The Guy Who Almost Saved Blockbuster

Global Business Leader James Keyes details his tumultuous childhood and experiences heading various major companies. He also shares his views on the importance of education and reveals details about his time at Blockbuster. He also recounts why it went broke (and how he almost saved it). 2:01:31 Show Notes: 0:00 - Introduction 02:04 - Eric welcomes James Keyes and Eric shares his impressive resume. 04:06 - James and Eric discuss different concepts of being a CEO and how adversity shapes successful individuals. 08:48 - James details his tumultuous upbringing. 19:35 - The pivotal moment James realized he needed to work hard in school because nobody was going to take care of him. 24:45 - James gets a life-changing opportunity to study in Europe his junior year in college. 30:43 - James shares what his family and friends thought about him getting a college degree. 36:22 - James gets in a physical fight at his first summer job. 43:09 - James details his suggestions for how to manage politics and collaboration inside a company. 57:23 - James shares his insightful views on politics in the U.S. 01:07:08 - James discusses his time as CEO at various major companies and how he used technology to move them forward. 01:14:47 - Eric asks James how much he still owes Blockbuster in late fees and James pulls back the curtain about his time with the company. 01:52:53 - What James is doing now as Chairman of Wild Oats Markets. Resources From This Podcast: Education is Freedom: The Future is in Your Hands by James Keyes https://www.amazon.com/Education-Freedom-Future-Your-Hands/dp/B0CH6X6BVB Questions or Comments? Do you have questions you would like me to answer in future podcasts or comments on the show you'd like to share? Email me at [email protected]