Brookdale Community College will host acclaimed entrepreneur and bestselling author James Rhee on Monday, April 21, for a free, live leadership event titled “Pilot or Passenger? Taking Control of Your Business Success.” The event is open to the public and designed for business professionals, students, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating leadership in a rapidly changing world.
Rhee, a former private equity investor turned transformative CEO, is best known for his turnaround of fashion brand Ashley Stewart, where he infused kindness, math, and storytelling into corporate strategy. His bestselling 2024 book, “Red Helicopter,” and TED Talk, “Pilot or Passenger? How to Thrive in Chaos – In Life and Business,” have made waves nationally for their message of leading with clarity, empathy, and courage.
Event highlights:
- Keynote: James Rhee on embracing change and leading with intention
- Fireside chat: Rhee in conversation with a surprise guest
- Networking opportunities: Meet industry leaders, educators, and innovators
- Interactive leadership exercises: Hands-on learning for professionals and students
- Panel discussions: Expert insights from across sectors
In addition to authoring “Red Helicopter”, Rhee is the founder of the Red Helicopter platform and serves as CEO of FirePine Group, an investment firm funding innovation at the intersection of finance, art and humanity. He holds teaching appointments at MIT Sloan, Duke Law, and Howard University, where he is the Johnson Chair of Entrepreneurship.
His recognitions include honors from EY, the National Retail Federation, the Council of Korean Americans, the New York Urban League, and Ashoka. He has appeared in conversations with thought leaders such as Brené Brown and continues to influence global leadership discourse.
The April 21 event also presents sponsorship opportunities for organizations committed to innovation, leadership, and social impact. Sponsors will gain high-visibility access to a diverse and engaged audience.
