The $12B CEO: "How I Ran 7-11 & Blockbuster, Make $100M Decisions & Almost Bought Netflix for $50M"

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In this episode, we sit down with James Keyes — the former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster — to unpack how a poor kid from rural Massachusetts became the leader of two Fortune 500 giants. From working at McDonald's at age 15 to managing global brands and now advocating for education reform through his book Education is Freedom, James shares the gritty, real-life journey behind his success. If you've ever felt stuck, unheard, or underestimated — this story will show you what's possible when you outlearn, outwork, and outlast the odds.

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⏱ Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction to James Keyes 00:02:10 – Global Speaking Tour & Education Is Freedom 00:05:20 – Humble Beginnings in Rural Massachusetts 00:09:45 – Growing Up Without a Safety Net 00:14:30 – Choosing Integrity Over Trouble 00:18:50 – Apollo Era Inspiration 00:23:40 – Education as the Path to Freedom 00:27:30 – First Job at McDonald's 00:32:10 – Becoming a Shift Manager at 16 00:36:50 – McDonald's as a Business Classroom 00:41:30 – Why Systems Beat Talent 00:46:10 – Truck Driving & Factory Work 00:51:40 – Confronting Mediocrity Culture 00:57:30 – The Cost of Conformity 01:02:50 – Outworking the Competition 01:08:20 – No Master Plan, Just Momentum 01:13:40 – Graduating With Honors 01:18:55 – The Power of Great Teachers 01:24:10 – Leadership Equals Learning 01:29:40 – From McDonald's to 7-Eleven 01:35:11 – Running Fortune 500 Companies 01:41:20 – Blockbuster & Innovation Lessons 01:47:10 – Education vs Entitlement 01:53:20 – Curiosity as a Superpower 01:59:10 – Advice for People Who Feel Stuck 02:04:40 – Education Creates Optionality 02:10:30 – Writing Education Is Freedom 02:16:08 – Social Media & Impact at Scale 02:21:11 – Final Advice for the Next Generation 02:26:30 – Where to Find James Keyes 02:28:40 – Closing Thoughts: Legacy & Learning

📚 Want to Read His Book? → https://educationisfreedom.com

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