James Rhee is an educator, investor, entrepreneur, and bestselling author who believes that kindness and math can transform business, leadership, and life. A former high school teacher turned Harvard-trained lawyer and private equity investor, Rhee became the unexpected CEO of Ashley Stewart between 2013 – 2020.
His leadership turned the struggling fashion retailer, serving predominantly Black women, into a celebrated story of renewal. Rhee’s work at Ashley Stewart proved that capital and purpose, when combined, can unlock extraordinary value.
James Rhee is the author of red helicopter, a USA Today #1 nonfiction bestseller published by HarperCollins. In it, he shares a simple but radical truth. Long-term success requires systems that honour both numbers and human dignity. His book, TED Talk, and podcast interviews have reached millions and positioned him as one of the most original voices in leadership today.
As the founder of red helicopter, a media-education platform, Rhee helps people and organisations create balance between money, meaning, and joy. He is also founder of FirePine Group, an investment platform stewarding the capital of leading global investors. Rhee has managed billions in private equity, advised Fortune 500 leaders, and continues to guide executives and entrepreneurs seeking systemic change.
In academia, James Rhee serves as the Johnson Chair of Entrepreneurship at Howard University, Senior Lecturer at MIT Sloan, and has held appointments at Yale and Duke. His leadership has been recognised by the EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme, the New York Urban League’s Frederick Douglass Award, and numerous civic and business organisations. He is also a trustee of the National Humanities Center and a director of several nonprofit and corporate boards.
