Close

SEARCH

CONTACT

PHONE HOTLINE: +49 (0) 89 123 456E-MAIL: hello@power.com

Purchase Now

PHONE HOTLINE: +49 (0) 89 123 456E-MAIL: hello@power.com

Purchase Now

Search Suggestions

Education is Freedom: James Keyes' Rise From Poverty to Fortune 500 CEO 

For James Keyes, the former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster Inc., education has always been a crucial element of success. In this installment of The Reading Revolution podcast, Keyes joined our very own Joshua Gregory to share his incredible journey from humble beginnings to leading some of America's most iconic companies. 

In Mr. Keyes' new book, Education is Freedom, Keyes, argues that education is the key to unlocking opportunities and achieving one's full potential. His book is a self-help guide that underscores lifelong learning as essential for personal growth, professional success, and societal well-being.

The Childhood Spark: A Vision of Success

James Keyes’ story begins in a small Massachusetts town, where he was born on May 6, 1955. Life wasn’t easy—his home lacked basic amenities like running water, but it was filled with something far more valuable: a love for learning. Keyes vividly recalls visiting his uncle in North Adams, Massachusetts. The house, perched along the picturesque Mohawk Trail, seemed grand to young James, but it was a single shelf of books that truly captured his imagination.

"I equated books and my uncle to success... that was the spark that I needed as a kid to equate books with knowledge, knowledge with success, and success with freedom."

This early impression set the course for his life, where books became his gateway to a future he could barely dream of.

Education: The Key to Liberation

Keyes’ academic journey began at the College of the Holy Cross, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1977. He pursued an MBA at Columbia University, completing it in 1980. His father’s wisdom, imparted during his childhood, remained a guiding light:

"They can take your money, they can take your things, they can take your job, but they can’t ever take what you know."

This belief fueled his continued pursuit of education, which he saw as a means to transcend his circumstances and achieve success.

^{Photo courtesy of James W Keyes}

Adversity and Change: Embracing the Challenge

James Keyes’ career in the retail industry began in earnest when he joined 7-Eleven, Inc. in 1985. Over the years, he climbed the corporate ladder, serving as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer before becoming President and CEO in 2000. His tenure was marked by significant achievements, including the expansion of the company’s franchise operations and modernization of its supply chain.

However, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Keyes faced numerous challenges, particularly when he took the helm at Blockbuster in 2007, aiming to revive the struggling video rental giant.

"The key to success is embracing change, having confidence, and having clarity. Confidence is knowing you have more to learn from every individual you encounter."

Despite his best efforts, Blockbuster struggled against the rising tide of digital streaming services, ultimately filing for bankruptcy in 2010. Yet, Keyes views these experiences as valuable lessons in resilience and adaptability.

Mentors and Lifelong Learning: The James Keyes Way

Throughout his career, Keyes benefited from the guidance of mentors who believed in him. One such mentor was Stedman Graham, who encouraged Keyes to share his story and wisdom through writing. This led to the creation of his book, "Education is Freedom," which aims to inspire others by highlighting the transformative power of education.

Technology: A Double-Edged Sword

In today’s digital age, James Keyes sees technology as a powerful ally in education. He envisions a future where artificial intelligence and machine learning make learning more personalized and effective.

"Imagine what possibilities could be for generations down the road with this kind of transformation in the use of technology to enhance human learning."

For Keyes, it’s not just about adapting to change, but about harnessing it to unlock human potential.

The Education is Freedom Foundation

Motivated by his deep commitment to education, Keyes established the Education is Freedom Foundation (EIF) Foundation. Their vision is a world where every young scholar has an opportunity to pursue post-secondary education. In line with this vision, EIF takes a research-based approach, directly engaging with middle and high school students to achieve five crucial objectives:

1. Instill the belief that all underserved students are capable of succeeding in post-secondary institutions, thereby reducing drop-out rates.

2. Provide top-notch career-planning tools for students and their families.

3.  Assist students in accessing and utilizing scholarship funds effectively.

4.  Offer opportunities for career development.

5.  Equip students with the necessary skills to graduate from high school and pursue their preferred post-secondary path, while ensuring alignment with our strategic goals for racial equity in student outcomes.

"Everyone has a chance for unlimited opportunity if we can just find those sparks that will ignite their curiosity and critical thinking."

Through mentorship and resources, the foundation has touched the lives of over 500,000 students, helping them realize their potential and seize their future.

James Keyes: A reminder of the opportunities that education can unlock

James Keyes' journey highlights the transformative power of education, inspiring us to pursue knowledge, embrace change, and unlock limitless possibilities. His story reminds is a reminder of a timeless truth: Education is Freedom.

To learn more about James Keyes and his vision, you can visit his website.