"red helicopter is a transformative experience. James Rhee's story is a must read for anyone, of any age, who wishes to think, act, and lead with balance, agility, and wisdom."
Jay Shetty, #1
New York Times bestselling author of
Think Like a Monk
and 8 Rules of Love
"Imagine if your habits were infused with meaning. This parable for our times will inspire you to transform yourself and your teams as they lead with integrity, agility, and courage."
Charles Duhigg, New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Habit, Smarter Faster Better, and Supercommunicators
About red helicopter
In kindergarten, James Rhee received a toy red helicopter after a simple act of kindness—the innocent generosity of sharing his lunch. Nearly four decades later, the lessons from this small gift helped him develop a human-centered framework for business and personal success.
Rhee, a Korean American man with no prior background as CEO, unexpectedly took the helm of Ashley Stewart, an iconic company predominantly employing and serving Black women. The world bet against him, but Rhee trusted his instincts to identify, measure, and unleash the intangible goodwill at the company’s core, a decision which ultimately multiplied its fortunes several times over. Inspired by the values his dying immigrant parents instilled in him, he knew that a radically different—yet familiar—approach was required to lead this twice-bankrupt company from the jaws of liquidation to transcendent success.
Anyone can apply this refreshingly intuitive approach to change.
All it takes is combining the power of kindness with a little math.
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How does a business leader thrive, let alone survive, in an era where the pace of change and volatility of outcomes are so feverish?
Helpful Worksheets
We have created a list of questions that might be useful conversation starters as you and your fellow readers peel back the many layers and lessons of this book.
We have created graphic illustrations that help you see how each of the chapters in Life, Money, and Joy helps construct the helicopter of you.
Listen to the original music.
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What They Are Saying
"red helicopter is a transformative experience. James Rhee's story is a must read for anyone, of any age, who wishes to think, act, and lead with balance, agility, and wisdom."
Jay Shetty, #1
New York Times bestselling author of
Think Like a Monk
and 8 Rules of Love
"Imagine if your habits were infused with meaning. This parable for our times will inspire you to transform yourself and your teams as they lead with integrity, agility, and courage."
Charles Duhigg, New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Habit, Smarter Faster Better, and Supercommunicators
“red helicopter is both a GPS for your soul and a superpower to fuel your journey to purpose. In a hustle-bent world, it stops time and takes you from where you are to where you aim to go. If you’re ready to evolve, own your life, and excel in possibility, this is the book you’ve been waiting for.”
Mikki Taylor, award-winning journalist, editor-at-large for
Essence magazine, and author of
Editor in Chic
"red helicopter is a breath of fresh air in a cluttered world of self-improvement and business literature. For anyone looking to find purpose in the chaos and to embrace life’s deeper connections, red helicopter is a guiding light. I enthusiastically endorse this book for anyone eager to elevate their life and career with heartfelt authenticity and clear-eyed vision."
Marshall Goldsmith, New York Times bestselling author of The Earned Life, Triggers, and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There
"red helicopter captures the essence of the human condition and the role it must play in success. James Rhee has captured the core of a curriculum that all schools teaching the principles of business - and life - should implement as we prepare for the future"
Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, President Emeritus and Charles R. Drew Professor of Surgery, Howard University
"With experience and deep insight, James Rhee redefines the path towards success. Through masterful storytelling and experience, red helicopter elevates kindness, joy, and goodwill to their rightful place. Rhee shows us a better way to strive, one with our deep values at the center. A wonderful book that all of us who are driven and strivers desperately need to read."
Steve Magness, New York Times bestselling author of Do Hard Things
More Reviews
About James Rhee
James Rhee is a high school teacher and Harvard Law graduate who became a private equity investor and unexpected CEO. He bridges math with emotions by marrying capital with purpose. His transformational leadership has been recognized by the leading business and civic organizations.
His national bestselling book, entitled red helicopter―a parable for our times: lead change with kindness (plus a little math) was published in April 2024 in partnership with Harper One, an imprint of HarperCollins that seeks multi-platform ideas that “transform, inspire, change lives, and influence cultural discussions.” He is working on related film, music, and television projects. His TED Talk and Dare to Lead interview with Brené Brown have captured the imagination of millions.