From Decline to Triumph: Jim Keyes on the Power of Continuous Improvement

The JOY of LIVING

In this episode of The Joy of Living Podcast, host Barry Shore welcomes Jim Keyes, the former CEO of 7-Eleven, for an enlightening conversation on the transformative power of critical thinking in business and life. Jim shares his experiences leading 7-Eleven through a significant turnaround by adopting a simple yet effective continuous improvement process, inspired by the success of 7-Eleven Japan. They discuss how this approach led to nearly 40 quarters of consecutive sales growth in the U.S. and the broader impact of critical thinking on individual, corporate, and societal progress. Jim also reflects on the profound influence of American business thinkers like Peter Drucker in post-war Japan, highlighting how their ideas helped rebuild a nation and shaped global business practices. Tune in to discover how applying critical thinking can lead to both personal and professional success, and why fear is the biggest obstacle to human progress. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to make a difference in the world.