Lessons in Leadership

When Jacinda Ardern became Prime Minister of New Zealand in 2017 she became the youngest female head of government. She was only 37 years old and pregnant, giving birth to her daughter Neve during her first year of office. 

As a political science nerd, I watched Ardern's career with interest. I was inspired by her approach to governing, which was a sharp contrast to what we had across the ditch in Australia under the Coalition. She always seemed down-to-earth, likeable, empathetic and authentic. These qualities were put to the test during her five years in office when she had to deal with an horrific terrorist attack at a Christchurch mosque, a devastating volcanic eruption, and the pandemic. Along the way her government brought in landmark reforms like banning semiautomatic weapons, programs to reduce child poverty, net zero climate targets, decriminalising abortion, establishing a Te Ao Maori public holiday, improving housing and launching a 'wellbeing budget' to measure the nation's success beyond GDP.

In her memoir, A Different Kind of Power (2025), Ardern writes about her life in office and the difference she sought to make. Unlike most political memoirs which either gloss over the negatives, overstate the positives or settle political scores, Ardern has written a different kind of memoir.

Ardern goes back to her childhood, where she and her sister grew up in a rural community. Her father was a police officer and her mother was a devout Mormon. She talks about growing up in the church and her decision to leave it in adulthood. We learn about her first job in a fish-and-chip shop, her days as a young debater, and her interest in politics. She hones her skills working in government before standing for office. When she joins Parliament, she holds true to her values and remains determined to deliver for her constituents. She also still shops at Kmart.

When she becomes Prime Minister, and then as a working mum, Ardern often feels like she is failing. Her job is demanding and unpredictable. She has to travel a lot, juggle complex policy and meet a wide range of expectations. She longs to be present with her young daughter, but often the weight of her office causes her mind to drift. Fortunately, her partner Clark and her extended family are supportive and step up to help. 

The chapters on COVID were difficult to read, causing flashbacks to the challenges faced by leaders during that period of uncertainty and fear. When Ardern eventually decides it is time to walk away,  it is completely understandable. Despite her desire to do something different with her life, she worries that her daughter will see this as quitting.  

Ardern makes the case for a different kind of leadership. This is an uplifting memoir about someone who thought she was too soft for politics. She is a case study in turning vulnerabilities into strengths. It is refreshing to read a memoir by a politician not interested in running a commentary on those she disagreed with. The book is well-written and utterly fascinating. 

I read the book alongside listening to Ardern's audiobook narration. I highly recommend the audiobook, so you can hear her tell her own story.  I look forward to seeing Ardern speak about her memoir at the Sydney Town Hall as part of the Sydney Writers' Festival next month.