James Rhee

James Rhee, a distinguished figure in the realms of education, law, and business, has carved out a unique niche as a transformative leader and storyteller. A Harvard Law graduate with a background in private equity investment, Rhee's trajectory took an unexpected turn when he became the Chairman and CEO of Ashley Stewart. His innovative approach and empathetic leadership, particularly his collaboration with a predominantly Black female workforce, not only revitalized the company but also challenged conventional business paradigms. Rhee's influence extends into academia, where he holds the John H. Johnson Chair of Entrepreneurship at Howard University, and imparts his wisdom at MIT Sloan School of Management and Duke Law School, captivating students with his course “The Way It All Works.” In his debut book, "red helicopter―a parable for our times: lead change with kindness, plus a little math," Rhee distills the essence of his transformative experiences into a narrative that offers profound insights into leadership and change. This work, which has garnered significant attention, encapsulates the principles that have guided his career and life philosophy. His contributions to thought leadership have reached a global audience, amplified by his TED Talk and engaging discussions with luminaries like Brené Brown, leaving a lasting imprint on all who seek to lead with empathy and innovation. Rhee's writing is characterized by a blend of pragmatic wisdom and visionary thinking, seamlessly weaving themes of social entrepreneurship, equity, and resilience. His commitment to fostering systemic value is evident not only in his literary endeavors but also in his investment ventures through the FirePine Group. As a former honoree of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year program and a recognized leader in racial equity initiatives, Rhee continues to inspire and impact diverse sectors with his trailblazing ideas. Residing near Boston with his family, he remains an influential voice in reimagining leadership in the modern world.