Betsy Magness Leadership Institute

Strong Leadership in the Midst of Constant Change

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Recognized as the premier leadership development program for senior-level professionals across media, entertainment and technology, The WICT Network’s Betsy Magness Leadership Institute (BMLI) is a highly sought-after opportunity.

Established in 1994, more than 1,300 top-ranking industry executives have graduated from the program. BMLI convenes top ranked executive education institutions to provide competitively selected leaders with an immersive experience focused on developing critical leadership competencies and a B2B network.

The curriculum blends experiential and data-driven approaches to mastering the skills necessary for success at the executive level. BMLI participants are immersed in hands-on learning activities, structured introspection, classroom lectures, research, and peer mentoring.  As part of the learning journey, BMLI incorporates custom, assessment-based executive coaching, providing participants with interactive, guided explorations of strengths, development opportunities and how to leverage and manage both for exponential leadership impact.

Apply for the Betsy Magness Leadership Institute!

 

2026-27 Program Information

Tuition

  • $20,500 for members
  • $20,830 for non-members (rate includes a membership with The WICT Network for eligible participants)

Tuition covers program costs including materials and daytime meals. Travel, hotel and dinners are the responsibility of participants.

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2026-27 Program

The 2026–2027 BMLI program year includes four in-person sessions and two virtual sessions over eight months. Participants should plan for approximately 11 days of in-person programming. A tentative calendar is outlined below.

Session 1: August 23-28, 2026 (Class 54) and September 13-18, 2026 (Class 55) – Greensboro, NC

Session 2: November 18-19, 2026 (Both Classes) – Savannah, GA

Session 3: December 10, 2026 (Both Classes) – Virtual Session

Session 4: February 2027 (Both Classes) – 2-day Session, Location TBD

Session 5: March 2027 (Both Classes) – Virtual Session

Session 6: April 2027 (Both Classes) – 2-day Session, Location TBD

*Content and dates subject to change

  • VP or Senior Director level, and above, or equivalency thereof.
  • At least 8 years of executive management experience.
  • Substantive work experience and significant direct accomplishments.
  • Approved and supported by senior management for participation in BMLI.

While participants are from diverse backgrounds, they each demonstrate common attributes, including a commitment to new ideas, an affinity for calculated risk taking, and support for the development of other leaders within their companies and across the media, entertainment and technology landscapes.

Designed to accelerate career success, BMLI strengthens and develops:

  • Executive leadership skills including visioning, strategic mindset, teambuilding, change management and effective communications.
  • Self-awareness in the context of the self, team and organization.
  • Clarity on leadership vision, purpose and values.
  • A network of industry peers and leaders.
  • Leadership capacity for creating more inclusive workplace cultures.
  • A clearly articulated leadership plan.

TESTIMONIALS

“I loved that the content and conversation went way beyond the scope of our current job responsibilities, giving us insight as to how we should think of our roles as leaders in a broader context.”
“Hearing the diverse perspectives and experiences of the other women navigating many of the same challenges was very valuable.”
“I’ve described this process as “activating” my leadership. I’ve become more intentional in my own leadership brand and career, leaning into the conversation around larger business challenges and opportunities, and helping my team do the same.”
“I am SO thrilled I was able to participate in this program. I’m already suggesting it to key colleagues at the office. The network of women I have gained, and lifetime friendships made as a result, are just priceless. I’m forever grateful to WICT.”
Questions?

If you have any questions regarding this program or would like additional information, please contact Jason Brown.

 

Betsy Magness played an instrumental role in building TCI – which later became AT&T Broadband and Internet Services – into one of the most prominent and influential telecommunications companies in the industry.

Born into poverty on a farm in Oklahoma, she managed to put herself through college at a time when few women pursued advanced degrees.

Betsy and her husband, Bob, saw the potential the cable industry held and started their first efforts in 1956. She provided leadership and direction to their new business while raising two small children. By the late 1960s, their hard work was paying off, as systems operated by the Magnesses served 12,500 subscribers. They formed TCI in 1968 in Denver, CO.

Tough minded but fair, Betsy earned the respect of her peers in the male-dominated cable industry. She combined business savvy with a generous heart, and placed great value on what she called a company’s greatest asset: its employees.

Betsy passed away in 1985, but her legacy endures. WICT formed the Betsy Magness Leadership Institute in 1994, and today over 1,000 women have graduated from what has become one of the cable industry’s most prestigious professional development programs.