Jim Keyes: Education is Freedom – A Roadmap to Success and Lifelong Learning

Jim Keyes gave a virtual talk at UT Austin on Thursday, February 20, for Mark Bunting’s class. Keyes, the author of Education is Freedom and former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, previously spoke at UT Austin in 2023 as part of Professor Hunt’s class. During his recent session, he shared insights from his journey, discussing the transformative power of education and lifelong learning. Keyes emphasized how education helped him overcome the adversity of growing up in poverty in central Massachusetts, leading to his leadership roles in major corporations.

In his talk, Keyes provided a roadmap for success, highlighting the importance of education in overcoming societal challenges and achieving personal and professional growth. He is also the founder of the nonprofit Education is Freedom, which works to increase access to education. Through his experiences and lessons shared in his book, Keyes stressed that education is the key to unlocking opportunity and freedom for all.

Keyes’ talk resonated deeply with students, many pursuing careers in leadership and communications. He emphasized the importance of adaptability and constantly seeking knowledge, especially in an ever-changing world. His message served as a reminder that education is not just a path to a career but a lifelong journey that enables individuals to contribute meaningfully to society and overcome obstacles.