Have you ever felt like your biggest obstacle is your own uncertainty about the future? In this electric conversation, Chris Thomson welcomes powerhouse alum Chad Humphrey, a history grad who became a national leader in medical device sales after nearly walking away from his dreams as a young entrepreneur.

Chad unpacks hard-won truths about relentless resilience, life-changing mentorship, and the high-stakes lessons only learned on the edge of failure. From selling candy bars to orchestrating multi-million dollar operating room builds, his story proves you don’t need a linear path to build a radically successful career.

Listen now so you don’t waste another year feeling stuck. Discover how elite leaders transform setbacks into unstoppable momentum and why this episode reveals battle-tested strategies you won’t hear anywhere else. The best opportunities are hidden in the moves most people fear. Seize them today.

Timestamped Highlights

09:08 – The “pack it in” moment and the gut-punch advice that changed everything
13:02 – Cold-calling in the dark: When success depends on pure grit
14:39 – Authentic sales secrets: Why being yourself creates high-value impact
19:26 – Inside the Med Device Interview Gauntlet and the surprise career pivot
22:13 – “What the bleep are you doing?” How to take huge risks (and win respect)
28:16 – From hard hats to boardrooms: Radical reinvention at every career stage
34:34 – The painful failures that haunt you and why they make you irreplaceable
41:09 – Crisis ready: The preparation habit elite leaders never skip

About the Guest

Chad Humphrey is the National Sales & Application Specialist for Digital Health Solution at Getinge, and a senior leader in the medical device space with two decades in sales, operating room design, and digital health transformation. After launching his career as a Student Works operator, Chad built his expertise at global giants like Coca-Cola, Mars Wrigley, Medtronic, and Stryker. He is recognized for his transformative impact on surgical technology solutions across Canada and his commitment to people-first leadership and mentorship.

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Resources & Links Mentioned

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
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Hear more Alumni Success Stories

The Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast is an original production by Chris Thomson. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.