Additionally, BET's original content has become a cornerstone of the network's success. When the beloved sitcom "The Game" re-launched on BET in January of 2011, the show debuted to 7.7 million viewers, the best premiere for a sitcom in basic cable history. Lee then spearheaded the initiative to use the show as the lynchpin of a new slate of original programming, including shows like "Let's Stay Together" and "Reed Between the Lines." The network also announced it's first made-for-TV original movie "Gun Hill."

"I want BET to establish itself as a content creator," she says, "and give our audience images of themselves that they are not getting anywhere else."

Lee even made a point to address criticisms that the network's image had gotten too raunchy. “We’ve gotten more strict on what we allow on air,” Debra said. “We used to live by broadcast standards, but as the hip-hop industry got a little more risqué we had actually had to bring that back some and say just because it can be on the air doesn’t mean it has to be on the air.”

Her extensive experience in the corporate world led to Lee even being named to President Barack Obama’s management advisory board where she will work to improve relationships between private business and the federal government.