Jim Keyes | Former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster on What Always Happens Before a Company Crash and How He Ran Multi Billion Dollar Busines

Jim Keyes | Former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster on What Always Happens Before a Company Crash and How He Ran Multi Billion Dollar Busines

Author: The School of Hard Knocks February 6, 2026 Duration: 53:19

Jim Keyes led some of the most iconic companies in the world, including serving as CEO of 7 Eleven during one of the most volatile periods in its history.

He breaks down how growing up dirt poor shaped his leadership edge, why 7 Eleven’s bankruptcy nearly ended the company, and how seeing crisis as opportunity changed the trajectory of his career.

We also cover what actually saves companies in free fall, why fear kills more businesses than bad strategy, how equity creates real wealth, and the leadership decisions most CEOs avoid when the stakes are highest.

This episode is a blueprint for navigating collapse, leading at scale, and building a career that turns chaos into opportunity.


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There's a certain kind of wisdom you can't get from a textbook, forged instead in the unpredictable fires of real-world experience. The School of Hard Knocks Podcast is built on that principle, offering a front-row seat to unfiltered conversations with some of the most accomplished entrepreneurs and visionary creators from across the globe. Each episode moves beyond polished success stories to dig into the gritty, often unspoken challenges these individuals faced on their journeys. You'll hear about the pivotal failures that became turning points, the difficult decisions made under pressure, and the personal philosophies that guide them through uncertainty. This isn't about theoretical business models; it's a deep dive into the resilience, adaptability, and raw determination required to build something meaningful. Brought to you by The School of Hard Knocks, this podcast serves as an ongoing masterclass in navigating the complexities of modern creation and enterprise. Tune in for authentic dialogues that reveal the human effort behind the headlines, providing not just inspiration but tangible insights you can apply to your own path.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 55

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