Host Fanny Dunagan talks with Jim Keyes, former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster. Sometimes called the Corporate Yoda, Jim discusses his multi-faceted career and vision for technology and education.

Topics include:

• AI and the future of decision-making
• Lessons from Blockbuster’s misunderstood collapse
• Empowering frontline workers with tech (not replacing them)
• The cultural pressures that keep people from standing out
• Why the U.S. needs a national education operating system
• How astronauts and CEOs experience the “overview effect”

Jim shares his inspiring journey from a small-town upbringing to leading major corporations, highlighting the role of curiosity, resilience, and education in his success. They discuss the transformative potential of technology in retail and education, including Jim's innovative proposal for an Education Operating System (EOS) to revolutionize learning globally. The episode also delves into Jim's passion for aviation and the broader lessons he draws from the aerospace field. Join this insightful conversation to learn how education and technology can shape a better future.

00:00 Introduction to the Tech Leaders Untold Podcast

01:24 Meet Jim Keyes: A Modern Renaissance Man

06:00 Jim's Early Life and the Power of Education

15:58 The Journey from McDonald's to Corporate Success

21:18 Embracing Change at 7-Eleven

32:01 The Blockbuster Era: Challenges and Innovations

39:50 The Power of Education and Personal Responsibility

40:21 Inspiration Behind the Book Title

42:50 The Role of Fear in Education

48:24 A Vision for a Unified Education Operating System

51:07 The Potential of Technology in Education

01:01:40 Micro-Scholarships and Gamifying Education

01:04:49 Aviation and Personal Passions

01:14:12 Reflections on Legacy and Inspiration

01:16:59 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

If you're a tech leader, educator, innovator, or lifelong learner, this episode will change how you think about leadership and what it means to build a better future.

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Connect with Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Connect with Jim Keyes on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-keyes-a0947215/

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Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

02:00 Why They Call Him the “Corporate Yoda” of Leadership and Innovation

04:15 How Curiosity Became the Secret Weapon Behind Every Great Leader

06:43 From Poverty to CEO: The Power of Education to Change a Life

10:36 Teachers, Mentorship & the Unsung Heroes Who Shape the Future

16:06 What he's learned About Leadership, Grit & Excellence

18:45 The Hard Truth: Why Standing Out at Work Makes People Uncomfortable

23:05 Change = Opportunity: The Mindset Every CEO Needs in Times of Disruption

25:51 How 7-Eleven Japan Used Data & Technology to Revolutionize Retail

34:49 Thank you to our sponsor, CG Infinity

32:33 The Real Reason Blockbuster Failed (And Netflix Had Nothing to Do with It)

40:18 How AI and Tech Can Fix America’s Broken Education System

48:34 Inside the Vision: America’s “Education Operating System” (EOS) Explained

55:00 A JFK Moment for Education: The Moonshot for 100% Literacy

1:05:19 Flying at 45,000 Feet: Lessons on Perspective, Purpose & Legacy

1:14:20 My Legacy: Why Knowledge, Curiosity & Faith Still Matter in the AI Age

1:19:14 Closing Thoughts & Tech CXO Launchpad