On with Kara Swisher Sheila Johnson Talks BET, Entrepreneurship and Why She Doesn’t Love Being Called “America’s First Black Female Billionaire”
Sep 25, 2023
Sheila Johnson, co-founder of BET and CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts, shares her inspiring journey through a male-dominated landscape. She discusses her memoir, revealing the challenges she faced while striving for independence and success. Johnson delves into the importance of minority representation in media and the evolution of BET. She also shares her experiences in the hospitality and sports industries, highlighting the role of women and the need for authentic storytelling in shaping cultural narratives.
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Early Financial Hardship
- Sheila Johnson's father abandoned her family, leaving her mother powerless and financially unstable.
- At 16, Johnson had to support her family and teach her mother basic financial skills.
Repeating History
- Unresolved childhood issues can lead to repeating unhealthy patterns in adult relationships.
- Johnson sought a strong man due to her father's perceived weakness, mirroring her mother's situation.
Wedding Night Abandonment
- Johnson's husband abandoned her on their wedding night without explanation.
- Despite her mother's urging, Johnson stayed, fearing failure and wanting to avoid her mother's perceived fate.
