Giant Ideas "Mothers Can Do it All. They Just Shouldn't Do it On Their Own" - Former NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's Life Lessons
In this episode of Giant Ideas, former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern returns to explore the person behind the public role. Invited to choose three photographs that define her life, Jacinda reflects on a childhood shaped by New Zealand, parents who modelled service and fairness, and the early experiences that forged her lifelong commitment to tackling inequality and child poverty.
She shares a candid glimpse into the emotional weight of leadership, including the lasting impact of March 15, and why stepping down wasn’t about burnout, knowing when to pass the baton. Jacinda also talks about becoming a mother while in office, learning to let go of control, accepting help, and challenging the myth that women must “do it all” alone. She also describes how she’s crafting her next chapter and why her family makes her so happy.
In this conversation:
- The three “photographs” that define Jacinda’s life and values
- How she was a a reluctant leader
- The emotional legacy of crisis leadership
- Motherhood, power, and the myth of “doing it all”
- Pushing back on misogyny
- Life after high office and why she has “no regrets”
Building a purpose driven company? Read more about Giant Ventures at www.Giant.vc.
Music credits: Bubble King written and produced by Cameron McLain and Stevan Cablayan aka Vector_XING.
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