An intimate reflection on empathy, leadership, and the courage to be kind in a divided world
Jacinda Ardern’s A Different Kind of Power is not your typical political memoir. It reads less like a victory lap and more like a meditation on how compassion, vulnerability, and conviction can coexist in leadership. From her small-town beginnings in New Zealand to becoming one of the world’s youngest prime ministers, Ardern’s story is both personal and political, candid and idealistic. Whether you see her as a symbol of hope or a lightning rod for controversy, her voice here feels undeniably human.
A Portrait of Empathetic Leadership
Ardern’s rise to power was meteoric, but her impact extended far beyond politics. She became a global figure of empathy after leading New Zealand through the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings. Her swift response tightening gun laws within ten days was seen as a model of moral clarity and decisive compassion. The book recounts this period with quiet emotional strength, revealing how grief and leadership intertwined in real time.
Throughout the memoir, Ardern explores what she calls “a different kind of power” the idea that traits often dismissed as weaknesses, such as sensitivity or self-doubt, can actually be sources of strength. One of the most resonant passages, quoted by audiobook listeners, captures her philosophy perfectly:
“If you have imposter syndrome or question yourself, channel that. It will help you. The things you thought would cripple you will in fact make you stronger. They will give you a different kind of power, and make you a leader that this world, with all its turmoil, might just need.”
It’s these reflections, delivered in her own steady voice in the audiobook version, that elevate the memoir beyond the political sphere into something deeply motivational.
The Book’s Strengths
Readers like Keri Stone and Jean have praised Ardern’s memoir for its clarity, warmth, and humility. The book provides not only a behind-the-scenes look at high-pressure decision-making but also a surprising degree of emotional honesty. Ardern’s candid discussions of imposter syndrome, motherhood, and burnout offer rare insight into the inner world of someone who carried national and global burdens with grace.
Jean highlights how the memoir captures a new model of leadership one rooted in collaboration rather than dominance. The audiobook, narrated by Ardern herself, adds authenticity and a sense of intimacy that few political books achieve. Hearing her recount moments of heartbreak and hope in her soft New Zealand accent reinforces the sincerity of her message.
The Divisive Legacy
Not every reader is convinced. Kelly Mcavinue’s critique captures a perspective shared by some New Zealanders who view Ardern’s pandemic-era leadership as overly controlling and hypocritical. They remember her lockdown policies, vaccination mandates, and rhetoric of “kindness” as tools of compliance rather than compassion. For them, A Different Kind of Power feels like selective memory a reframing of history that smooths over division and distrust.
This contrast between Ardern’s global image and her domestic critics gives the book an added layer of complexity. Whether one sees her as a visionary or a revisionist, the memoir cannot be dismissed as mere political branding. It reflects the paradox of leadership itself: that empathy can inspire millions and still alienate some.
Final Thoughts
Jacinda Ardern’s A Different Kind of Power stands out as a thoughtful, introspective memoir about the personal cost of leadership and the moral courage to lead differently. It will resonate most with readers seeking hope amid political cynicism and with those who believe kindness still has a place in power.
Even if you question her choices, Ardern’s story challenges us to ask a deeper question: what kind of leaders do we truly want and what kind of people do we become when led by empathy instead of ego?
Verdict: 4.5/5 – Inspiring, eloquent, and imperfectly human. A must-read for anyone interested in modern leadership and the emotional intelligence required to navigate turbulent times.
Get your copy of A Different Kind of Power here: https://amzn.to/4gZ4tiy
