©2025 – Amy Morin, LCSW. All Rights Reserved
©2025 – Amy Morin, LCSW. All Rights Reserved
Kindness isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength. But too many people worry that they’ll be taken advantage of or that they’ll finish last if they’re kind.
James Rhee says kindness is what will help you succeed in life. James is a Harvard Law graduate, high school teacher, and private equity investor who was tasked with saving a women’s clothing company from liquidation. He’s also the author of Red Helicopter, where he shares his operating system of life, money, and joy. Some of the things he talks about today are why kindness is so powerful, how to practice it in everyday life, and how to incorporate a little math into figuring out how to succeed.
“Kindness is about helping someone or making an investment in someone to help them discover their true agency.”
“I wanted to be with people who reward my kindness, and they want to invest back into the relationship.”
“I’m trying to encourage people to sort of appreciate that in their life, it’s a longitudinal journey.”
“If I have a wake that’s even 5% of what I saw [at my father’s], I will be a successful man.”
“I am a teacher at heart. I don’t like seeing it when people feel they’re small.”
0:03:05 James Rhee explains the significance of the red helicopter
0:06:06 How James became CEO of Ashley Stewart, a struggling clothing company
0:08:36 The true meaning of kindness
0:11:19 How kindness is implemented in business
0:12:02 The practical application of kindness in leadership
0:12:51 The importance of not wanting to disappoint oneself
0:14:33 The benefits of creating a culture of kindness
0:17:00 How kndness extends beyond the workplace to personal lives
0:18:49 The impact of kind supervisors on motivation
0:19:35 James’ approach to being the same person in all aspects of life
0:20:07 The importance of wanting others to win
0:20:46 James personal experiences and growth
0:21:32 The blurred lines between work and personal life
0:23:24 Advice for working with toxic people
0:24:41 How to be the CEO of your own life
0:25:32 The problem with sensationalized kindness videos and highlights the importance of long-term investment in relationships.
0:29:17 James reflects on his father’s wake and the true measure of success.
0:30:08 Overcoming the fear of being taken advantage of when being kind.
0:31:50 The balance between giving kindness and expecting reciprocity.
0:35:42 The value of non-monetary things in life.
0:36:57 James Rhee reflects on the end of his parents’ lives and the true importance of relationships over money.
0:43:35 James shares his definition of success
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