From Slurpees to Streaming: James Keyes on Education, Leadership, AI, and Embracing Change

In this episode of Learning From Leaders, we sit down with Jim Keyes, former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, to discuss the power of education, embracing change, and the future of leadership in a rapidly evolving world. From growing up in a three-room shack with no running water to leading Fortune 500 companies, Jim shares how education transformed his life and why he believes lifelong learning is the key to success.

Jim shares his first-hand experience navigating disruptive change at Blockbuster and the looming event that would ultimately mean the end of the iconic brand. He shares lessons he learned from his time at 7-Eleven, and his vision for AI in education - including how students could one day step inside an operating room at UT Southwestern through immersive technology.

Additionally, Host Lili Clark and Jim talk about leadership, business innovation, the future of education, flying, sculpting, and more…this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Listen now and follow our podcast for more inspiring conversations.

Show Notes:

Chapters:

01:04 – Introduction Host Lili Clark introduces Learning From Leaders and welcomes Jim Keyes, a transformational business leader with a career spanning 7-Eleven, Blockbuster, and beyond.

02:14 – The Power of Education Jim shares how education took him from a three-room shack with no running water to the boardroom, and why he believes learning is the key to personal and professional transformation.

04:30 – Overcoming Adversity: Turning Struggles into Strengths How Jim’s challenging childhood built his resilience and shaped his perspective on embracing change.

07:14 – Lessons in Leadership from 7-Eleven Jim reflects on his time at 7-Eleven, how a pivotal conversation changed his career, and the importance of convenience, innovation, and adapting to change.

08:26 – Embracing Change Jim talks about how CEO stands for ‘Change Equals Opportunity.’

10:35 – Blockbuster’s Digital Disruption Jim discusses his experience leading Blockbuster during the rise of streaming, what decisions worked, what he would have done differently, and how the 2008 financial crisis altered Blockbuster’s trajectory.

19:30 – Business and Social Good Can Go Hand-in-Hand Why shareholder value goes beyond the bottom line. Jim talks about corporate philanthropy and shares how Education is Freedom, the nonprofit he founded, is making a lasting impact.

26:00 – The Future of Education and AI’s Role Jim presents his vision for the future of learning, explaining how AI and immersive technology could revolutionize education and workforce development.

27:03 – UT Southwestern and the Future of Medical Training How AI and technology could take students inside an operating room at UT Southwestern, offering a next-level, hands-on learning experience.

31:20 – Overcoming Fear Through Knowledge Jim discusses the link between fear and knowledge, and how learning can help leaders and individuals tackle uncertainty and change.

38:50 – The Yoda Philosophy: Overcoming Fear to Achieve Success Jim shares insights from ancient philosophy and Star Wars, explaining how fear leads to failure, but knowledge leads to hope and success.

44:09 –  Rapid Fire

46:00 – Flying with an Apollo Astronaut A once-in-a-lifetime story: Jim flew with Charlie Duke, the Apollo 16 astronaut, and even landed on NASA’s shuttle strip.

47:45 – AI’s Potential to Revolutionize Education How Jim is leveraging AI to help shape the future of learning, and why business leaders need to invest in education today.

48:47 – Closing Thoughts & Call to Action Jim shares his final leadership advice: “The Future Is in Your Hands”—so embrace learning, adaptability, and change.

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Episode Details:

Episode 2, Season 2

Host: Lili Clark | Programming Chair, The Cary C