Red Helicopter—A Parable for Our Times: Lead Change with Kindness (Plus a Little Math)

Impact investor Rhee’s book offers a roadmap to rediscover innate wisdom and values often forgotten in the hustle of adulthood. Rhee uses his personal story—beginning with a childhood act of kindness rewarded with the gift of a toy red helicopter—to frame the leadership lessons he provides. The book incorporates elements from his experience resurrecting clothing retail firm Ashley Stewart, as well as general principles of accounting, finance, behavioral science, economics, and corporate law. His writing style and strategies give ample opportunity for learning but also feel relatable. He calls for readers to embrace agency, assess their true assets and liabilities, measure goodwill, and lead transformative change through small, scalable acts, bringing to mind Simon Sinek’s Leaders Eat Last and Brené Brown’s Daring Greatly.