James W. Keyes - Author, Global Executive, Philanthropist | Education Is Freedom

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➡️ About The Guest

Jim Keyes is a retail industry powerhouse with a track record of revitalizing iconic brands. As CEO of 7-Eleven, he spearheaded data-driven strategies that led to a 10x increase in shareholder value and expanded the company's global footprint to over 35,000 stores. He later served as chairman and CEO of Blockbuster, leading efforts to revitalize the company in the face of a changing entertainment landscape.

Beyond the boardroom, Keyes is a passionate advocate for education. A firm believer in its power to transform lives, he founded the non-profit Education Is Freedom. This organization provides college, career, and life-readiness programs, empowering individuals to chart their own paths to success. Keyes' multifaceted drive extends to his personal life as well, where he is a skilled sculptor, painter, musician, and pilot – a true renaissance man for the modern age.

➡️ Show Links

https://www.instagram.com/jkeyesauthor/

https://twitter.com/jkeyesauthor/

https://www.jameswkeyes.com/

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➡️ Talking Points

00:00 - Intro

02:22 - Education Fights Fear

09:23 - Closing the Knowledge Gap

15:05 - How Learning Shaped James' Journey

21:50 - James Keyes' Background

24:48 - Change Equals Opportunity

28:41 - Education Then vs. Now

32:34 - Sponsor: Entrepreneurs On Fire

33:21 - Myths of US Higher Ed

41:50 - What We Need to Unlearn

47:15 - Risks of Cutting Education

51:00 - Education as a Tool

54:53 - Tackling Misinformation

58:40 - Connect with Jim Keyes

1:00:15 - Advice to Younger Self

1:01:00 - Defining Success

Welcome to the Success Story Podcast, hosted by entrepreneur, business executive, author, educator & speaker, Scott D. Clary (@scottdclary). On this podcast, you'll find interviews, Q&A, keynote presentations & conversations on sales, marketing, business, startups and entrepreneurship. Scott will discuss some of the lessons he's learned over his own career, as well as have candid interviews with execs, celebrities, notable figures and politicians. All who have achieved success through both wins and losses, to learn more about their life, their ideas and insights. He sits down with leaders and mentors and unpacks their story to help pass those lessons onto others through both experiences and tactical strategy for business professionals, entrepreneurs and everyone in between. To get more of the Success Story podcast, go to www.successstorypodcast.com.