What does it take to go from feeling lost and unconfident to becoming one of the top performers in a national leadership program?

In this episode of Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, Chris Thomson sits down with Nikos Violetis, a fourth-year Western University student and standout participant in the Student Works Management Program. Nikos opens up about his difficult start in the program, the self-doubt he struggled with, and the learning curve that nearly made him give up. But instead of walking away, he committed to growth, consistency, and trusting the system.

Nikos reflects on how stepping away from distractions allowed him to focus on what mattered most. He shares the strategies that helped him overcome rejection in sales, build trust with clients, and manage a diverse team of student workers. The result? A business that’s on track to triple in size this season.

This episode is packed with honest insights about leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal development.  Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• What helped Nikos turn things around after a tough start in his first season
• The mindset shift that helped Nikos handle rejection like a pro
• How Nikos built a high-trust relationship with his sales rep
• What the Student Works program taught Nikos about leadership and self-belief
• How a “low-risk” student business is preparing Nikos for real-world entrepreneurship
• What personal habits fuel Nikos' energy, focus, and discipline
• And much more...

Resources:

Student Works 

Nikos’ LinkedIn

Book:

Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams