ReThinking Jacinda Ardern on leading with empathy and overcoming self-doubt
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Jul 1, 2025 
Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, shares her insights on empathetic leadership and the challenges of self-doubt. She discusses her unexpected entry into politics and how compassion shaped her responses during crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Ardern reflects on overcoming 'tall poppy syndrome' and the importance of kindness in leadership. The conversation also touches on navigating personal milestones amidst public scrutiny and the integral role of resilience and optimism in inspiring change.
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Channel Grief Into Action
- Leaders should channel grief and empathy into actionable and timely responses.
- Jacinda’s swift gun law reform after a tragic attack illustrates driven compassionate leadership.
Kindness in Politics
- Jacinda reframed politics with kindness, avoiding personal attacks and focusing on relentlessly positive issue discussions.
- She aimed to reduce political fatigue by maintaining respectful debate without hostility.
Balance Kindness with Debate
- Leaders should balance kindness with open, respectful dissent to avoid groupthink.
- Create environments where counter ideas can be expressed without harming team cohesion.
