Home World How New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern broke the political mold

How New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern broke the political mold

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Former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern speaks during Cinema Cafe 2 during the 2025 Sundance Film Festival Awards. Maya Dehlin Spach/Getty Images hide caption

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Maya Dehlin Spach/Getty Images

Former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern speaks during Cinema Cafe 2 during the 2025 Sundance Film Festival Awards.

Maya Dehlin Spach/Getty Images

Whether it was her history making win in 2017.

Or the history she made as only the second woman elected to lead a country to give birth while IN office.

Or her decision to step AWAY from power after leading New Zealand through crisis after crisis.

Jacinda Ardern could never be described as a TYPICAL politician. But perhaps the most norm-busting feature of her time as Prime Minister was her rejection of the old ways of leadership.

Now as she reflects on her time as Prime Minister of New Zealand Ardern is emphasizing the need to lead with kindness and empathy.

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This episode was produced by Erika Ryan and Mia Venkat. It was edited by Courtney Dorning. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.

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