A Blockbuster Interview

Bootstrapped Unicorns: Entrepreneurship with Josh Pies

LINK TO YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/N6HiV1tauGA

YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@BootstrappedUnicornsPodcast

ORIGINAL RELEASE DATE: April 2024

RELEASE DATE: September 2024

EPISODE: 24

SHOW NOTES:

Welcome back to the Bootstrapped Unicorns Podcast! We are thrilled this time around to welcome James Keyes to the show. He is a bona fide celebrity in the business world, and we are so grateful to have him share his time with us!

If you didn't already know, James Keyes is the former CEO of Blockbuster and 7-Eleven, as well as a pilot, and author of "Education Is Freedom." In this discussion, he shares his insights on business, change as an opportunity, and the power of education with host Josh Pies.

The conversation starts with the evolution of Blockbuster and 7-Eleven under Keyes' leadership, emphasizing convenience and the strategic use of data. He introduces the concept that "change equals opportunity (CEO)" and argues for the necessity of continuous learning and adapting in business. Additionally, Keyes talks about his book "Education Is Freedom," advocating for lifelong learning and the importance of education in achieving personal freedom and sustaining democracy. He debunks myths around the affordability of college education and stresses the importance of soft skills alongside formal education. The conversation also touches on the significance of internships for young people, the role of big data in modern businesses, and how businesses have a responsibility to contribute to social good.

Join us for this dynamic conversation on the intersection of change, opportunity, and education in both business and in life!

For more from James Keyes, visit: https://www.jameswkeyes.com/

00:00 The Evolution of Blockbuster: Beyond DVD Rentals

00:30 Celebrity Guest: The Man Behind Blockbuster and 7-Eleven

01:50 Redefining CEO: Change Equals Opportunity

05:05 Leveraging Data for Business Success: The 7-Eleven Transformation

10:18 Big Data in Action: The 7-Eleven Coffee Cup Election Poll

13:48 Corporate Responsibility and Social Good

15:17 The Power of Education and Internships

17:35 Navigating the Education vs. Experience Debate

22:37 The Power of Broad Knowledge in the Age of AI

23:42 The Ongoing Debate: Is College Necessary?

25:58 The Importance of Liberal Arts and the Challenge of Rising Education Costs

28:02 Debunking the Myth of Prohibitive College Costs

32:21 The Universal Value of Lifelong Learning

36:33 Soft Skills: The Unspoken Gap in Today's Workforce

39:50 The Blockbuster Story: Lessons in Business and Convenience

42:07 Looking Ahead: The Freedom of Knowledge and the Joy of Flying

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