

Change Equals Opportunity
Feb 17, 2024
James Keyes, former CEO of Blockbuster and 7-Eleven, shares his journey through corporate challenges and leadership amidst bankruptcy. He discusses Blockbuster’s initial foray into streaming and the lessons learned from its decline. Keyes emphasizes the importance of viewing change as a chance for growth and innovation. He also dives into the transformative role AI is playing in education, highlighting how it can personalize learning experiences and improve educational outcomes in a rapidly evolving landscape.
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Change Equals Opportunity
- James Keyes woke up one day and realized "change equals opportunity."
- This realization helped him navigate 7-Eleven's challenges after the 1987 market crash.
Kaizen at 7-Eleven
- Keyes learned the Kaizen principle of continuous improvement from his Japanese business partners at 7-Eleven.
- This principle, involving hypothesis testing and customer feedback, even led to a better Slurpee.
Cultural Literacy
- 7-Eleven's diverse franchisees, representing 135 countries, embody the American Dream.
- Keyes reframes "diversity" as "cultural literacy," emphasizing learning from different cultures.