Walk Through Fire: A memoir of love, loss, and triumph

Written by Sheila Johnson

Narrated by Sheila Johnson

The cofounder of BET and first African American woman billionaire shares her deeply personal, “highly readable” (Kirkus Reviews) 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 a 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 that 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 senses, 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 coowner 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Sep 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9781797164601

Sheila Johnson

Sheila Johnson is an American entrepreneur and philanthropist, cofounder of BET, founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts, and the only African American woman to have a principal shareholder stake in three professional sports teams.

Reviews for Walk Through Fire

[Lubandi Anthony Whyse Joseph · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A story of a triumph over fear. Thank you for sharing Madame

[Gertrude Asante · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Awesome memoir I love it!!! I got emotional at a point and found myself in tears.
This is truly inspiring, glad i came across it.

[Ebony Howard · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What an inspiring journey. I am empowered, enlightened and motivated by this text. I'm better off for having hears her story.

[Briyanna Perry · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I needed this when I listened. I actually work at the Washington DC property and I see Ms. Johnson often. A guest came in raving about the book, but I didn’t read it. Until I had a break up that saddened me. I figured, why not give it a listen to take my mind off what I’m going through. I feel soooo much better mentally and physically. My break up was after 9 months, hers…33 years of trauma. Life is going to be okay. I’ll find happiness. Thank you for sharing with us Ms. Johnson.

[Adrienne Simmons · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent book. An amazing, inspiring story. I love that I got to hear it with Shelia Johnson narrating. She is truly a hidden gem and powerhouse.

[Shawntae Willis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book lets us know that anything you can dream you can achieve! Great read

[BW · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very inspiring. It will definitely help me navigate my own life knowing and understanding what Mrs. Sheila Johnson went through. Thank you.

[Tee S · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great reminder & inspiration to always push through tough times

[Glenn Delmonico · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Not sure how this isn't as popular as Donnie Brosco... definitely as good if not better!!

[Rhonda Johns · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a fabulous book. I had no idea of the background of her and Bob Johnson. Women should definitely read this.

[Tessie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was how I ended 2023 and started 2024. I needed something- but didn’t know what, and this book was the answer. I binged listened and embraced every emotion that came through the lines of your life. Thank you for sharing.

[Alex Latte · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I've never heard about this woman until I stumbled on this book last week and listened to it because of the title.
Great story ??, Sheila is an inspiration for the black community. Kudos!

[Bololo Sakondamadzi · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What an inspiration! As I walk through my fire, am more than prepared to meet what ever lies the other side, cos I know from the fire I will be just OK.

[stella mallon · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this woman and her story.

[lucrecerbraxton · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. It was inspiring and I have a deep appreciation for what Shelia was able to do in the face of so much adversity.

[Eboni Bledsoe · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow. What a beautiful and impactful story of someone who has overcome abuse, abandonment, and disempowerment to become a shining light of what it means to be the heroine of your own story. Congrats, Sheila!

[Steven Stankevitz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was so interesting I couldn’t put it down. Thanks Steven

[Michelle Svay · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Brutal honesty, wonderfully told. A life experience that was relatable and makes me want to visit Salamander resort. A life of TRIUMPH!

[William Stubblefield · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is an inspiring and incredibly uplifting book written by an amazing woman. I thank Mrs Johnson for this wonderful gift.

[Kemmie Jeje · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful book. Thanks ma'am for sharing your story. Truly inspiring