How to Think, Learn, and Lead in a Divided World with James Keyes, Ep.94

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This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series!

What if the way we approach learning could shape not just our own success, but the future of our planet? In this episode, I sit down with James Keyes—former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster—who believes that education isn’t just about getting a degree; it’s the key to freedom, progress, and solving some of our biggest challenges. But here’s the catch: many of us stop actively learning after school, relying instead on the information that already fits our worldview. That’s where we get stuck.

 In this conversation, we explore how fear is weaponized to keep people divided, why knowledge alone isn’t enough to change minds, and how we can shift the way we communicate environmental solutions to be more inviting, less polarizing, and ultimately more effective.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, an activist, or simply someone who wants to engage more critically with the world, this episode will challenge how you think about learning, decision-making, and even the way you advocate for change.

Highlights

• Why fear—not lack of information—is at the root of many societal and environmental challenges.
• How militant ignorance keeps people from seeing solutions (and how to avoid falling into that trap ourselves).
• The three skills you actually need to be a lifelong learner—far beyond the classroom.

What YOU Can Do

• Challenge your own biases: Are you truly open to new perspectives, or just reinforcing what you already believe?
• Shift your messaging: When advocating for change, focus on shared values and opportunities rather than battles and division.
• Reignite your curiosity: Instead of assuming you already know the answer, start asking why more often.

Resources

• Education is Freedom: The Future is in Your Hands by James Keyes.  
• Jame's website 
• James Keyes’ TEDx Talk on the power of learning  

 

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

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Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?