Seven years in the making, Brodie finally sat down with Dame Jacinda Ardern. They discuss her new book, the power of leading with kindness, and why she has no regrets about moving on.
It is not every day you get an hour with a former Prime Minister, let alone one who is currently taking the global literary world by storm. After seven years of asking, we finally managed to catch up with Dame Jacinda Ardern to talk about her journey and her book, A Different Kind of Power. She might be on the other side of the world, but the conversation felt just like a catch-up over a coffee back home.
We spent a lot of time talking about the philosophy behind her leadership. Jacinda is still a huge advocate for empathy, arguing that being kind is not a weakness but a necessary tool for navigating the state of the world today. She reflects on her time in the top job with a sense of calm, telling us she has no regrets about the timing of her departure or the way she led. It is clear that she is at peace with that chapter of her life.
Beyond the heavy topics of politics and global policy, we got to see the side of Jacinda that many Kiwis have always connected with. We shared a laugh over her memories of New Zealand summers, including a classic moment where she tripped over at Rhythm and Vines. It is that mix of serious insight and genuine relatability that makes her such a compelling guest.
This episode is a chance to hear from Jacinda in a way that goes beyond the headlines. Whether you are interested in the mechanics of power or just want to hear a great Kiwi yarn, there is plenty to take away from this sit-down. We are so glad we stayed patient for those seven years to make this happen.