Jim Keyes has an outstanding resume. A former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, former head of planning at Citgo, a pilot, a sculptor, and a published author, Keyes learned from a challenging childhood that curiosity is the key not merely to get through life, but to grab the reins and run with it.
Jim's start wasn't easy. One of six kids, he grew up in a three-room shack with no running water in Grafton, Mass. Overwhelmed by it all, his mother walked out on the family when he was a child, and according to Jim, the family faced crisis after crisis. But these crises never deterred Jim from wanting to discover his place in the world.
"I didn't see myself as a victim, and said I will get through this and there's going to be another opportunity on the other side of this crisis, and there always was," he said.
Born to a Baptist father and a Catholic mother, at an early age Jim was swept away by the "uniqueness" of the Catholic Church, despite its familiar lessons.
"I learned the Bible verse James 1:12, 'Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial,' and I kind of own that," he said.
That verse would pop up in Jim's life repeatedly. But on the Christmas morning right after he was appointed CEO of 7-Eleven, Jim had a dream in which he successfully conquered three trials, and he knew that embodying change, confidence, and clarity would lead him wherever he wanted to go.
Jim has taken his classical education and faith lessons and put them in a book called, Education is Freedom: The Future is in Your Hands. He has gone on an international speaking tour with the book, and with the help of social media giant Mr. Beast, has created scholarship opportunities for children around the world.
Jim said that freedom has taught him to enjoy the richness of life and the beauty and peace of nature. But freedom can mean something different to everyone.
"Every day is literally a new adventure if you're open to it," he said.
A self-avowed "space geek," Jim is also a lover of the Star Wars franchise, which "preaches" about "the antidote to darkness." So, if you understand Yoda-speak or want to tap into the words of Pope John Paul II, you're going to love the conversation on this week's podcast.
You can learn more about James Keyes at his website, JamesWKeyes.com, or reach out to him on his Instagram. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy this week's episode of Chiseled.