Jacinda Ardern: New Zealand’s Youngest Female PM on Power and Motherhood | Lorraine

Leadership Style and Empathy

• 💡 Jacinda Ardern became New Zealand's youngest Prime Minister at 37 and was the second woman to give birth while in office.
• 🎯 Her leadership was characterized by empathy, which she believes was a natural outcome of her swift and unexpected rise to power, allowing her to "be herself."
• 👏 This empathetic approach was particularly evident during the 2019 terrorist attack, where her response was credited with healing the nation.

Juggling Motherhood and Premiership

• 👶 Ardern's memoir, "A Different Kind of Power," reveals the struggles of being a new mother while serving as Prime Minister, despite public perceptions of effortless juggling.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 She emphasizes that she had significant support, including her husband and staff, and cautions against the idea that women can "do it all" without a strong support system.
• 🌍 She even brought her baby, Neve, to the United Nations, highlighting the practical challenges and the necessity of her support network.

Decision to Step Down

• 🧠 Ardern made the brave decision to step down from her role, stating she didn't have "enough in the tank" to continue leading effectively.
• 📉 She felt her curiosity and reserve—qualities she valued in leadership—were waning after a tough five years involving a domestic terror attack, volcanic eruption, the pandemic, and natural disasters.
• 🩺 A health scare (a lump in her breast) prior to her decision triggered a thought process about her demanding life, though it wasn't the sole reason for her departure.

The Future of Politics

• 🌱 Ardern firmly believes there is still a crucial place for kindness, empathy, and solutions-focused politics in the world today, especially given current global challenges.
• 🚫 She warns against politicians resorting to fear and blame, which she describes as "the oldest tricks in the book," advocating instead for presenting real solutions.
• 📣 She encourages putting a spotlight on politicians who practice kindness and empathy, allowing their approach to gain more prominence.