What happens when we bridge the gap between the real world and our imagination?
“Balance,” says chief executive James “Jim” Keyes ’77, “and the ability to move forward in wonderfully creative ways.”
When technical know-how is coupled with art, the result can produce wonders like Edison’s light bulb, Wilbur and Orville Wright’s first flight and Steve Jobs’ Apple revolution.
It’s why CEOs like Keyes, chairman and chief executive officer of natural grocery chain Wild Oats Marketplace, take note of job applicants who have an interest or background in the arts. A former history major who enjoys sculpting, painting and music when he’s not at the office, Keyes credits Holy Cross’ liberal arts education with propelling him to success in business strategy and marketing. Tapping into the arts, he says, trained him to thrive in subjectivity, critical thinking and communication — necessary skills in the corporate world, where few things are black and white.