Hangar X Studios

An Aircraft That Fills the Gap | Jim Keyes

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 In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead is joined by Jim Keyes, a seasoned business leader, investor, and innovator. Jim’s inspiring journey includes serving as the CEO of Blockbuster and 7-Eleven, but his passion for aerospace and space exploration runs deep, beginning in his childhood. Jim shares his personal experiences and insights into the intersection of leadership, innovation, and the rapidly evolving aerospace industry. He discusses his philosophy of personal agency, the importance of overcoming fear, and how the future of aerospace—especially in vertical lift technologies like eVTOL and XVTOL—holds immense potential. Jim also reflects on his conversations with astronauts, the future of commerce in the Middle East, and how change leads to opportunity.

Episode Highlights:

  • Jim Keyes’ journey from growing up in challenging circumstances to leading major corporations like Blockbuster and 7-Eleven.

  • The concept of personal agency and how it has shaped Jim’s life and career.

  • Insights into the Middle East's growing interest in aerospace and energy innovation.

  • The potential for regional mobility and short-haul air travel in the Middle East, including the growing market for air taxis.

  • Jim’s experiences meeting astronauts and how their shared perspective shaped his philosophy.

  • The future of aerospace innovation, especially with XTI Aerospace’s extended range vertical takeoff and landing (XVTOL) aircraft.

    • Key Points with Time Stamps:

    • [00:01:00] – Introduction to Jim Keyes and his background in leading Blockbuster and 7-Eleven. John Ramstead talks about Jim's long-standing interest in aerospace.

    • [00:02:00] – Jim discusses the concept of personal agency and how growing up without a safety net shaped his resilience and independence.

    • [00:04:51] – Jim shares the importance of critical thinking and how it relates to navigating a rapidly changing world.

    • [00:08:09] – Jim talks about his experience in the Middle East, highlighting their interest in aerospace, energy, and the potential for air taxis to transform regional mobility.

    • [00:09:53] – Insights into the cultural commonalities Jim discovered in the Middle East, emphasizing the universal nature of overcoming fear.

    • [00:14:11] – Jim discusses how the Middle East is positioning itself as a global leader in energy and aerospace, specifically in vertical lift technologies.

    • [00:21:02] – Jim explains the importance of finding a sweet spot in aerospace innovation, particularly in addressing practical needs rather than focusing solely on technology for technology's sake.

    • [00:27:37] – Jim recounts his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut and how meeting Apollo astronauts and Buzz Aldrin inspired him to pursue aviation.

    • [00:30:56] – Jim reflects on the perspective astronauts gain when viewing the Earth from space and how that perspective can help people overcome fear and perception-based conflicts.

    • [00:36:16] – Jim wraps up with thoughts on how education, technology, and overcoming fear can lead to a brighter future.

      • Guest Bio:
       Jim Keyes is a seasoned business leader and investor with extensive experience in leading Fortune 500 companies, including as the CEO of Blockbuster and 7-Eleven. With a lifelong passion for aerospace, Jim has been deeply involved in the industry as both a business leader and a pilot. He is the author of Education is Freedom, a book that explores the power of learning, personal agency, and critical thinking in navigating today’s fast-changing world. Jim has also played a significant role in aerospace innovation and is passionate about how new technologies, such as vertical lift systems and air taxis, will revolutionize transportation. His journey from humble beginnings to leading successful businesses provides a powerful message of resilience and opportunity.

      https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-keyes-a0947215/ 

      Notable Quotes:

      • “I am here today because I was inspired by guys like Buzz [Aldrin], who were ordinary people doing extraordinary things.” [00:00:00]

      • “The future is in your hands.” – Jim Keyes [00:04:40]

      • “Change equals opportunity.” – Jim Keyes [00:06:23]

      • “The key to change is not how we avoid it, but how we respond to it.” – Jim Keyes [00:06:23]

      • “Ignorance leads to fear, fear leads to anger, anger leads to hatred, and hatred leads to violence. But we have the power to replace ignorance with knowledge, and knowledge leads to understanding, understanding leads to hope, and hope leads to peace.” – Jim Keyes [00:38:21]
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        Hangar X StudiosBy John Ramstead