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.

Timestamped Highlights

[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

Resources Mentioned

• 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

Important Links

• 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

About the Show

Canadians Leading With Impact is hosted by Troy Treleaven and Kevin Robert Crone of Dale Carnegie Canada, highlighting leaders who inspire others through integrity, courage, and service.