Leading Change with Kindness at Saint Louis University

Yvonne Park and James Rhee Share “Red Helicopter” Leadership Philosophy at Saint Louis University

Yvonne Park, founder of y’s partners, and James Rhee—global advisor to y’s partners and a renowned author, entrepreneur, educator, and producer—participated in a leadership event held on February 18 in St. Louis, sharing  new perspectives on change and leadership.

The event was part of the Emerson Leadership Institute’s Leadership Speaker Series at Saint Louis University.

Under the theme “Leading Change with Kindness (plus a little math),” the program featured a fireside chat, with Rhee as the keynote speaker joined by Park and Ruth Kim - former corporate general counsel, a respected community leader actively connecting communities - as moderator. 

Jackson Nickerson, Dean of the Chaifetz School of Business, and Jintong Tang, Director of the Emerson Leadership Institute, were also in attendance.

Rhee defined kindness not as simple niceness, but as an optimistic investment in another person’s future and potential. He emphasized that true leadership involves creating an environment where individuals can exercise agency—making their own decisions and taking responsibility for outcomes. He also highlighted that economics and business are inherently connected to human values and moral responsibility, emphasizing dignity and accountability within organizations. 

In the panel discussion, Park shared that the Red Helicopter approach helped her recognize that both business and life rarely follow linear paths. By adopting this mindset, her team began supporting clients from a more human-centered perspective, leading to better business outcomes, as well. 

Park also observed that rapid technological change, increasing wealth polarization, and accelerating intergenerational wealth transfers are heightening the importance of family businesses and family offices. In response to these changes, she founded y’s partners, a consulting firm helping businesses and families navigate this evolving landscape. She emphasized that the Red Helicopter philosophy can serve as a meaningful framework to guide the next generation in leading both their businesses and their lives with a sense of accountability and purpose.

During the visit, Rhee appeared on a KSDK broadcast interview and, together with Park and Kim, visited several cultural landmarks in St. Louis, including the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the Missouri History Museum, engaging with the local community and cultural institutions.