Leaders Of Tomorrow Podcast

How do you go from being a shy student with no standout achievements to one of the top-performing operators in the Student Works Management Program. In this powerful episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, Chris Thomson is joined by Esfar Sarker, who shares his inspiring journey of transformation, grit, and growth.

Esfar didn’t arrive with a long resume of accolades. In fact, he was initially rejected from the program. But instead of giving up, he doubled down—working under another operator, gaining hands-on experience, and returning stronger than ever. That persistence paid off. Esfar is now a second-year operator with over $100,000 booked by March and a goal to triple his revenue from last year.

Esfar opens up about overcoming social anxiety, managing unpredictable challenges, and developing the leadership mindset that allowed him to scale his business and himself. From building a reliable team to mastering client relationships, this episode is a deep dive into how character, consistency, and support systems can reshape your trajectory—not just in business, but also in life.

Whether you're just starting out or leveling up, Esfar’s story shows what’s possible when you stop doubting yourself and start showing up every day.

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• How being rejected from the program became the best thing that ever happened to him
• Why your first year should be your “learning year”—and how to make the most of it
• What over-recruiting and team building can do to scale your business
• How to manage stress and use it as a driving force, not a roadblock
• What consistent action looks like and why it’s more powerful than bursts of motivation
• How confidence in life and school can grow through entrepreneurial experiences
• Why returning for a second year can be a game-changer for personal and business growth
• The mindset shift that happens when you stop fearing the hard and start embracing it
• And much more...

Resources:

Student Works 

Esfar’s LinkedIn

What does it take to transform a history and English major into a global finance leader? In this episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, Chris Thomson chats with Zack Kembar, a Student Works alumnus who has scaled incredible heights in the world of finance. 

From his beginnings at Western University to holding top leadership positions at firms like Goldman Sachs, BNP Paribas and Burke Norris Investments, Zack’s journey is a masterclass in adaptability, resilience, and curiosity.

Zack reflects on how his experience with the Student Works Management Program built his foundational skills in time management, goal-setting, and entrepreneurship. He credits the program for teaching him to step out of his comfort zone, develop critical interpersonal skills, and face challenges head-on—lessons that have carried him through an extraordinary career spanning Tokyo, New York, and beyond. 

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• How curiosity and persistence can open unexpected career doors
• Why building strong relationships is a key to long-term success
• The importance of stepping outside your comfort zone to grow
• How foundational skills in time management and prioritization can shape your career
• Why learning to embrace challenges at a young age pays lifelong dividends
• And much more…

Resources:

Student Works 

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

How far can structure and self-discipline really take you? In this episode of Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, Chris Thomson sits down with Jadan Hauser, a standout second-year operator in the Student Works Management Program who's rewriting what’s possible as a young entrepreneur.

After working as a window cleaner under a top operator, Jadan stepped into the program already knowing how demanding the role would be. His first season brought in an impressive $160,000 in business, all while transforming his habits, mindset, and personal standards. Now, Jadan’s aiming even higher with a $750,000 goal for the season ahead.

In this conversation, he shares how mastering time management, focusing on leadership, and building a strong team helped him rise from burnout and overwhelm to structure, clarity, and performance. Jadan dives into the importance of momentum, the long-game mindset, and what it really takes to evolve into someone capable of handling high-stakes leadership.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt stuck—and wondered what could happen if they fully committed to their growth.

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• How one student used structure and discipline to radically change his life
• Why building a high-performing team starts with mindset and alignment
• How consistency and time management unlock success in both business and school
• What it means to lead through Canadian winters, setbacks, and pressure
• Why delayed gratification is the key to thriving as an operator
• How to recover from burnout and regain balance while scaling up
• What sets apart top operators aiming for record-breaking goals
• And much more...

Resources:

Student Works 

How do you go from managing your first business as a student to becoming a top leader at one of the world’s most prestigious consulting firms? In this episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, Chris Thomson reconnects with Tina Pan, an associate partner at McKinsey & Company and one of our successful alumni. 

Tina shares how her experience in the Student Works Management Program laid the foundation for her remarkable career, teaching her essential lessons in leadership, problem-solving, and resilience. From canvassing neighborhoods to navigating difficult client relationships, Tina’s time with Student Works helped her build the confidence and skills that continue to serve her today. 

She reflects on the pivotal moments that challenged her to grow, the importance of mentorship, and the strategies she used to stand out and seize opportunities. Packed with real-world insights and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to accelerate their own leadership journey. Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• The pivotal role of mentorship and how it can shape your career trajectory
• How stepping out of your comfort zone leads to personal and professional growth
• Strategies for standing out and earning the opportunities you want
• Why building strong relationships is key to long-term success
• Lessons on leadership and navigating the complexities of high-performance environments
• And much more…

Resources:

Student Works 

015 | Tina Pan | Inside the Life of a McKinsey Consultant

Connect with Tina Pan on LinkedIn

What does it take to rise from burnout to breakthrough? In this powerful episode of Leaders of Tomorrow, Chris Thomson sits down with third-year Student Works Management Program operator, Jordan Pereira. Currently leading as the top operator of 2025, Jordan is on a mission to scale his business to $600K this season—and he's well on his way.

Jordan opens up about his early struggles with discipline, burnout, and self-sabotage during his first year in the program. From overwhelming Netflix binges to unhealthy eating habits, Jordan reflects on how he hit rock bottom before discovering the true meaning of personal growth. His turnaround didn’t come from learning a new skill—it came from transforming how he manages his energy, habits, and inner dialogue.

He credits his growth to authentic communication, a relentless commitment to personal development, and surrounding himself with a community of like-minded leaders. From breathwork to business systems, Jordan shares how these changes not only doubled his results but created a culture of excellence within his team.

If you’re looking for raw insight into what it really takes to level up as a leader of tomorrow, this episode is a must-listen. Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why personal energy is the foundation of effective leadership
• How one operator used transparency to break through shame and burnout
• What it takes to scale your business while building a high-performing team
• How breathing practices and sleep tracking can impact business performance
• Why surrounding yourself with growth-minded people accelerates success
• And much more...

Resources:

Student Works 

340 | Cam Russelle | Unlocking Peak Performance: The Power of Habits, Celebration, and Connection

Books Mentioned:

Power vs. Force

What does it take to turn ambition into impact? In this episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, Chris Thomson sits down with Chris Reynolds, an accomplished entrepreneur, former McKinsey partner, Founder and Managing Partner of Venn Growth Partners. Chris’s story takes us from his early days in the Student Works Management Program, where he first honed his leadership skills, to the heights of venture capital, where he helps build iconic Canadian brands.

You’ll discover how grit and perseverance defined his journey, why nonlinear career paths can be the most fulfilling, and how he champions a new wave of entrepreneurship in Canada.  With insights into what it takes to thrive as an entrepreneur and leader, this episode will challenge you to rethink your own potential and redefine success. Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• The mindset shift that sets the foundation for leadership and accountability
• Why resilience and perseverance matter more than natural talent
• How to spot opportunities in unconventional career paths
• The secret to creating a customer-first business that stands out in competitive markets
• Why surrounding yourself with the right people is the ultimate game-changer
• And much more…

Resources:

Student Works 

173 | Chris Reynolds | A “Peek” into the Incredible Work Culture at KPMG and McKinsey

Follow Chris Reynolds on LinkedIn

Books Mentioned: 

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

Every year, the Leaders of Tomorrow podcast highlights the top rookie operators in the Student Works Management Program—the ones who sell the most by the start of March. 

In this episode of Leaders of Tomorrow, Chris Thomson sits down with Callum Lawlor and Mihai Oboroc, the top two rookie operators for 2024.

Callum and Mihai open up about the biggest challenges they've faced and the transformational lessons they’ve learned along the way. From developing time management and organization skills to embracing a leadership mindset, they share how the program has reshaped their approach to business and life.

They also discuss the power of consistency, overcoming self-doubt, and learning to ask for help, and how these skills will serve them in their future careers. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or someone looking to level up, this episode is filled with actionable insights on personal growth, resilience, and high-performance leadership. 

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why time management and organization are the foundation of success
• How overcoming self-doubt can open doors to new opportunities
• The value of asking for help and being both a giver and a receiver
• How leadership in business extends beyond just managing people
• Why consistency is the key to long-term success
• How surrounding yourself with the right people can fuel growth
• And much more...

Resources:

Student Works 

How do you transform a record-breaking summer into the foundation for a multimillion-dollar business? In this episode of Leaders of Tomorrow, Chris Thomson sits down with Amer Abu Shakra, a dynamic entrepreneur and alumnus of the Student Works Management Program. 

From breaking a $500,000 business record in the program to founding Contracting.com, a multimillion-dollar business that empowers contractors, Amer’s journey is a testament to resilience, vision, and the power of mentorship.

Amer reflects on the pivotal lessons learned at Student Works, including collaboration, mindset shifts, and building systems for success. He candidly shares the trials of launching Contracting.com, navigating through near-failure to establish a thriving business, and how his experience with Student Works shaped his approach to leadership and innovation.

This episode is filled with practical advice and inspiration for anyone looking to excel in business and life. Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• How collaboration and mindset are key drivers of success
• The role of mentorship and proven systems in building a thriving business
• Insights on overcoming failure and transforming challenges into opportunities
• Why Student Works is the ultimate platform for leadership development
• Strategies for staying grounded and focused on long-term goals
• And much more…

Resources:

Student Works

Contracting.com 

Connect with Amer on LinkedIn

How do you push past your limits and unlock your full potential? In this episode of Leaders of Tomorrow, Chris Thomson is joined by two remarkable senior operators from the Student Works Management Program—Ariana Varas and Brandon Skubel.

Ariana is in her third year with the program, having started as a painter, crew chief, and production manager before stepping into the role of a mini coach. Brandon, now in his fifth year, leads a high-performing team and aims to break the all-time record for revenue in the program.

Together, they reflect on the personal and professional transformations they’ve experienced through Student Works. From overcoming setbacks to building a culture of belief and support, they discuss how this program helped them grow as leaders—both in business and in life.

They share powerful lessons on personal development, coaching, and investing in others, highlighting how the Student Works program goes beyond business to shape future leaders.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to lead with purpose while achieving record-breaking success, this episode is packed with invaluable insights from two driven young leaders.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• How focusing on personal development fuels business growth
• Why setbacks are the ultimate fuel for long-term success
• How building a culture of belief and support elevates teams
• The power of mentorship and the value of having a coach for life
• How the Student Works experience lays the foundation for success beyond business
• Why betting on yourself is the first step toward becoming a true leader
• And much more...

Resources:

Student Works 

Books:

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones 

Ever wondered how vision and perseverance can shape a billion-dollar career? In this episode of Leaders of Tomorrow, Chris Thomson speaks with Jamie-Lee Bongard, a successful entrepreneur and a Student Works Management Program alumni. 

Jamie-Lee shares how her experience as a 17-year-old in the program laid the foundation for her remarkable journey to owning three Keller Williams franchises and leading over a billion dollars in real estate transactions.

Jamie-Lee discusses the essential skills she developed in Student Works, such as resilience, vision planning, and relationship building, which she continues to use daily in her business and personal life. 

From achieving extraordinary success in real estate to balancing her role as a mother of four, Jamie-Lee provides an inspiring and practical guide for aspiring leaders. This episode offers valuable insights on mentorship, time management, and the importance of aligning your goals with your values. Listen now and enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• How the Student Works program helped Jamie-Lee build a billion-dollar business
• The role of vision boards and goal setting in achieving career milestones
• Practical advice on finding and developing top-tier talent for your team
• Strategies for balancing a demanding career with family life and personal growth
• The importance of aligning business success with giving back to the community
• And much more…

Resources:

Student Works

Follow Jamie-Lee Bongard on LinkedIn

Books Mentioned:

Think and Grow Rich: The Landmark Bestseller Now Revised and Updated for the 21st Century (Think and Grow Rich Series)