Walk Through Fire

A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Triumph

By: Sheila Johnson

Narrated by: Sheila Johnson

Length: 7 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

The cofounder of BET and first African American woman billionaire shares her deeply personal journey through love and loss, tragedy and triumph—an inspiring story of overcoming toxic influences, discovering her true self, and at last finding happiness in her work and life.

From humble beginnings as a schoolgirl and young violinist in Maywood, Illinois, Sheila Johnson rose to become one of the most accomplished businesswomen in America. A cofounder of Black Entertainment Television, she became an entrepreneur and philanthropist at the highest levels.

But that success came at a painful personal cost.

Sheila grew up in a middle-class family that encouraged her love of the arts and music. But her idyllic childhood ended at age sixteen when her beloved father announced he was leaving for another woman, an act that shattered her mother and destroyed Sheila’s trust. She vowed she’d never be in her mother’s position—dependent on a man for her sense of self-worth and for financial security. Yet when she was barely out of her teens, Sheila married a man who would take her right down that same unfortunate path.

Filled with sharply drawn, emotionally powerful scenes, Walk Through Fire traces the hardships Sheila faced in her marriage and her professional life. Despite her skills as a violinist and music teacher, as well as her obvious entrepreneurial talent, she had to fight to overcome self-doubt and fears of failure. Sheila vividly details her struggles, including battling institutional racism, losing a child, suffering emotional abuse in her thirty-three-year marriage, and plunging into a deep depression with her divorce. And yet, out of that pain came renewed purpose and meaning. In the third act of her life, Sheila Johnson has not only made her mark as the founder of Salamander Hotels & Resorts and the only Black female co-owner of three professional sports teams, she has also, finally, found true love.

Walk Through Fire is a uniquely American success story. And it is the deeply personal portrait of one woman who, despite heartache and obstacles, finally found herself and her place in the world.

©2023 Sheila Johnson (P)2023 Simon & Schuster Audio

Excellent!!

Great life story. Strong woman who endured a tough life and came out winning. She’s a excellent example to us all.

Excellent!

I appreciate Sheila’s openness and respect her as an amazing business woman. This was an excellent memoir.

Inspiring

Very interesting how all the money in the world still can’t buy happiness. Although it does help and doing good as Sheila did. Great read, great story.

What an amazing life!

Inspired by her ability to overcome adversity time and time again. I appreciate her honesty about challenges encountered and the doubts and fears she had during efforts to overcome them.

Inspirational

This book will help you find your power. It’s great in audible. Thank you Sheila.

Love love love

I am very glad I listened & plan to get the paper copy as well. She’s endured so much, but is one of the most inspiring women I’ve ever met. Def recommend.

To look at her, you’d never know…

No matter our financial or social status, we are more alike than not all over the planet. It is only when you know who you are, can you stand in your space in the world and refuse to be invisible to anyone, especially those who try everything to erase you. The pain inflicted upon us fertilizes our future and manifests the impossible! Shelia Crump Johnson you are PHENOMENAL! Thank you for sharing your story. Timing is everything.

Much appreciation for sharing your story!

I couldn’t stop listening and admire your courage and honesty. It lets woman know there is life after hurts. You’re a remarkable woman for sharing your story!

Phenomenal!!

What a life and what a great lesson Ms Johnson has shared for women of all ages. Truly enjoyed this book, what an inspiration!

Loved it.

My jaw was on the floor for a good bit of it. My heart broke for her time and time again but seeing her, not just make it through but thrive and succeed was so inspirational. It’s not often you get to hear women of that generation speak so candidly about the difficulties of a toxic marriage, self confidence and the battle of “sticking by your man” amidst social scandal at the cost of your well being and mental health.
A must read/listen.