James Rhee

James Rhee is an impact investor, founder, CEO, and educator who empowers people, brands, and organizations by marrying capital with purpose. He has gained recognition for his expertise in topics such as multidimensional transformation, the intersection of capital, race, and gender, the future of capitalism, and values-based investing and leadership. His leadership at Ashley Stewart from 2013 to 2020 showcased the potential for a business to thrive by prioritizing ethical practices and inclusivity. Under his guidance, Ashley Stewart, which caters to plus-sized Black women, underwent a significant transformation that has been widely acknowledged in the business community.

Rhee has committed his career to making knowledge, opportunity, and capital accessible to a diverse audience. His approach, which integrates ethical considerations with business strategy, provides a model for both personal and organizational success. He has developed theories on Money, Life, and Joy that emphasize the synergy between capitalism and ethics, offering actionable insights for transforming businesses through purpose-driven strategies.

In addition to his business endeavors, Rhee actively contributes to various boards and advisory councils. He serves on the Advisory Council of JPMorgan Chase’s Advancing Black Pathways, is a Founding Member of Ashoka E-to-E, and sits on the Advisory Board of CEO Action for Racial Equity. His past roles have included Strategic Advisor to start-ups, Chair of the Innovation Committee of the National Retail Federation, and board member of both Conscious Capitalism and the American Repertory Theater. Beyond his advisory roles, Rhee manages FirePine Group, an impact investment platform he founded, overseeing investments in multiple successful ventures.

Rhee also dedicates time to academia and writing. He holds the Johnson Chair and Professor of Entrepreneurship at Howard University and serves as a Senior Lecturer and Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the MIT Sloan School of Management’s Leadership Center. His ongoing work on a forthcoming book further underscores his commitment to spreading knowledge and fostering future generations of ethical leaders.