Blockbuster: Timing, Debt, and Misconceptions

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We sit down with former 7-Eleven and Blockbuster CEO and bestselling author Jim Keyes, whose book “Education Is Freedom” dismantles the myth of “natural confidence” and proves that greatness isn’t born – it’s built. Jim breaks down the exact framework that took him from a childhood with no running water to leading two Fortune 500 companies: The Three C’s – Change, Confidence, and Clarity. And he shows how anyone can use these principles to transform their life’s trajectory.Jim shares exactly how he built confidence from scratch, how to think clearly under pressure, and the surprising habits that made him one of the most influential CEOs in America.

We share:

✅ Why “Change = Opportunity” – and how to turn disruption into your competitive edge

✅ How confidence is built, not inherited – and the mindset that rewires fear

✅ Why clarity becomes a superpower in an overstimulated world

✅ The truth behind Blockbuster’s collapse & the leadership lessons everyone misses

✅ How cultural literacy became Jim’s strategic advantage across Japan, China, and the U.S.

✅ How creativity and curiosity protects you from stagnation

🧠 Who is Jim Keyes?

Former CEO of 7-Eleven, overseeing 30,000+ stores

Former CEO of Blockbuster

Advisor to Fortune 500 companies

Bestselling author

Philanthropist focused on youth leadership & education

One of the most respected operators in America

This isn’t motivation — it’s a masterclass in how to think.

📖 To order Jim’s book: https://www.jameswkeyes.com/

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⏰ Timestamps

1:06 Meet Jim Keyes - from no running water to two Fortune 500 CEO roles

1:57 The Three C’s Framework: Change, Confidence, Clarity

5:52 “Prepare to Win”: the 3-word formula for confidence

7:56 Neuroplasticity: reprogramming patterns

10:25 Why simplicity is a superpower

11:31 Relentless positivity

12:17 How the Three C’s work together as a life system

13:01 “Education is Freedom”

14:37 How cultural literacy is freedom

16:00 Are Americans becoming dumber?

17:41 Blockbuster: fear, timing, and what actually happened

20:44 Why the Harvard case study is wrong

23:33 7-Eleven Japan: humility, adaptability & cultural nuance

24:32 Onigiri, Americanization, and localizing products

29:14 Bringing 7-Eleven to Beijing before the Olympics

30:36 Curiosity, creativity & never growing up

32:47 Where to find Jim Keyes

33:32 Jean and Cherie's gift to Jim (from Sisters Matcha)

👀 Newsletter: https://cherieluo.substack.com/

Why trust us?

▫️ Cherie Brooke Luo – 100M+ views demystifying big tech, finance & MBAs

▫️ Jean Luo – ex-Goldman, ex-Snapchat exec, 50+ AI patents, startup investor

▫️ Together: 4 Ivy degrees • built billion-dollar products • two startups — decoded for you

What you’ll get (and keep):

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▫️ Real talk with unicorn founders, VCs, and billionaires

▫️ Mindset resets – clarity minus the pricey life coach

▫️ Lifestyle, wellness, and productivity hacks that actually work

💛 LET'S CONNECT:

~ CHERIE ~

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