Former CEO of 7-Eleven & Blockbuster: Jim Keyes

In this episode I'm joined by Jim Keyes, the former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, to talk through his journey from humble beginnings to leading two of the most recognizable brands in the world. Jim opens up about how he worked multiple jobs—like flipping burgers at McDonald’s—to pay for school, made pivotal decisions in 7-Eleven’s growth, and led Blockbuster during its struggle against Netflix. He shares how his mindset shifted over the years, how he embraced adversity as opportunity, and how he navigated through some of the toughest leadership challenges in corporate America. Make sure to check out Jim's book, Education is Freedom at: https://www.amazon.com/Education-Freedom-Future-Your-Hands/dp/B0CH6X6BVB   Register for Starting Small Summit 2025: https://betheluniversity.edu/event/starting-small-summit-2025/ Sign up for Starting Small University to join our interviews LIVE and ask questions: https://startingsmallmedia.org/startingsmalluniversity Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup   Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle