
Episode #126
126. Radical Self-Care and Leading Through Crisis with Dr. Meisha Porter, Former NYC schools Chancellor
How do you lead through the ultimate crisis while staying true to yourself? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Dr. Meisha Porter—lifelong educator and former NYC Schools Chancellor. Meisha was the first Black woman to lead the nation's largest school district, navigating the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 and a mayoral transition. A proud Black woman and "nurturer of community," Meisha shares the raw truth about the costs of high-level leadership and why "having it all" is a myth. She shares lessons for rising leaders: •Reject the "Have It All" myth. Success without rest leads to burnout. You must pour back into yourself to stay in the game. •Lead with one version of you. Authenticity is a superpower. Whether on a keynote stage or in the grocery store, Meisha was the same Meisha. •Don't read the comments. Not everyone will like your decisions. Trust your integrity and the love of those who truly know you. •Practice radical self-care. As Audre Lordes shared, self-care is an act of political warfare. Do something selfishly for yourself today. Through her journey, Meisha reminds us that the most important person to like and love you is you.






