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 Council; Senior Associate at Lyda Hill Philanthropies

Guests:
Jim Keyes - https://www.jameswkeyes.com/ | www.educationisfreedom.com

Producer: Dustin Magwire | Digital Media Senior Manager, Southwestern Medical Foundation

Videography: Brazos Film & Video - www.brazosfilms.com

 

Disclaimer:

The Southwestern Medical Foundation Podcast is intended solely for educational purposes.  Nothing contained therein constitutes, nor should be interpreted as medical, healthcare, financial or legal advice. 

Southwestern Medical Foundation strives for accuracy in its publications, including the Podcast.  However, due to the nature of the topics discussed, there frequently is not a clear-cut “right answer.”  Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented.

The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center or the University of Texas System.  The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated.