
FranklinCovey On Leadership with Scott Miller
James Rhee: Lead with Kindness
Dec 13, 2024
James Rhee, bestselling author of "Red Helicopter" and former CEO of Ashley Stewart, shares his unconventional journey from teaching high school to leading a fashion brand. He emphasizes the importance of kindness and a systems-based approach to leadership. Rhee discusses pattern recognition and challenging conventional wisdom while empowering underrepresented communities. Through a poignant childhood memory of a red helicopter, he illustrates the intrinsic rewards of compassion and resilience, drawing lessons from nature to inspire personal growth.
33:18
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Quick takeaways
- James Rhee emphasizes that leading with kindness and compassion significantly influences personal and professional relationships, empowering individuals to navigate complexities effectively.
- Rhee advocates for a systems-based mindset that recognizes interconnectedness, encouraging leaders to challenge conventional assumptions for more informed decision-making.
Deep dives
The Roots of Leadership
James Rhee shares his unconventional journey from being the son of Korean immigrants to becoming the CEO of Ashley Stewart, an apparel company focused on plus-size clothing for women of color. His upbringing emphasized the importance of care, as his parents worked in healthcare, instilling values of empathy and understanding. Rhee's educational experiences at prestigious institutions like Harvard inspired him to study human behavior and the systems that govern our interactions. This foundation led him to prioritize a leadership style centered on kindness and community, highlighting the significance of recognizing the human element in business.
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