Kindness as a Leadership Strategy

Impact investor, educator, and author James Rhee joins us to discuss his new book, Red Helicopter: A Parable for Our Times, a deeply personal and thought-provoking exploration of leadership, trust, and the power of choosing kindness. Best known for his transformative work as CEO of Ashley Stewart, James turned a struggling fashion brand into a thriving business by centering humanity, dignity, and long-term value. In this episode, he shares the inspiration behind Red Helicopter, a modern-day parable rooted in his lived experiences, and how it challenges conventional leadership models rooted in fear, control, and short-term thinking. Through his “Kindness and Math” philosophy, James invites us to imagine a different kind of success—one grounded in empathy, purpose, and collective well-being.