Known as the "Godmother of Black Entertainment," Debra Lee served as the first CEO of Black Entertainment Television following the network's founder, Robert Johnson. Prior to that, her 30+ year tenure at BET also included roles as General Counsel and COO. She is also the founder of Leading Women Defined and the co-founder of Monarch Collective-both organizations wholly dedicated to mentoring, supporting, and empowering both women and the BIPOC community at large. The proud mother of two, she splits her time between Los Angeles and New York City.
"The BET network's former CEO has seemingly done the impossible:
written a Fortune 500 memoir that may actually be useful to more
than the one percent. Lee navigates a career in law and then
television all while staying true to her values, putting Black
stories and audiences first. It's less about surviving corporate
America and more about making it a better, more equitable place for
women of color."
--Vulture
"Lee writes an extraordinarily balanced narrative that succeeds on
several levels (personal, professional, existential). I was
mesmerized by her characterization of the opportunities and
challenges she experienced at every turn on her road to the
ultimate success... Lee's literary style is comfortable and
conversational...It didn't take me that long to finish this one. I
was up way too late a couple of nights because I couldn't find a
good 'stopping place' (many readers will know exactly what I mean).
Honestly, by the time I finished the book I felt Debra was an old
friend, such is the power of her prose."--Bowling Green Daily
News
I am Debra Lee is the highly-anticipated memoir from former CEO of
BET and super glass ceiling shatterer Debra Lee. Come for the
inspirational story of how a girl from the segregated South went on
to head the first Black company traded on the New York Stock
Exchange against all odds. Stay for all of the juicy celeb tea she
shares from behind the scenes at BET."--The Root
"Lee has peeled back the secrets of the corporate world in her
memoir. . . .This is one of the most impressive business survivor's
tale of purpose, perseverance, and power. . . . This is a master
class on bright feminine choices, practical life lessons, and
daring business decisions."--African American Literature Book
Club
"Riveting . . . . a must-read for all strivers in any
industry."--Bookreporter.com
"The former CEO of Black Entertainment Television Networks tells
the story of the unexpected journey that took her away from a
fledgling career in law and into the world of entertainment media.
. . Lee never stopped believing that the work she did empowered her
to offer viewers a space in which to unapologetically celebrate
Black culture. This compelling book about finding success in a
professional environment severely lacking in Black female mentors
and sponsors offers women of color bold lessons in how to make a
difference while surviving--and overcoming--misogyny in the
corporate world. A provocatively frank and inspiring
memoir."--Kirkus
"Debra Lee is a force! A trailblazing advocate for Black culture,
music, love, business, and financial Independence. In I Am Debra
Lee, she honestly recounts her journey that continues to impact the
careers of so many artists, including my own. Written like a
conversation over tea, it is full of incredible insider stories,
tales of triumph and the realities of just how hard she had to work
to earn her success. This memoir is a must-read for anyone who not
only wants to learn from one of the most powerful women in
entertainment, but understand what it took to bring Black creatives
to the forefront of the entertainment industry. I love her candor
and vulnerability within these pages! I Am Debra Lee is designed to
make an impact."--Alicia Keys
"Debra Lee shares her amazing memoir that will have you laughing,
crying and cheering for her on every page. It's an entertaining
read loaded with wisdom about topics that many women CEOs have not
yet dared to write about. No surprise that Debra has once again
taken the lead."--Robin Roberts, Co-Anchor, ABC's Good Morning
America
"I was glued to Debra's every word in this memoir. Her story is
powerful and full of unexpected moments. She has topped it off with
sharp lessons for Black women, reminding them to take control of
their own narrative, and how to not only succeed but to thrive in a
white male-dominated world."
--Taraji P. Henson
Debra has helped, inspired and mentored so many of us over the
years, and she provides her unique insights in this exceptional
book. When I think of Debra, what comes to mind first and foremost
is her strong and powerful voice, and I have witnessed firsthand
how she can command a room. That voice is just as clear and
distinct in these pages, and while Black women in particular will
be able to relate, her lessons and experiences are important for
any and all leaders.--Roz Brewer; President & CEO Walgreens Boots
Alliance
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