building powerhouse teams, he’s established himself as a coach, mentor, and role model for emerging leaders. With an HEC business background and a talent for inspiring others, Mathieu is setting records in operational excellence, team leadership, and sales growth within Canada’s most competitive young entrepreneur ecosystem.🔗 LinkedInResources & Links MentionedHEC MontréalBook: Fierce Conversations by Susan ScottLSI Conflict Management trainingQuebec Sur La Map (program culture)Student Works Mexico TripImportant LinksConnect with Chris: Website | LinkedInLearn more about the Student Works Management ProgramApply to be an Owner / Operator in the Management ProgramLooking for a fun job this summer? Summer Job OpportunitiesHear more Alumni Success Stories The Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast is an original production by Chris Thomson. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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    44 m
  • 449 | Darryl Leroy | Watch What Happens When Grit Meets World-Class Mentorship

    449 | Darryl Leroy | Watch What Happens When Grit Meets World-Class Mentorship
    Feb 24 2026
    Ever wonder what separates a thriving leader from the crowd, especially when the stakes are sky-high? In this riveting episode, Chris Thomson sits down with Darryl Leroy, a corporate trailblazer who rose from small-town roots and student jobs to powerhouse roles at P&G, Maple Leaf Foods, and high-impact consulting. Together, they unveil the real-life playbooks, risks, and victories behind building a standout career, plus the invisible skills every next-gen leader must master.Get the raw truth on how setbacks, relentless learning, and courageous ownership transform not only your path, but your impact.Listen now. Miss this, and you risk blindly repeating the mistakes that hold ambitious leaders back. The tools and insights inside this episode are proven, real, and not found in any textbook… Catch them here, first.Timestamped Highlights[00:01:24] – What life in a small town and a 40-hour week taught Darryl before business even began[00:03:20] – The “failure” that nearly derailed Darryl’s future and how one coaching conversation flipped the script[00:06:26] – Why learning from adversity and firing employees shaped his entire management style[00:10:04] – The secret way Student Works made him irresistible to Fortune 500 recruiters[00:14:11] – Proven practices for inspiring and energizing world-class teams inside P&G[00:24:08] – When a single decision cost millions, inside Darryl’s biggest career gut punch[00:34:39] – The mindset shift that let Darryl turn every setback into a springboard[00:41:24] – Why letting go (but not burning out) is the superpower all leaders need now[00:50:01] – One future-proof habit you MUST build to thrive in a world of rapid changeAbout the GuestDarryl Leroy is a Canadian executive mentor, advisor, and former senior leader with two decades at Procter & Gamble, where he held multiple director and VP-level roles managing multi-million dollar portfolios. He later brought this expertise to Maple Leaf Foods as a national sales team lead and spent years consulting for fast-growth entrepreneurs and CPG startups. Known for his energizing leadership style, deep operational insight, and championing of relentless learning, Darryl’s impact reaches across the top tiers of Canadian business and beyond.🔗 LinkedInResources & Links MentionedProcter & Gamble (P&G)Maple Leaf Foods5E Model for Leadership DevelopmentSAPThe Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay StanierActualize Club Performance CoachingSteve MarkerImportant LinksConnect with Chris: Website | LinkedInLearn more about the Student Works Management ProgramApply to be an Owner / Operator in the Management ProgramLooking for a fun job this summer? Summer Job OpportunitiesHear more Alumni Success Stories The Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast is an original production by Chris Thomson. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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    56 m