HOUSTON, June 20, 2024 — Asia Society Texas welcomed national bestselling author James Rhee for a conversation about his book red helicopter — a parable for our times: lead change with kindness (plus a little math) in conversation with Ginger Koto Vaughn, a lecturer in communication at Rice Business.

A testament to his adaptability and creativity, Rhee's career path began as a high school teacher and has included graduation from Harvard Law School and work as a private equity investor, CEO, university professor, author, and speaker. As Chairman and CEO of retailer Ashley Stewart, Rhee gained global attention due to his transformative approach to leadership, which inspired his workforce and saved the company from liquidation.

The author talk opened with a poignant musical piece, a fusion of the Korean folk song "Arirang" and the hymn "Amazing Grace," inspired by Rhee himself. Rhee shared the piece serves as a powerful metaphor for his book and his hope that every reader will forge a personal connection with the narrative.

Reflecting on his upbringing as a child of Korean immigrant parents, Rhee attributed his achievements and the impact he has created to his commitment to lifelong learning, curiosity, vulnerability, honesty, and the kindness instilled by his parents. He underscored the pivotal role his mother played in his success at Ashley Stewart, sharing that after he had witnessed her struggles to adapt to a system that often excluded her, he gained a better understanding of and deep connection to the experiences of Ashley Stewart's customers and employees who themselves often felt marginalized and forgotten — a profound insight that shaped his approach to leadership and business.

Rhee said the title of his book calls back to the kindness he has sought to reflect throughout his life. As a child, he received a red helicopter toy as a thank-you gift for sharing his lunch with a friend at school. He reflected on how this memory has served as a beacon of morality, truth, and wisdom, and how he wants readers to find their own stories of kindness or "red helicopters" and be guided by those experiences. While the book includes business philosophies and strategies, Rhee said red helicopter aims to be inspirational instead of prescriptive, furthering the metaphor by noting how helicopters are symbols of agility because they can fly in multiple directions and hover, comparing these maneuvers with the adaptability needed in life and business, and stressing the importance of also being able to stand still and reflect. Rhee concluded the program by encouraging the audience to have agency over their lives' impact through patience, adaptability, and honest engagement, emphasizing the need for moral values as they face challenging times.

About Asia Society Texas

Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.

Asia in Your Inbox