money money money 843b retirement was never the goal, what Warren Buffet told him & navigating change (former CEO of 7-Eleven & Blockbuster)
Oct 29, 2025
Jim Keyes, former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, shares insights from his leadership journey and the evolution of his career. He questions the notion of retirement, advocating for passion-driven work instead. Jim discusses his transition to art school after 21 years at 7-Eleven and debunks myths about Blockbuster's demise, citing cash flow issues and industry shifts. He highlights his 'three C's' for success: change, confidence, and clarity, while emphasizing the importance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Rethink Retirement As Optional
- Avoid treating retirement as the only goal; keep learning so work never feels like something to escape from.
- Pursue activities that generate income and satisfaction so you can work without needing to 'retire'.
Learning Works Like Compound Interest
- Treat education like compound interest: knowledge builds on itself and expands your options over time.
- Learning multiplies opportunities and can transform career trajectories if you nurture it consistently.
Art School To Reclaim Identity
- After leaving 7-Eleven Jim experienced an identity crisis and took time off to study art in Florence to reset his sense of self.
- Studying painting and sculpture helped him realise identity can change and isn't tied to a single company.
