The Rest Is Politics: Leading 137. Jacinda Ardern: Why I Stepped Down as Prime Minister of New Zealand
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Jun 1, 2025 
Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, shares her journey from a conservative upbringing to becoming a global leader known for empathy. She discusses her decision to step down and the political pressures she faced, particularly regarding New Zealand's stance amid US-China tensions. Ardern reflects on the balance between personal ambition and public service while addressing the importance of empathetic leadership in today’s climate. She also reveals insights on navigating identity, belonging, and the emotional costs of political life.
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Childhood Shapes Core Values
- Detailed childhood memories shape personal values and identity deeply.
- Family journals greatly help preserve these formative moments for reflection.
Parental Strength and Resilience
- Jacinda saw both parents as strong, despite mother's mental health struggles.
- Her mother's resilience masked the true extent of her challenges.
Family Secret Revelation
- Jacinda revealed a family secret about her biological grandfather.
- This complexity taught her early that people's lives and relationships are complicated.
