An Interview with Beth Knutsen Main, Director, Affiliate Sales – HBO WICT NorCal member
Betsy Magness Leadership Institute Alum, Class XXI
Congratulations Beth on becoming one of WICT’s newest “Betsies,” and thank you for spending this time to share your experience with WICT NorCal members.
Q: First, can you tell us what the BMLI experience means to you?
“I see it first as a vote of confidence from HBO, and an investment that inspires me to ‘kick it up a notch.’ Secondly, I see it as a program for the mature person - someone who has already lived a life with a variety of personal and professional experiences, and wants to make sense of that experience with new eyes – to craft new goals, objectives, and strategies for moving forward more effectively.”
Q: What resonates with you about this program?
“ It’s a uniquely intimate and comprehensive experience, made possible by the amount of time put aside for it. Seven months with the same classmates and leaders allows for a deep dive. Fellows complete many preparation assessments and exercises. These force you to sit back and assess where you’ve been. How you’ve gotten from point to point. What you value, what you’re good at, where you’re stuck, and what you’d like to be different; this was intimidating and energizing. It primes you to think about the whole person and the big picture. And you couldn’t find a more supportive environment for taking all this on. ”
Q. How has the program changed you as a leader?
“By developing a growth in confidence - spending less time in deliberation and second guessing, and more time in action mode. Learning to trust my judgment and experience, and move forward more quickly, with belief in what I know.
Q: How has this experience changed you in the workplace?
“Since graduating in April, I’ve had unsolicited feedback from my team members commenting on my new decisiveness!”
Q: How about personally?
“My husband has commented on the difference. I take more risks, whether it’s taking an unpopular view and being better at weathering the storm, or doing a better job of establishing boundaries in my personal life.”
Q: The BLMI program is designed to transition effective managers into enduring leaders. What does this mean to you?
“There are different ways to contribute in organizations, which distinguish the “super doer” from the “strategic visionary.” Everyone starts in a new role by taking direction from another, moving towards less supervision and dependency on others as we grow in competencies and confidence. Ultimately, the ‘enduring leader’ sets a vision for the future and inspires others to embrace it, too. Benedict Carey wrote:
‘The most effective leaders find a way to mix some patience with their Patton, to persuade rather than intimidate, to convince people that their goals are the same as the boss’.’ *
I love that way of articulating leadership. It requires self-awareness, confidence and a degree of humility.”
Q: Finally, for fellow leaders in the cable telecommunications industry who might be interested in this program, what would you advise them?
If you’re not put off by an introspective, under- the-microscope approach, this program is rewarding in surprising ways. Applicants are invited to participate by their organizations. Talk to your boss about the possibility, and don’t skimp on the application process. It’s daunting, but an important part of the experience.
For more information about the Betsy Magness Leadership Institute, visit www.wict.org.
By Lorraine Lewis
*Carey, Benedict. “Steinbrenner: The Boss Unbound.” NY Times 18 Jul, 2010: #33. Online