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. But getting there certainly wasn't an easy path.
As part of Iron Bow's Women in Leadership Program, Believe in Women series, our team had the honor of sitting down for an exclusive fireside chat to hear Sheila's story firsthand and how her breaking through barriers can continue to inspire other women and professionals.
Building a Legacy: A Little About Sheila Johnson
Sheila Johnson is Founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts. The company operates a collection of luxury properties centered around unique destinations in the US and the Caribbean that includes the luxurious Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, VA which has achieved Forbes Five-Star ratings for both its accommodations and spa.
As Vice Chairman of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, Johnson is the only African American woman to have ownership in three professional sports teams: the NBA’s Washington Wizards, the NHL’s Washington Capitals, and the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, for which she serves as President and Managing Partner. She also served on the Executive Committee of the United States Golf Association where she spearheaded efforts in increasing diversity in the game of golf.
A fervent supporter of education and the arts, Ms. Johnson serves as chairman of the College of Performing Arts and Board member of The New School in New York. The Sheila Johnson Fellowship at the Harvard Kennedy School supported a cohort of 50 fellows – emerging leaders dedicated to improving the lives of the underserved community. She is also a board member of the Metropolitan Opera, Jackie Robinson Foundation, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and Advisory Board Member of the NeuroArts Blueprint: Advancing the Science of Arts, Health and Well-Being.
Ms. Johnson has long been a powerful influence in the entertainment industry, starting with her work as co-founder of Black Entertainment Television. She has served as executive producer of documentary and feature films and is founder and chair of the Middleburg Film Festival.
Hear more about Sheila Johnson's background in the clip below:
Walk Through Fire: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Triumph
During the chat, Johnson shared a sneak peek of her upcoming memoir, "Walk Through Fire," and why she and many others felt her story needed to be shared with the world. Her story is a personal portrait of a woman who, despite all the heartache and obstacles she faced, finally found her place in the world.
Hear more about Sheila Johnson's upcoming book in the clip below:
"It's Time for You to Get Your Power Back"
Johnson details her traumatic childhood experience when at age sixteen her father left herself and her mother destitute, an act that shattered her mother and destroyed Sheila's trust.
She recounts finding her mother on the floor and having to be the support and source of strength for her family during that difficult time. Yet, as Johnson grows up and encounters her own pain and personal struggle, her mother becomes the arc of her strength, encouraging Sheila during her darkest times, "Girl, it's time to get your power back!"
Hear more about Sheila Johnson's early life and mother in the clip below:
Overcoming Obstacles
During the fireside chat, Johnson candidly discussed the hatred and downright racism she encountered throughout her entrepreneurial journey. From facing a 10-year long battle in building her resort in Middleburg, VA to outright death threats, she highlighted the importance of perseverance and pushing through.
Hear more about Sheila Johnson's grueling battle to turn Middleburg into the destination hotspot it is today:
Don't Underestimate the Importance of Leadership
Johnson shared the importance of women in her life and how surrounding herself with positive female mentors and role models has been a significant source of strength for her. She passionately addressed the role of women and encourages them to respect one another and be there for each other through thick and thin.
Hear more about Sheila Johnson's thoughts on women in leadership:
Leave It on the Court: The Power of Team Sports
Johnson emphasized the important lessons women can draw from team sports like basketball and how it's vital for fostering collaboration, trust, and respect amongst women leaders. She stressed the importance of learning to embrace conflict in the workplace and work through it with other women rather than severing ties altogether. These traits are essential to creating a more supportive environment for women to thrive in the business world.
Hear more about the power of team sports for women in leadership:
Resilience and the Meaning Behind "The Salamander"
Johnson detailed how she fell in love with the farmland that would eventually become the Salamander Resort. She learned the land had formerly belonged to Bruce Sundlun, American fighter pilot who was shot down over Nazi occupied Belgium. He was able to escape to allied territory in France by stealing bicycles. He eventually became an American hero after rescuing his unit from a POW camp and is the central figure behind the hit series: Hogan's Heroes. His code name was Salamander. Mythically, the salamander is the only animal to walk through fire and come out alive. After the trials and tribulations Sheila has encountered, she felt the name was most fitting for one of her greatest accomplishments.
Hear more about the story of the Salamander:
Sheila Johnson's fireside chat was a transformative experience, leaving the Iron Bow team with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Her insights and accomplishments serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, leaders, and change-makers. From building a legacy to overcoming obstacles, fostering collaboration, championing gender equality, and leaving a social impact, Sheila Johnson's wisdom resonates on many levels.
Watch the entire fireside chat here:
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