In the grand crescendo of life, Sheila Johnson is a maestro, expertly orchestrating success on basketball courts, in boardrooms, and within the harmonious realms of music and luxury resorts. At 75, America’s first Black female billionaire, founder of BET and Salamander Collection, reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, and shared wisdom. And the symphony that resonates in every facet of her remarkable life.
1. Conducting Leadership: Set an Example
In a world where vulnerability is often perceived as weakness, Sheila Johnson embraces it as strength. As she takes the lead in her various ventures, she emphasizes the importance of open and honest communication. “Vulnerability isn’t a bad thing,” she declares. “It shows that you are open and honest. Just remember to let them be vulnerable too.”
2. The Overture of Self-Discovery: Study Yourself
Reflecting on her younger self, Johnson advises, “Take time to learn who I am.” This introspective journey, she believes, strengthens one’s resilience in facing life’s challenges. “The more I’ve gotten to know myself, the stronger I’ve been able to be when facing any obstacle in life and business.”
3. A Melody of Creativity: Use Both Sides of Your Brain
For Johnson, the creative foundation lies in music. A former violinist, she picked up the cello during Covid. The love for opera and orchestras allows her to tap into the depths of her creativity. “I try to take that creativity with me and play on both sides of my brain,” she shares, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach to problem-solving.
4. God Winks and Opportunities: See Challenges as Blessings
In the face of challenges, Johnson sees divine guidance. “I believe things happen for a reason. Don’t take them personally. I call them God winks,” she smiles. Encouraging optimism and learning from challenging situations, she adds, “Stay optimistic and examine challenging situations, so you can learn how to take another path.”
Sheila Johnson, founder and CEO of Salamander Collection, and partner of @MSE, spoke about how she overcame self-doubt and personal setbacks to achieve unprecedented success at the 2024 #Forbes3050 Summit, presented by @Forbes and @KnowYourValue. https://t.co/hog4xeVMUP pic.twitter.com/eHGNq8quFM
— Forbes (@Forbes) March 6, 2024
5. Teamwork, On and Off the Court: Keep Your Head in the Game
Drawing parallels between WNBA teams and business, Johnson stresses the significance of communication and teamwork. “If you have one person who does not watch, your whole team is going to be out of focus.” This keen observation resonates in both sports and business strategy.
6. The Symphony of Focus: Sharpen Your Concentration
Known for her incredible productivity, Johnson attributes it to the skills learned in an orchestra. “You learn to listen, and you have to focus,” she explains. Returning to musical practice whenever she feels a dip in productivity, she emphasizes the value of concentrated attention in achieving goals.
7. Trusting the Symphony Within: Trust Your Intuition, Not Reviews
Sharing a cautionary tale from her hotel business beginnings, Johnson advocates for trusting one’s instincts. “The whole experience taught me to double-check everything,” she admits. In a world dominated by reviews and external opinions, she champions the power of intuition and thorough investigation.
“You gotta build your own safety net. You need to set boundaries.”
Sheila Johnson, founder and CEO of Salamander Collection, partner at @MSE, spoke to @mcgrathmag about how she overcame personal setbacks to achieve success at the 2024 #Forbes3050 Summit. https://t.co/6n1RHmxlAU pic.twitter.com/MoT9VgGrlR
— Forbes (@Forbes) March 8, 2024
A Life’s Symphony Transcending Boundaries
In Sheila Johnson’s Symphony of Success, there is a profound lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned leaders alike. Her journey, marked by resilience, creativity, and an unwavering self-belief, is a testament to the power of embracing vulnerability, continuous self-discovery, and the harmonious balance of intellect and creativity. As Johnson continues to compose her life’s symphony. The world eagerly listens to the captivating melodies she creates, drawing inspiration from basketball courts to symphony halls.