Walk Through Fire cover art

Walk Through Fire

A memoir of love, loss, and triumph

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Walk Through Fire

By: Sheila Johnson
Narrated by: Sheila Johnson
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About this listen

 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. Business Professionals & Academics Racism & Discrimination Social Sciences Discrimination Social justice Sports Memoir

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All stars
Most relevant
Wow. This is a great story of the BET family, fortune and love. I missed the headlines but Sheila shares all of the secrets.

Brutal honesty

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I am a 61 year old black British woman living in the UK but I had never heard of Sheila Johnson. However I have watched the BET channel. I can’t believe that I’ve actually completed listening to a whole Audible book! I was so engrossed in this story! I cried with her! As a survivor of domestic violence and a failed marriage, this story empowered me. Her narration was perfect, I’m so glad she narrated the story herself. She surely has impacted my life for the better.

Blown away!

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Great story, with twists and turns of tenacity, talent and grit, I am team Sheila 100%. I am a fan! can't wait to go to the resort next year....

Inspirational

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Sheila is the definition of “when you’re going through hell, don’t stop”. What a powerful and inspiring life! I 100% recommend this book.

Powerful and Inspiring

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This is an incredible and inspiring book of Ms. Johnson’s journey to self empowerment. I found myself having many emotions whilst listening to this audible. I found myself wanting to protect the child going through the painful experience of her parent’s breakup. Becoming impatient with the domestic situation and the emotional abuse she suffered at the hands of her first husband. Cheering her on as she triumphed over all the adversities sent her way. Her self doubt that she finally turned into empowerment. Brilliant book and I would recommend a great read for women especially women of colour everywhere.

Empowering

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