Jacinda Ardern talks stepping down as prime minister of New Zealand l GMA

Summary

In an interview, former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern discusses her unexpected resignation, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging personal limits in leadership. She reflects on her unique journey as a young, empathetic leader and a mother, challenging traditional leadership norms. Ardern shares her current role at Harvard, focusing on online safety and combating extremism, and hints at an upcoming book detailing her experiences and insights. She expresses optimism for the future, highlighting the need for empathy and kindness in leadership.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, surprised the world with her resignation, sparking global discussions on leadership and personal boundaries.
• 🎤 In her victory speech, Ardern emphasized that leaders can come from diverse backgrounds and possess various traits, challenging traditional views on what a leader should be.
• 🙏 She received gratitude from many, especially women, for demonstrating that it's acceptable to admit when one is tired or lacks the energy to perform at their best.
• 🔥 Ardern differentiated her decision to resign from burnout, stating it was about having enough to do the job well, not just continuing to endure.
• 🌱 She broke barriers as the youngest Prime Minister in over 150 years and the second world leader to give birth while in office, inspiring others to see leadership as accessible.
• 🌐 Post-resignation, Ardern is at Harvard as a fellow, focusing on making online environments safer and addressing the challenges of AI and violent extremism.
• 📚 She plans to write a book, shifting from her initial reluctance, to share her experiences and insights on leadership and being human in a public role.
• 🏆 Ardern is also involved with Prince William's Earthshot Prize, working on climate-related projects, showing her continued commitment to global issues.
• 🎉 She expressed a desire to be more present for her family and to continue being useful in her post-political life, balancing personal and professional aspirations.
• 🤗 Ardern misses the people of New Zealand and the honor of serving them, highlighting the human connection in her political career.

Q & A

Why did the former Prime Minister of New Zealand resign from her position?

She felt she did not have enough left in her 'tank' to do the job well, indicating it was more about her personal capacity to continue rather than burnout.

How did the public react to her resignation?

The reaction was overwhelming, with discussions triggered globally about leadership decisions, especially among women who appreciated her honesty about personal limits.

What did she mean when she said 'you can be all of these things and lead' in her victory speech?

She was emphasizing that leaders can come from diverse backgrounds and possess various traits, such as being a nerd, a crier, or a hugger, and still be effective.

What is her current role at Harvard?

She is a fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, focusing on issues related to ensuring online safety and combating violent extremism and terrorism.

How does she feel about the characterization of her decision to resign as 'burnout'?

She differentiates her decision from burnout, stating she could have continued but chose to resign because she felt she no longer had the capacity to do the job to the best of her ability.

What are her thoughts on the role of empathy and kindness in leadership?

She believes empathy and kindness are necessary traits for leadership, suggesting they are often overlooked but are crucial for effective leadership.

Why did she decide to write a book after previously stating she would not?

Initially, she was reluctant to write about specific political events, but she changed her mind when considering sharing her human experiences and current adventures.

What is she working on related to the environment and climate?

She is involved with Prince William's Earthshot Prize, working on climate-related projects, indicating her continued interest and engagement in environmental issues.

How does she feel about her time in politics and what she misses the most?

She misses the people she met and served during her time in politics, highlighting the honor she felt in serving them.

What is her perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the world today?

Despite acknowledging the challenges, she expresses optimism and a sense of adventure, suggesting a belief in the potential for positive change.