The Book House Podcast

The Book House Podcast Episode #8: James Rhee


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In our latest episode, James Rhee, author of Red Helicopter: Lead Change with Kindness (Plus a Little Math), released in April, shares the story behind his national bestseller.

As a kindergartener, James received a toy red helicopter as a token of appreciation for the kindness he’d shown a classmate.

Decades later, that same spirit of generosity and concern for others guided him toward developing a human-centered framework for business and personal achievement that helped him overcome seemingly insurmountable odds as the unlikely chairman, CEO, and some might say “savior” of the Secaucus, New Jersey-based Ashley Stewart, a plus-size women's clothing chain primarily employing and serving Black women.

Inspired by the values instilled in him by his Korean immigrant parents, James understood that a radically different—yet familiar—approach was required to lead this twice-bankrupt company from the jaws of liquidation to transcendent success.

James also talked about the role of music not only in his life but also in the three-act structure of the narrative. A playlist, which spans the gamut of musical greats from The Beatles and Barbara Streisand to Beyoncé and Bruce Springsteen, captures the emotions James associated with each chapter of the book. Don't miss the original piece, Arirang Amazing Grace, inspired by James and arranged by Chad Cannon, which conveys the spirit of this "parable for our times" through music. For more information about James, visit Red Helicopter.com.

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The Book House PodcastBy The Book House Staff