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Jacinda Ardern’s Leadership Legacy: Kindness and Empathy in Politics

The Unconventional Leadership of Jacinda Ardern: A Legacy of Empathy



Former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern speaks during Cinema Cafe 2 during the 2025 Sundance Film Festival Awards. Maya Dehlin Spach/Getty Images

In a world where political figures often follow a conventional path, Jacinda Ardern has consistently defied expectations. Her tenure as New Zealand’s Prime Minister is marked by groundbreaking achievements and a unique approach to leadership.

Ardern first came to power in 2017, making history not only as the leader of New Zealand but also as the second female head of a country to give birth while serving in office. Her leadership was characterized by a series of significant events and decisive actions that set her apart from her predecessors.

What truly distinguishes Ardern is her commitment to leading with kindness and empathy. As she looks back on her time in office, she stresses the importance of these values in political leadership, reflecting on the numerous crises she navigated while in power.

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This episode was produced by Erika Ryan and Mia Venkat. It was edited by Courtney Dorning. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.

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