What happens when success meets humility and life throws you the ultimate curveball?

In this deeply personal conversation, Chris Thomson sits down with Jakob Graham, a three-year veteran of the Student Works Management Program and incoming coach, to unpack how entrepreneurship, ego, and family challenges shaped him into a grounded, mature leader.

Jakob shares his journey from being a confident 21-year-old who thought he had it all figured out to facing a family health crisis that changed everything. Through heartbreak, hard lessons, and real growth, he learned the value of integrity, vulnerability, and showing up even when life feels uncertain.

Listen now because if you’ve ever wondered what true leadership looks like beyond the numbers, this episode will remind you that success starts with who you become when things get hard.

• [00:03:36] – Jakob’s early years in painting and his first taste of entrepreneurship
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• [00:07:12] – The harsh truth about “luck” and the myth of overnight success
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• [00:10:34] – How Student Works improved his time management, focus, and grades
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• [00:12:02] – The ego check that changed how he handled conflict and coaching
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• [00:15:03] – Building systems and auditing his business for long-term growth
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• [00:17:38] – How self-awareness and vulnerability became his superpowers
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• [00:22:48] – The life-changing family crisis that reshaped his priorities
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• [00:30:33] – Rebuilding a $260K business with a “we not me” mindset
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• [00:34:00] – Why integrity and consistency separate the top performers
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• [00:39:20] – Becoming a mini coach: why you’ll never feel fully ready—and that’s okay
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• [00:42:37] – Advice for new entrepreneurs: fail fast, ask for help, and keep swinging
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Jakob Graham is a three-year Student Works Management Program veteran and an incoming coach for the 2026 season. A graduate of the University of Guelph, Jakob has grown his business to over $260K while building a reputation for consistency, humility, and servant leadership. After stepping away from his business to support his family through a major health challenge, Jakob returned stronger—with a renewed sense of purpose and a focus on developing others.

🔗 LinkedIn | Website | Facebook

• Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday
• The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
• Gary Vaynerchuk on failure and time
• Alex Hormozi on focus and execution

• Connect with Chris: Website | LinkedIn
• Learn more about the

What happens when early success turns into your biggest obstacle?

In this powerful conversation, Chris Thomson sits down with Colby Wilson, a Wilfrid Laurier business student and three-year Student Works Management Program veteran who’s now preparing to become a mini coach. After a strong rookie season and a complacent second year that nearly derailed his progress, Colby shares the turning point that reignited his drive, and how he built a $275K business through leadership, ownership, and humility.

He dives deep into lessons learned from failure, the mindset shift that rebuilt his confidence, and the joy of helping others believe in themselves.

Listen now because if you’ve ever felt “not ready” to lead, Colby’s story proves that greatness starts the moment you dive in headfirst. Don’t wait for perfect. Just start.

• [00:03:39] – Ambitious but naive: Colby’s life before Student Works
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• [00:05:30] – “An accelerated capsule of growth”: lessons from year one
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• [00:09:30] – The trap of complacency and how two lazy months cost him big
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• [00:12:08] – Facing failure, humility, and the moment everything changed
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• [00:17:15] – How clear planning and weekly execution rebuilt his business
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• [00:18:42] – The secret to enrolling a motivated team that owns the goal
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• [00:23:33] – What top performers like James, Landon, and Caleb all do differently
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• [00:27:13] – Why Colby is stepping up to coach the next generation of leaders
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Colby Wilson is a fourth-year business student at Wilfrid Laurier University and a three-time operator with the Student Works Management Program. After scaling his business from $100K to $275K, Colby is stepping into a new challenge as a mini coach, mentoring future entrepreneurs while running his own high-performing team. Known for his humility, grit, and growth mindset, Colby’s story reflects the transformation that happens when ambition meets accountability.

🔗 LinkedIn

• The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
• Actualize Club Performance Coaching (by Cam Russelle)
• Matthew McConaughey’s Oscar Acceptance Speech (leadership lesson)
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• Connect with Chris: Website | LinkedIn
• Learn more about the Student Works Management Program
• Apply to be an Owner / Operator in the Management Program
• Looking for a fun job this summer? Summer Job Opportunities
• Hear more Alumni Success Stories

The Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast is an original production by...

This week, we’re sharing a recast of Chris Thomson’s feature on Canadians Leading With Impact, where he sat down with Troy Treleaven and Kevin Robert Crone from Dale Carnegie Canada to talk about leadership, mindset, and building Canada’s next generation of entrepreneurs.

Chris shares how he’s spent over three decades developing thousands of young Canadian entrepreneurs, turning ambitious students into confident leaders capable of running six-figure businesses before graduation.

From the fundamentals of accountability and time freedom to the psychology of stress and the discipline behind leadership, Chris breaks down what it really takes to lead with integrity, contribute value, and create lasting impact in both business and life.

[00:00:00] – Troy and Kevin introduce Chris Thomson and the Student Works legacy

[00:01:00] – Chris on betting on young entrepreneurs and the three freedoms: economic, decision, and time

[00:05:30] – Why mindset and stress management are critical to leadership success (“No pressure, no diamonds”)

[00:07:10] – Troy recalls door-to-door lessons and finding flow through challenge

[00:08:20] – Chris explains why knocking on doors builds sales mastery and confidence

[00:12:50] – Turning mistakes into “miss-takes”: why failure is the best teacher

[00:14:50] – Chris shares his entrepreneurial roots, from university athlete to Student Works leader

[00:18:20] – The 1,000-Millionaire Vision: teaching students to build wealth through leadership

[00:20:15] – Why contribution comes before profit

[00:21:45] – Alumni success stories: from Student Works to Wall Street and corporate leadership

[00:26:30] – The truth about generational differences and why each wave of leaders must evolve

[00:30:00] – Managing social media, FOMO, and the discipline of focus in the digital age

[00:35:00] – The Four Referability Habits (Dan Sullivan’s framework) and restoring integrity

[00:41:20] – Coaching accountability: helping young leaders see the real cost of inaction

[00:43:30] – The concept of willingness and the habits of elite performers

[00:46:00] – Chris on what Canadians need to raise the bar: high standards, high support

[00:51:10] – How Dale Carnegie’s teachings shaped Chris’s coaching philosophy

[00:53:40] – Are we missing positive psychology today? Chris on modern motivation and lifelong learning

[00:54:43] – Closing reflections: leadership, contribution, and becoming your best self

• How to Stop Worrying and Start Living – Dale Carnegie
• The Four Referability Habits – from Dan Sullivan’s Strategic Coach
• The Fourth Turning – William Strauss & Neil Howe
• Positive Psychology / Flow Theory – Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
• Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast – hosted by Chris Thomson
• Dale Carnegie Training Canada

• Connect with Chris: Website |

What happens when a lost university student decides to go all-in on himself?

In this inspiring conversation, Chris Thomson sits down with James Ward, a three-year Student Works Management Program veteran and newly appointed full-time coach, who went from feeling directionless at Western University to becoming one of the top-performing young entrepreneurs in the country.

James reveals how he overcame rejection, mastered delegation, and turned discipline into leadership that now drives a $400K business. His story is a masterclass in ownership, consistency, and belief, and a reminder that success isn’t about being special, it’s about never stopping.

Listen now because if you’ve ever doubted your potential or wondered what separates good from great, this episode delivers the roadmap. Don’t miss it! Your next breakthrough could start here.

James Ward is a three-year veteran of the Student Works Management Program and a graduate of Western University. Starting with no business background, he grew from a $100K rookie operator to a $400K top performer and Operator of the Year in the window cleaning division. Now stepping into his new role as a full-time coach, James is passionate about helping young entrepreneurs unlock their potential, lead with confidence, and create life-changing success.

🔗 LinkedIn

• Facebook Ads for Local Business
• Western University – Ivey Business School
• “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel
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• 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.

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.