Asia Society of Texas: Author Talk James Rhee on ‘red helicopter’

Join Asia Society Texas as acclaimed CEO, TED speaker, and professor James Rhee discusses his new book red helicopter – a parable for our times, an inspirational true story of finding success through kindness (plus a little math).

In kindergarten, Rhee received a red helicopter toy in gratitude after he shared his lunch. Forty years later, the lessons from that small gift led him to develop a human-centered framework for business and personal success that is now taught across the country in classrooms and boardrooms and at kitchen tables.

A high school teacher turned private equity investor, Rhee unexpectedly took the helm of Ashley Stewart, a women’s clothing company predominantly employing and serving Black women and which was heading towards liquidation. Drawing inspiration from values instilled by his Korean immigrant parents, Rhee as a first-time CEO trusted his instincts to identify, measure, and leverage the intangible goodwill at the company’s core by changing the company culture and building a business plan that centered Black women. Defying expectations, he led the twice-bankrupt company from certain liquidation to a transcendent success, inspiring the world along the way.

In red helicopter, Rhee reflects on his experiences and combines a child’s clarity and imagination with fundamental business metrics to share a clear, instructionable path to create a more sustainable balance between life, money, and joy for ourselves and others.

Books will be available for purchase onsite, and a book-signing will follow the program.

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