The Assignment with Audie Cornish Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s Next Act
Nov 13, 2025
Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and author of the memoir A Different Kind of Power, discusses her transformative leadership during crises, including the Christchurch shooting and a global pandemic. She opens up about battling imposter syndrome, the challenges of parenting in the spotlight, and the importance of empathy in political discourse. Ardern emphasizes the need for kindness in politics, reflects on her early influences, and advocates for raised children to be engaged citizens in a complex world.
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Rapid Gun Ban After Christchurch
- Jacinda Ardern responded to the Christchurch mosque massacre by announcing a ban on semi-automatic weapons and assault rifles quickly after the attack.
- The policy followed a public moment of mourning and decisive legislative action to reduce future risk.
Having A Baby While Leading
- Ardern gave birth while in office, becoming only the second world leader to do so and the only living one who had a baby in office.
- She recounts the uncertainty and planning challenges common to any new parent balancing demanding public duties.
Imposter Syndrome Can Be Useful
- Ardern describes imposter syndrome as a confidence gap that doesn't disappear but can produce useful leadership traits.
- She says it drives preparation, expert consultation, decisiveness, clarity, and humility in decision-making.
