In an era increasingly defined by political polarization, rapid-fire crises, and a pervasive sense of grievance, the voice of former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern resonates with a unique blend of empathy, resilience, and profound insight. In a recent candid interview, Ardern, known for her distinctive approach to leadership, reflected on her tumultuous tenure, the personal toll of public service, and her vision for a more humane political future. Her autobiography, children’s book, and a revealing documentary filmed by her husband offer an unfiltered look into the life of a leader who navigated domestic terror attacks, a global pandemic, and motherhood, all within a remarkably short period.

Ardern’s journey into politics was deeply shaped by her formative years. Growing up with a father in law enforcement, she witnessed firsthand the diverse realities of small farming communities in New Zealand. These experiences, which she describes as “charming,” fundamentally informed “the humanity of her politics,” instilling in her an unwavering commitment to public service and a compassionate approach to governance. This human-centered philosophy propelled her party into a leadership position, ultimately leading her to the prime ministership.

Her time in office, however, was immediately marked by a series of unprecedented crises. Ardern faced the unimaginable horror of a domestic terror attack in Christchurch, where a white supremacist took the lives of 51 members of the Muslim community and live-streamed the horrific event on social media. Her response to this tragedy, characterized by profound empathy, decisive action, and a global call for unity, earned her widespread international acclaim. She famously wore a scarf to mourn with the Muslim community and swiftly introduced legislation to ban terrible weapons, demonstrating a “courageous act to be optimistic” even in the face of immense sorrow.

Following the Christchurch attack, Ardern also confronted the monumental challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her government’s response, lauded for its agility and effectiveness, prioritized public health and safety. She recalled being “really worried about the number of women that were losing work” due to insecure jobs, leading her administration to implement a “food in schools program” to support women re-entering the workforce. This dual focus on managing immediate crises while simultaneously pursuing long-term social goals underscored her commitment to empathetic governance. Despite the immense pressures, Ardern asserted that her government “still made progress on the things that really mattered,” including significant strides in combating child poverty and implementing crucial climate change legislation.

Ardern’s leadership style, characterized by a willingness to be authentically human in a demanding role, is a stark contrast to the often-micromanaged and emotionally guarded demeanor typically associated with politicians. The documentary filmed by her husband, born from spontaneous recordings during her unexpected rise to prime minister, offered a remarkably “unfiltered” glimpse into her life. Though she admitted to telling him “to leave me alone” countless times, she ultimately expressed gratitude for his persistence, believing the documentary tells a vital story: that “there’s still humans doing these jobs” who “will make mistakes… and sometimes we’ll get things right and sometimes we’ll get things wrong, but we need more leaders who are willing to be humans while they’re in the job.”

Her tenure, however, was not without its critics. While her approval ratings soared after Christchurch and early in the pandemic, she eventually faced the inevitable downturn of public opinion. She reflected on this cyclical nature of politics, stating, “what goes up must come down,” and emphasizing that “whatever political capital that you might have you’re going to need to spend it.” For Ardern, the ultimate measure of a politician lies in whether they “spend it on doing the right thing, even if it’s something that’s hard, even if it’s something that… might not be popular.”

Ardern also offered her perspective on the current state of global politics, particularly the turmoil witnessed in the United States. She observed a “globalization of political culture” characterized by a widespread increase in “grievance,” with a global survey indicating that 61% of people feel political institutions are making their lives harder. Alarmingly, “four out of 10 think hostile action is justified because of it,” encompassing “disinformation or… violent online engagement or… even vandalizing public property.” She warned against the dangerous tactic of “weaponizing fear and blame,” which she believes leaders cynically use to “consolidate power,” divorcing outcomes from their true purpose. For Ardern, true power is defined as “responsibility.”

She highlighted the urgent need for “empathetic leadership” to “unwind” this cycle of grievance and political violence. Drawing parallels to historical periods of immense difficulty, such as the aftermath of wars and the Great Depression, she emphasized the importance of leaders like FDR, who “didn’t use fear and blame but instead” offered empathy. Ardern firmly believes that acknowledging a nation’s “dark histories” is not an unpatriotic act, but “a way of saying I love my country and I know it can be better.”

When asked about current global leaders who embody empathetic leadership, Ardern pointed to the President of Mexico, who is “governing through really difficult times but doing so with dignity [and] integrity.” She also commended the prime ministers of Canada (Mark Carney) and Australia (Anthony Albanese) for using their election night victory speeches to speak about “kindness.” These examples, she argued, demonstrate leaders choosing “to be a little more optimistic in these dark times rather than some others.”

Looking ahead, Ardern is now channeling her experience into teaching “empathetic leadership” through the “Field Fellowship,” a program designed to support politicians who are committed to “leading with compassion.” While she humorously deflected questions about re-entering the political arena, asserting her happiness as “solely an ambassador for New Zealand’s chocolate,” her continued dedication to shaping a more humane political landscape is clear. Jacinda Ardern’s legacy is one of leading with a different kind of power—a power rooted in humanity, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult.