What if the riskiest move in your career is refusing to take any risk at all?

Chris Thomson sits down with Mark Tanel, a Student Works alumnus who now leads national sales for Dulux, now Canadian Industries Limited. Fifteen years ago Mark was a Queen’s Commerce student headed straight for accounting, until one elective changed his mind and his entire path.

They get into the calculated risks that moved Mark across the country, the real difference between hunting and farming in sales, and why leaving every role with integrity kept doors open years later. Mark also shares the full-circle moment of now serving Student Works as a supplier, and the systems thinking that has carried through his whole career.

If you are early in your career and wondering whether to play it safe or bet on yourself, this conversation is the nudge you need. Listen now.

Timestamped Highlights

00:27 – The "introverted extrovert" who had to learn how to own a room
06:05 – Why a future accountant blew up his own plan in fourth year
07:14 – The phone call to Dad that changed Mark’s entire career
08:57 – Inside a book of business worth over $80 million, and what it teaches you
11:16 – Moving across the country at 23, and why the risk paid off
15:10 – Hunter or farmer: the sales distinction that decides your paycheck
20:16 – How one phone call about Mark reopened a door he thought was closed
29:09 – The overlooked product line that grew from $500K to $7M in a few years
35:03 – Getting comfortable being uncomfortable, the skill nobody teaches
47:46 – What Mark believes really makes a leader of tomorrow

About the Guest

Mark Tanel is the National Sales Manager at Dulux, now Canadian Industries Limited (CIL), and a Student Works Management Program alumnus. A Queen’s University Commerce graduate, he began his sales career at Nestlé, managing major retail and grocery accounts across Canada, including a book of business worth more than $80 million, before moving into the paint and coatings industry. Known for a systems-first, relationship-driven approach to sales, Mark now partners with organizations like Student Works to create value on the supply side of the business.

🔗 LinkedIn | Website

Resources Mentioned

Queen’s University
Nestlé Canada
Sobeys
Loblaws
Delissio Pizza (Nestlé frozen brand, discontinued)
PPG
Dulux Paints
ClubLink
Forbes 30 Under 30

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

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