A Slight Change of Plans How Jacinda Ardern Turned Self-Doubt into a Strength
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Jul 21, 2025 
Former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, shares her journey from self-doubt to resilient leadership. She discusses the importance of empathy and kindness in political crises, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ardern reflects on balancing personal integrity with public expectation and the challenges of tackling significant responsibilities at a young age. Her insights emphasize how vulnerability can transform leadership styles, highlighting the power of compassion in governance.
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Standing Up to Gendered Questions
- Jacinda faced aggressive and unfair questioning about her desire to become a mother while in public life.
- She pushed back strongly on gendered questions during interviews, channeling frustration into assertiveness.
Owning Doubt With Confidence
- Jacinda faced doubts about her youth and experience at her first press conference as leader.
- She boldly turned the criticism around, challenging others to articulate why she couldn’t do the job.
Pregnant Amid Election Negotiations
- Just days before election results, Jacinda discovered she was pregnant during intense coalition negotiations.
- She kept pregnancy private initially due to high stress, managing morning sickness while leading.