Leaders Of Tomorrow Podcast

Are your goals stuck on paper, or do you really know how to bring them to life?This thrilling collage episode features candid stories and hard-won strategies from Payam Zamani, Andrew Thompson, George Walsh, John Morgan, and Tycho Koren, young leaders who turned bold visions into breakthrough results.You’ll hear what happens when excitement fades, setbacks pile on, and the process gets gritty. Learn proven, real-world goal-setting frameworks that go far beyond motivation, from aligning ambition with purpose, to the science of tracking your numbers, to coaching yourself and your team with unshakeable standards.Listen now because the real pain is spending another year aimlessly “trying.” This episode is your edge, your urgency, and your guide to turning vision into financial victory. Don’t miss these game-changing insights you simply won’t find anywhere else.Timestamped Highlights00:00 – The surprising power of building your team before your business is even close to your goal02:01 – Why clarity, standards, and staying committed outlasts mere motivation every time02:50 – Payam Zamani reveals the single mindset shift that shattered his income ceiling04:05 – “I dreaded the money talk…”—the confidence breakthroughs behind six-figure sales06:51 – George Walsh maps out the hidden link between team structure and sales confidence09:14 – Tycho Koren on erasing “try” from your vocabulary and building systems that actually deliver10:16 – The math and mindset of $400,000+ revenue goals—broken down, step by step11:31 – John Morgan on a radical truth: the only difference between winners and whiners is who acts on opportunityAbout the GuestsPayam Zamani is an entrepreneur, investor, and author, who is recognized for aligning ambition with purpose and building businesses with impact beyond money. | Episode 401: Building More Than Wealth: Merging Business with a Higher CallingAndrew Thompson is a top-performing operator who transformed early stumbles into $180K in summer sales, who demonstrates the power of resilience and self-belief. | Episode 362: Spring Turnaround: Triumph Over Business ChallengesGeorge Walsh is the owner of Rydel Siding and a Student Works operator in Newfoundland. He is known for his leadership in accountability, team development, and growth. | Episode 358: Blueprint for Growth: Third-Year Operator's StoryTycho Koren is the COO of Actualize, who is a systems-driven leader who coaches young entrepreneurs to replace “trying” with actionable strategy. | Episode 237: Moving the Needle Forward In The Midst Of ChallengesJohn Morgan was a franchise owner with Student Works, who brings discipline and relentless execution to exceeding massive sales targets. | Episode 148: How I am Planning to Achieve My 2020 Sales Goal of $750,000Important 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.

What if the real key to explosive growth was learning to coach, not just grind harder?In this no-holds-barred episode, Chris Thomson sits down with Connor Leslie, a medical science student whose journey from crew member to $650K business operator will challenge everything you think about leadership, teamwork, and personal transformation. Together, they unpack why most young leaders plateau and how radical systems, powerful networks, and coachability can shatter revenue ceilings. Against the backdrop of brutal setbacks and breakthrough moments, Connor reveals the habits, mindsets, and playbooks that outpace the crowd.Miss this episode, and you risk repeating old mistakes, losing the hidden advantage of transformative peer networks, and staying stuck in the lone wolf grind. Listen now to hear exclusive strategies you will not find anywhere else. This is your playbook to lead at the next level.Timestamped Highlights01:09 – How Connor broke free from routine success traps02:18 – The bold leap that changed his money mindset for life07:10 – Eye-opening “worker call” that revealed a hidden network11:01 – The painful lesson that forced Connor to rethink delegation14:24 – How big mistakes on the job became his fast-track to growth17:19 – The secret power of a top-performer morning mastermind24:38 – Shifting from doer to coach for exponential team success33:13 – The resilience rule that stops failure from slowing you downAbout the GuestConnor Leslie is a third-year medical science student at Dalhousie University and a multi-year Student Works Operator. After starting as a door-to-door marketer, he scaled his business from $15K sales to over $650K projected revenue, ranking him in the top 1% of young entrepreneurs nationwide. Known for his relentless growth mindset and proven leadership as a high-performing coach and team builder.🔗 LinkedIn Resources & Links MentionedDalhousie UniversityLinkedIn LearningBook reference: The Compound EffectBook reference: Growth Mindset research (Carol Dweck)Important 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.

What if the secret to high-performance leadership was not about you, but about how you fuel those around you? In this energizing episode, Chris Thomson sits down with Ulysse Deschênes, one of Canada’s top young operators, to reveal what really drives ambitious students to outpace even their own goals.Discover how Ulysse’s journey from ambitious student-athlete to standout business leader was powered by authenticity, relentless self-improvement, and a passion for building up others. This episode digs into the gritty reality of early challenge, the brutal lessons of team leadership, and the unexpected power of shifting focus to your crew.Miss this episode, and you miss proven roadmaps for turning vision into results and a culture that multiplies success, real talk from someone who lives it. Listen now to claim the tactical, heart-first wisdom others will be scrambling to catch up to next year.Timestamped Highlights00:15 – The mindset shift that turned personal growth into team transformation05:51 – How a total beginner leveraged daily improvement to accelerate results11:49 – The bold goal leap that broke through self-doubt13:53 – The unexpected cost of ignoring authenticity and follow-up16:04 – The art of developing future leaders from within your culture19:11 – Why inspiring others became Ulysse’s new metric for success21:00 – The system that turns team members into empowered mini-owners24:40 – The underrated power of long-term relationships for exponential growth29:41 – The brutal truth about consistency and bouncing back from setbacksAbout the GuestUlysse Deschênes is a top operator and coach-in-training in the Student Works Management Program, recognized for scaling his business to over $285,000 and mentoring a high-performing crew. With a background in marketing and finance from Ashesay, he is known for blending grit with a gift for developing leaders and authentic teams.🔗 LinkedIn Resources & Links MentionedStudent Works Management Programselfcompassion.orgDr. Kristin Neff, "Self-Compassion"Important 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.

What if the only thing standing between you and a million-dollar breakthrough is how fast you’re willing to learn from chaos?In this electrifying conversation, Luke Montemurro, a third-year math prodigy at Queen’s University and Student Works superstar, reveals the real playbook behind scaling a student-led business from zero to $1 million. Discover how he went from rookie mistakes and 11 pm breakdowns on job sites, to architecting a “machine” that runs without him and crushes revenue goals. These are the surprising, behind-the-scenes habits, tools, and mindset shifts that transformed his stress into unstoppable momentum.Listen now, because every minute you delay is a lost advantage. Unlock strategies that will spare you burnout, put you years ahead of your peers, and give you the inside track to profit and freedom exclusively shared in this episode.Timestamped Highlights00:35 – The childhood drive that made lemonade stands a launchpad for leadership04:14 – The brutal wake-up call inside “a room of 200 six-figure entrepreneurs.”06:33 – The painful moment of realizing sales are easy… but production isn’t07:55 – Surviving the firestorm: The night everything almost fell apart10:11 – The one skill no one talks about that separates winners from the rest14:44 – Why most people stall and how he shattered the ceiling19:01 – Behind the curtain: The machine that replaced Luke in his own business22:12 – The unexpected Facebook strategy that now prints sales28:18 – The 2-minute rule that transforms Facebook leads into real revenue30:12 – The million-dollar mindset shift: What truly matters in scaling upAbout the GuestLuke Montemurro is a third-year math student at Queen’s University and a top operator with the Student Works Management Program. He has rapidly scaled his painting business to target $1M in total revenue by graduation, building a true team-driven “business machine.” Known for his authentic leadership, relentless drive, and practical sales strategies, Luke Montemurro is rewriting what student entrepreneurship can look like.🔗 LinkedIn Resources & Links MentionedFacebook Ads / Meta AdsJohn Cameron (advisor, Facebook ads specialist)Queen’s UniversityInstagramRedditImportant 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.

Ever wonder why so many driven young leaders stall out before reaching real greatness? What secret really takes raw ambition and forges it into a six-figure reality?In this episode, Chris Thomson sits down with Student Works Management Program veteran Brayden Willmott, a former Team Canada skier turned business builder. From battling complacency and ego to creating over $230K in sales and aiming for a $600K breakthrough, Speaker A pulls back the curtain on the emotional and practical shifts that totally changed his trajectory.If you crave proof that action, radical accountability, and world-class habits can catapult your results, this episode is your fast track. Listen now to dodge the hidden traps that sabotage most young entrepreneurs and unlock exclusive, battle-tested wisdom you won’t find on any other leadership podcast.Timestamped Highlights01:41 – How skiing at elite levels generated the competitive fire for entrepreneurship04:18 – The itch ambitious athletes feel when easy jobs just don’t satisfy06:05 – The painful trap of complacency and how “good weeks” can fool you08:01 – Why most people fail: The scariest moment before taking meaningful action13:12 – The accountability hack that forced ‘boots on the ground’ ownership16:00 – Why “simple actions” are the hardest, and how to finally go all in20:59 – What it really takes to shatter resistance and become a top 5 operator27:26 – The hidden superpower of confidence you never learn in schoolAbout the GuestBrayden Willmott is a third-year finance student at the University of Guelph and a veteran franchise operator with the Student Works Management Program. An ex-Team Canada skier, Brayden leveraged his athlete’s discipline to generate over $230K in business revenue, leading teams and shattering his own goals. His story is a powerhouse mix of competitive grit, vulnerability, and relentless personal growth.🔗 LinkedIn | FacebookResources & Links MentionedAlex Hormozi (on “shiny object syndrome,” action)Jozo’s Program at Blue MountainGartnerUniversity of GuelphTeam Ontario / Team Canada SkiingImportant 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.

Ever wonder why health feels like a losing battle for high achievers even when you “know what to do”? If you’re tired of the Monday restarts, toxic self-criticism, and feeling like your energy never matches your ambition, this episode is your permission slip to break the cycle and reclaim your power.Chris Thompson welcomes health and mindset coach Steph Kawaja, founder of She’s Better Than Ever, to reveal the surprising psychology and revolutionary frameworks behind creating sustainable healthy habits without all-or-nothing thinking or burnout. From healing your relationship with food to unlocking career-changing energy through unshakable routines, discover why the Future Ready Framework is helping leaders (and their teams) perform at their best, in and out of the gym.Listen now or risk repeating another year of the same-old struggles. Don’t wait! These exclusive mindset and habit shifts aren’t found in any generic fitness guide. This episode is your unfair advantage to lead, love, and live your best.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – What is the “Future Ready Framework,” and why healing beats hustle for high achievers?[00:08:39] – Why do so many ambitious women (and men) secretly struggle with food and confidence?[00:12:49] – High performers and the hidden cost of being too hard on yourself[00:17:20] – How your health is quietly derailing your career performance—and how to fix it[00:22:35] – Plan A, Plan B: The secret to staying consistent (even when life hits)[00:29:31] – Why doing “more” isn’t always better—and trusting the power of small, relentless wins[00:34:10] – The 3 (surprisingly simple) non-negotiable habits every hustler needs[00:44:43] – What would be possible—in business, life, and love—if you truly trusted yourself?About the GuestStephany Kawaja is the founder and lead coach of She’s Better Than Ever, a results-driven program helping ambitious women (and men) heal their relationship with food, master sustainable routines, and achieve peak health without sacrificing career success. Drawing on her experience as a top Student Works alum and sales leader, Steph’s Future Ready Framework has transformed 100+ lives by unraveling perfectionism, toxic diet culture, and burnout cycles.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteResources & Links MentionedShe’s Better Than Ever (Steph Kawaja’s program)Atomic Habits by James ClearSelf-Compassion by Dr. Kristin NeffWhoop Fitness TrackerOura RingMatthew Walker (Sleep Scientist)Rotman School of ManagementImportant 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.

Are you still trying to do everything alone, risking burnout and missing your true potential?This episode features Kaleb O'Very, the three-time “Operator of the Year” who scaled his student business to unprecedented heights, and Chris Thompson, Student Works Management Program Head Coach. You’ll hear Kaleb’s raw and inspiring journey from self-doubt and bad habits to elite leadership and record-breaking business growth. Together, they reveal how building a winning team, mastering the art of integrity, and leveraging habit-breaking techniques can propel any young entrepreneur toward industry-defining results.If you want to avoid years of struggle and discover what it really takes to lead a high-performing team, this episode is your unfair advantage. Listen now before everyone else catches up. These lessons might just be the missing blueprint to your next breakthrough.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – Why trying to do it all nearly killed Kaleb’s growth (and what triggered a 300% leap)[00:04:17] – From follower to leader: The surprising catalyst that flipped Kaleb’s mindset[00:07:17] – Mistakes most young entrepreneurs make hiring and leading their first team[00:08:42] – The unexpected business impact of personal habits (sleep, nutrition, mindset)[00:13:15] – How true delegation and coaching unlocked six-figure results for Kaleb’s team[00:16:27] – “Restoring integrity”: The proven method for fixing breakdowns and building trust[00:21:02] – The uncommon team ritual behind this year’s Mexico-bound and President’s Club superstars[00:34:32] – Daily commitments and Kaleb’s single best tip for energizing and bonding a winning teamAbout the GuestKaleb O’Very is a multi-year “Operator of the Year” with the Student Works Management Program who shattered regional business records by leading his team from $120K to over $1.4M. In 2023, he managed and coached five rookie operators to collective President’s Club and Mexico trip success, embodying what next-level delegation and leadership can achieve. Known for his relentless grit, fierce team-building, and the ability to turn high-pressure opportunities into thriving growth engines for all involved.🔗 LinkedIn Resources & Links MentionedABR – Always Be Recruiting strategyLinkedIn 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.

This week, we’re sharing the first part of a recast of Chris Thomson’s powerful conversation on Paper Napkin Wisdom with host Govindh Jayaraman.In this second part of “Cancer Is a Journey,” Chris opens up about the next chapter of his cancer experience, from jaundice and hospitalization to finally receiving a confirmed diagnosis and beginning chemotherapy.What unfolds is a story not just of treatment, but of mindset, gratitude, and the expansion of purpose. Chris reflects on reframing chemo as healing, finding meaning in mortality, and discovering an even greater reason to live: to be present for his family, his team, and now his first grandchild.Timestamped Highlights[00:00:00] – Picking up where Part 1 left off: from feeling great to noticing symptoms[00:01:43] – Turning yellow: the first signs of jaundice and the rush to the hospital[00:03:00] – Emergency biopsy, stent surgery, and the fear of what’s next[00:05:26] – Finally, a diagnosis: follicular lymphoma — and why Chris calls it “fantastic news”[00:06:40] – The entrepreneur’s instinct: “Tell me what I need to do. Put me in, coach.”[00:07:32] – Overcoming fear of chemo and reframing it as a healing process[00:08:46] – “Chemo made me feel better.” How mindset and gratitude shaped recovery[00:10:42] – Seeing chemo not as poison, but as partnership with medicine[00:11:23] – Gratitude for Canada’s healthcare and perspective from others’ stories[00:12:30] – The day of the banquet: from biopsy to public speaking in one day[00:13:38] – What’s changed: health, priorities, and becoming a grandfather[00:14:49] – “I want to have with my grandkids what I have with my kids.”[00:16:41] – Turning lemons into lemonade — how cancer expanded his mission[00:17:46] – Living beyond the physical: how loved ones continue through legacy[00:19:59] – Staying in the moment and letting go of unrealistic expectations[00:21:00] – A powerful goodbye: honoring his late friend Wendy Porter[00:23:21] – Facing death daily — a Stoic approach to living fully[00:26:29] – The ROI of a life of contribution: “Profit follows purpose.”[00:27:46] – Climbing new mountains — redefining success after survival[00:30:00] – Reaching out and finding connection: “We’re better together.”[00:32:00] – Closing reflections: remembering who you are and being there for othersResources MentionedPrincess Margaret Hospital (Toronto) – oncology and liver specialistsDr. Sapisochin, liver surgeon at PMHWellspring – support network for cancer patientsImportant 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 About the ShowPaper Napkin Wisdom is hosted by Govindh Jayaraman, exploring the life-changing lessons that leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries live by, one napkin at a time.The Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast is an original production by Chris Thomson and Podcast Your Brand. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.