“Our difficulties don't define us.” How former BET CEO Debra Lee navigated major challenges and came out on top.

The Path is a video series where I chat with some of the most influential leaders in the world exploring the successes, missteps, and key pivotal moments that shaped their professional paths. It’s through these authentic stories that we can learn how to navigate our own career journeys.

My next guest is former BET Networks CEO Debra Lee. 

Debra has been elevating Black images and storytelling for decades and shattered glass ceilings. But her path to media moguldom didn’t come without major hurdles. She faced back-to-back obstacles as she made her way to the top — and after she reached it. 

Her father’s dream was for her to attend an Ivy League school and become a lawyer. She largely complied, first attending Brown University and later enrolling at Harvard Law School. 

Up until that point, her career track consisted of what others thought was best for her. Post-graduation, she accepted a federal clerkship position and then moved on to a corporate law firm. 

But, when Debra started working with a new client, BET Networks, she did something she hadn’t before. She took a leap of faith and made a career move that she was passionate about. 

BET’s then CEO and cofounder, Bob Johnson, “floated the idea” of her coming to the network to be the first general counsel and start the legal department. 

“I was shook,” Debra said. “It was like the dream job.” She took the position.

Her partners didn’t think the opportunity would last and her father didn’t understand the move either. 

“He was like why would you do that? And I said, dad, I'm just not having fun. And he looked me dead in the eye and said, ‘Debbie, if it was supposed to be fun, they wouldn't call it work.’ And that just broke my heart. One, I didn't believe it. Two, I knew how hard I had been working and would continue to work, and I just thought, you should be passionate about what you do.”

That mentality paid off. She worked hard and went above and beyond the duties of her role. Johnson later appointed her as Chief Operating Officer. 

Debra spent 10 years as COO, expanded the company beyond TV, and led the acquisition by Viacom for $3 billion. Amid her successes, another obstacle came to the forefront. She had developed a personal relationship with Bob and it started to negatively affect her at work. “It was my whole career, and I didn't want to lose that…it was a very dark period in my life,” she said.

That dark period had a new bright spot when Bob left the company at the end of his contract. Debra became CEO. She spent 13 years in the position, greenlighting original hit shows like “Being Mary Jane” and “The Game”. By the time she left BET in 2013, she had worked for the company for 32 years. 

Debra’s advice for others? “You can have challenges and you can keep on going. You don't give up and you don't give up your dreams. Being CEO of BET networks was bigger than anything I ever dreamt of. I want young people to dream big.”

Here are my takeaways:

Stay focused on your goals when you encounter challenges: Debra not only dealt with personal hurdles throughout her career, but after she reached the pinnacle, she faced the tragic loss of her son. Your life can be full of ups and downs, but Debra is a testimony that you can get through it and still find success. Take the time you need to cope and heal, but stay focused on your goals. 

Pursue your passion and the career you want for yourself: The first part of Debra’s professional track was filled with moves that others told her to take. It wasn’t until she stepped into a role that she was passionate about —  regardless of naysayers —that her career went to another level. 

Your career trajectory could look different than what you first envision. Embrace that: Debra’s initial dream was to be a fashion designer or journalist. While that didn’t come to fruition, her law career eventually led her to her dream job. Our career paths can come with twists and turns. Be open to those changes and the unexpected career advancements that they can bring. Also, put in the work when new opportunities come your way. Debra went above and beyond in her role as general counsel for BET and those efforts helped pave her path to CEO.

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