A Different Kind of Power Summary and Analysis
A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern is an inspiring and introspective memoir by New Zealand’s former Prime Minister. The book provides a candid and heartfelt look into the personal and professional life of one of the world’s most admired political leaders.
It covers the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership journey, from her childhood in a small New Zealand town to becoming the youngest female Prime Minister. The memoir explores Ardern’s unique leadership style, her ability to balance personal struggles with the demands of high office, and her reflections on her legacy as a compassionate, pragmatic, and resilient leader.
Summary
A Different Kind of Power takes us through Jacinda Ardern’s life, from her childhood in Murupara, a small town in New Zealand, to her rise in politics and eventual appointment as the youngest female Prime Minister of New Zealand. The book opens with a moment of personal uncertainty: Jacinda is sitting in a bathroom, anxiously waiting for the result of a pregnancy test while also facing a major political challenge.
She is in the midst of forming a government after an election that left no clear majority, and the weight of these responsibilities becomes even more intense when she learns she is pregnant.
Ardern’s upbringing in Murupara is marked by hardship. The town is economically struggling, its Māori population deeply impacted by colonization, and gangs becoming dominant figures.
Her father, a police sergeant, works tirelessly to maintain order, while her mother struggles with isolation and the emotional toll of their life in such a harsh environment. Ardern reflects on her own early life in Murupara, where she was a small, eager child, often feeling inadequate but learning valuable lessons in empathy, hard work, and service from her parents.
A key event that shapes her worldview occurs when her uncle is involved in a car accident and is left brain-dead. Jacinda is deeply affected by this tragedy, as it forces her to face the fragility of life.
In addition to the anxiety she feels during this time, she also grapples with her own health issues, misinterpreting stress and emotional turmoil as physical illness. These early experiences, including the struggles of her parents, the challenges of living in Murupara, and the personal loss she suffers, help her develop a strong sense of resilience.
As the narrative shifts to her adolescence, we learn about her growing political consciousness. Jacinda becomes more involved in community work, including delivering supermarket flyers, and develops a close friendship with Fiona, a girl who introduces her to music and different cultural perspectives.
When Fiona loses her brother to suicide, Jacinda is deeply affected, and it is during this time that she begins questioning her religious beliefs. This moment also marks the beginning of Jacinda’s active interest in politics, particularly in addressing the social inequalities between the rich and the poor.
Throughout her teenage years, Jacinda continues to struggle with the tension between following a traditional path and pursuing a career in politics. Despite her initial doubts about the political system’s effectiveness, she is inspired by her aunt, who works for the Labour Party, and becomes involved in campaigns.
This experience marks a shift in Jacinda’s life as she begins to see politics as a way to create real change. At age 16, she joins a Labour Party campaign, an experience that significantly shapes her future in politics.
Jacinda’s journey to leadership is also marked by her internal struggles, particularly with imposter syndrome. She is a strong public speaker but often feels overwhelmed by self-doubt.
However, she realizes that even the people she admires experience similar fears, which helps her move past her own insecurities. At university, she studies communications and politics, and despite the uncertainty of her future, she finds purpose in volunteering for Harry Duynhoven’s campaign.
This experience exposes her to the inner workings of politics and solidifies her desire to continue on this path.
Jacinda’s rise to the position of Labour Party leader comes unexpectedly. She is nominated to replace Andrew Little, who resigns due to declining poll numbers just 53 days before the election.
She immediately sets out to create a vision for a better New Zealand, focused on free education, environmental leadership, and affordable housing. The campaign is challenging, and Jacinda faces public scrutiny, especially when asked about her readiness to lead and her plans for motherhood.
Nevertheless, she stays focused on her vision and presents an optimistic message for the country.
The momentum of the campaign shifts when Jacinda unveils the new campaign slogan, “Let’s Do This,” a message of hope and practical solutions. Despite the limited resources, the Labour Party’s campaign begins to resonate with voters, and Jacinda’s leadership skills are put to the test.
However, mistakes are inevitable, and Jacinda’s handling of a key economic question during a visit to Morrinsville is one of the low points of the campaign. Despite these setbacks, Jacinda remains committed to her principles of kindness, inclusivity, and practical change, and Labour’s polling numbers begin to rise.
The critical turning point comes when Winston Peters, the leader of the New Zealand First Party, chooses to form a coalition with Labour, allowing Jacinda to become Prime Minister. But her leadership is further complicated when she learns she is pregnant.
Her pregnancy is met with mixed reactions, but the overwhelming public support for her decision breaks barriers for women in leadership.
As Prime Minister, Jacinda’s leadership is tested on a global scale, especially when the COVID-19 pandemic strikes. The book shifts focus to her management of the crisis, detailing how she made swift decisions to close borders, implement lockdowns, and protect New Zealand’s healthcare system.
Throughout this period, she leans heavily on her scientific advisors and faces difficult personal sacrifices, including time away from her family. Jacinda reflects on the challenges of balancing her role as a mother with her demanding job as a world leader.
Amidst the pandemic, Jacinda’s leadership is guided by her principles of empathy and kindness. She continues to fulfill her duties as Prime Minister while navigating the pressures of the public eye, the toll on her family life, and the emotional weight of the crisis.
As New Zealand begins to recover, she turns her focus to long-term goals, such as climate change, poverty, and indigenous rights.
Jacinda’s story in the book also touches on her decision to step down as Prime Minister when she feels that New Zealand no longer requires her leadership. She moves on to a fellowship at Harvard University, but her work for climate change and youth leadership continues.
The book concludes with Jacinda’s reflections on her legacy and the power of empathy in leadership, as she believes that true leadership is about making tough decisions with the long-term good of the country in mind.
In sum, A Different Kind of Power is a powerful and inspiring account of Jacinda Ardern’s personal and political journey, reflecting her commitment to kindness, resilience, and leading with empathy, all while striving to make New Zealand a better place for everyone.
Key People
Jacinda Ardern
Jacinda Ardern, the central figure in A Different Kind of Power, stands as a remarkable leader whose journey to the Prime Ministership is shaped by both personal challenges and political conviction. From her youth in the tough, economically depressed town of Murupara, Ardern was imbued with a sense of responsibility that would guide her throughout her life.
Raised in a family with strong values of service and justice, Jacinda learned early on that the world was often unkind, but it was through kindness and empathy that real change could occur. Despite feeling at times like she wasn’t tough enough for the world of politics, she continuously demonstrated resilience.
This internal struggle between doubt and conviction played out in various stages of her life, from childhood fears to grappling with public scrutiny as a leader.
Her growth from an unsure young woman to a political force was shaped by formative experiences, such as the tragic loss of her friend’s brother and her decision to immerse herself in political work. Throughout her career, Jacinda faced significant public pressure, not just as a politician but as a woman in a high-profile leadership role.
The unprecedented challenge of balancing motherhood with the demands of leading a country was met with both scrutiny and support, with her pregnancy while in office serving as a poignant symbol of breaking barriers for women in leadership. Jacinda’s leadership was defined by a constant balancing act—navigating political decisions with empathy and compassion while pursuing tangible outcomes such as free education, affordable housing, and combating climate change.
In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ardern’s decision-making and emotional resilience were put to the test. Her leadership during the crisis illustrated her ability to adapt and lead with both a rational approach grounded in scientific advice and a deep, empathetic connection to her people.
Even as the pandemic slowly stabilized, her awareness of the importance of maintaining hope and empathy in leadership remained central to her decisions. Her eventual resignation marked a bittersweet end to her time as Prime Minister, but it was also a moment for reflection on her legacy—a leadership defined by kindness, empathy, and the courage to make tough decisions for the greater good.
Laurell Ardern
Laurell Ardern, Jacinda’s mother, a pivotal figure in A Different Kind of Power, was a woman whose strength and resilience shaped Jacinda’s understanding of personal hardship and perseverance. Living in Murupara, a town marked by its harsh realities, Jacinda’s mother faced her own battles, including mental health struggles.
Despite these challenges, she found solace in the Mormon church and fishing, which provided her with a sense of purpose. Her ability to maintain a strong family unit during difficult times had a lasting impact on Jacinda.
The lessons Jacinda learned from her mother about hard work, resilience, and empathy stayed with her throughout her life, guiding her not only in her personal relationships but also in her political career.
Her mother’s influence is evident in Jacinda’s own empathetic approach to leadership. While Jacinda often looked to her father for strength and discipline, it was her mother’s quieter, steadfast determination that helped to shape her ability to connect with others on an emotional level.
The sacrifices her mother made for her family, often in silence, became a touchstone for Jacinda as she later faced her own challenges balancing her career with motherhood.
Ross Ardern
Ross Ardern, Jacinda’s father is another influential character in her life, representing the value of duty and service. As a police sergeant in Murupara, he worked tirelessly to maintain order in a town plagued by economic hardship and social unrest.
His work ethic and dedication to the community, often under tough circumstances, shaped Jacinda’s sense of responsibility and service. While he might have been seen as tough and stoic, his role as a figure of authority in their home gave Jacinda a unique view of leadership, one that combined authority with a commitment to public service.
Though Jacinda sometimes felt inadequate compared to the firmness and authority her father exuded, his example served as a constant reminder of the importance of doing one’s duty, especially in times of crisis. His impact on Jacinda can be seen in her decision-making as a leader, where she often balanced empathy with the firm belief in doing what is right for the community.
His example instilled in her a sense of unwavering commitment to her responsibilities, whether in her political career or in her personal life.
Fiona
Fiona, Jacinda’s close childhood friend, is a character who had a profound impact on Jacinda during her adolescent years. Fiona introduced Jacinda to new cultural ideas and music, enriching her worldview.
However, the most pivotal moment in their friendship came when Fiona tragically lost her brother Theo to suicide. This loss became a turning point in Jacinda’s life, forcing her to grapple with her beliefs, particularly around death, religion, and the deep emotional toll of such a tragedy.
Fiona’s grief opened a new chapter in Jacinda’s emotional development, pushing her to reflect on the complexities of life and human relationships. Through Fiona, Jacinda began to question her own religious beliefs and confront the contradictions within the systems of faith she had grown up with.
This period of questioning and reflection would later influence her political work, as she recognized the need to address not only economic inequality but also the deep emotional and psychological struggles many people face in their communities.
Winston Peters
Winston Peters, the leader of the New Zealand First party, played a crucial role in Jacinda Ardern’s rise to power. After the 2017 election, when no party had a clear majority, Peters’ decision to form a coalition with the Labour Party catapulted Jacinda into the role of New Zealand’s youngest-ever female Prime Minister.
Winston’s role as a political strategist and his ability to navigate the complexities of coalition politics were pivotal in securing the Labour Party’s position in government.
Although not a central character in Jacinda’s personal narrative, Peters’ influence was undeniable in shaping the political landscape that allowed her to lead. His pragmatic decision-making, often rooted in the national interest, served as a foil to Jacinda’s more empathetic approach to leadership.
The political alliance between their parties, despite ideological differences, highlighted the necessity of compromise and the importance of unity in achieving shared goals for the greater good of the country.
Analysis of Themes
Personal Growth and Responsibility
Jacinda Ardern’s journey from a young girl in Murupara to New Zealand’s Prime Minister is deeply shaped by her sense of personal responsibility. Raised in a community that was affected by unemployment and the scars of colonization, Ardern learned early on the significance of contributing to the greater good.
Her family, especially her parents, instilled in her values of hard work, empathy, and service to others. These lessons formed the foundation for her political beliefs and her deep sense of responsibility.
Ardern reflects on how her upbringing, which was marked by both hardship and love, shaped her identity and guided her throughout her life. Her personal experiences, from her uncle’s accident to her struggles with health issues, made her aware of life’s fragility and the importance of making a difference in her community.
This awareness led to her involvement in political activism at a young age, ultimately pushing her to pursue a career in politics despite her earlier uncertainties. Throughout her career, the theme of responsibility not only manifests in her political work but also in how she balances the demands of motherhood with her leadership role.
Even as she navigated unexpected political challenges and personal milestones, Ardern’s sense of duty never wavered, showing that growth is tied not only to personal ambition but to a broader sense of responsibility to others.
Family Dynamics and Legacy
Jacinda Ardern’s reflections on her family, especially the secrets and sacrifices that shaped her identity, highlight the theme of family dynamics and the influence of generational legacies. Ardern recounts key moments with her grandmother, Nana, whose death was a profound experience that revealed family secrets and offered new insights into human relationships.
The discovery that her father’s biological father was not her grandfather added layers of complexity to her understanding of family and identity. This revelation brought confusion and anger, but it also prompted Ardern to appreciate the love and sacrifices that shaped her family’s history.
Her relationship with her parents, especially the sacrifices made by her mother, who struggled with mental health issues, shaped her values and resilience. The family’s sense of unity and the values they upheld in Murupara acted as the building blocks for her political philosophy.
These themes of family and legacy reflect not only the personal impact of family experiences on Ardern’s character but also how these experiences prepared her to lead in a way that was empathetic and grounded in community service.
Identity and Belonging
The theme of identity and belonging runs through Jacinda Ardern’s life story, as she navigates the complexities of growing up in a small town and later, in the world of politics. From her early years in Murupara, Ardern reflects on how the town’s struggles shaped her sense of identity.
The challenges faced by the Māori community, the rise of gangs, and the harsh economic realities of her hometown formed a backdrop for Ardern’s understanding of inequality and social justice. As she grew older, she grappled with her own sense of identity, especially when faced with the realities of working in politics and the expectations placed upon her as a woman in a male-dominated sphere.
Her reflections on the tensions between pursuing a traditional life and the call to political activism show her evolving sense of self. This struggle is further intensified when she faces the challenges of public life, particularly the scrutiny she faces as a young woman leader balancing motherhood with her political responsibilities.
Ultimately, Ardern’s identity as a leader is shaped by her deep understanding of the importance of community, inclusivity, and fairness. Her sense of belonging to both her roots in Murupara and the larger world of New Zealand politics helps her forge a unique path as a leader who is both grounded and visionary.
Empathy in Leadership
Throughout her career, Jacinda Ardern has demonstrated that empathy is a cornerstone of effective leadership. From the early days of her political career, where she navigated the pressure of leading the Labour Party in uncertain times, to her response to the COVID-19 pandemic, empathy is a consistent thread that runs through her leadership style.
Ardern’s ability to empathize with the struggles of ordinary New Zealanders was evident when she took office, particularly in her focus on issues like child poverty, education, and housing. Her leadership during the pandemic, where she made difficult decisions to protect the health of the nation while balancing the economic and social impacts, showcased her capacity for both compassion and decisiveness.
In moments of crisis, such as the Christchurch shooting and the pandemic, Ardern’s empathy allowed her to connect with people on a deeply personal level, offering comfort while guiding the country through difficult times. Her leadership was not only about making the right decisions but about making those decisions in a way that acknowledged the emotional and psychological toll on the public.
By prioritizing kindness and inclusivity, Ardern proved that empathy can be a powerful tool for change, ensuring that leadership is not only effective but also human.
Gender and Leadership
As a woman in a high-profile leadership role, Jacinda Ardern’s journey challenges traditional notions of leadership, particularly regarding gender. Throughout her career, she faced constant scrutiny of her personal life and choices, especially when she became pregnant while in office.
The public’s reaction to her pregnancy was a testament to the biases that women in leadership positions often face, as her decision to balance motherhood with her role as Prime Minister was met with both support and criticism. Ardern’s approach to leadership—emphasizing empathy, inclusivity, and kindness—offered a new model of leadership that contrasted with more traditional, often male-dominated, styles of governance.
Her leadership proved that gender should not be a barrier to effective leadership and that women can excel in political roles without sacrificing their personal lives. In confronting these challenges head-on, Ardern became an inspiring figure for women worldwide, demonstrating that it is possible to lead with both strength and compassion.
Her tenure as Prime Minister became a symbol of breaking barriers and redefining leadership, showing that qualities often associated with femininity can be powerful tools for national leadership.
Resilience and Adaptability
Jacinda Ardern’s leadership was tested time and again, and through it all, her resilience and adaptability were key to her success. Whether it was stepping into the role of Labour leader under pressure, handling the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, or navigating the personal complexities of motherhood while in office, Ardern demonstrated an ability to stay focused and adaptable in the face of uncertainty.
Her early political career was marked by rapid shifts, including the unexpected resignation of her predecessor, Andrew Little, and the subsequent election campaign where she had just 53 days to turn the Labour Party’s fortunes around. Despite facing steep odds and declining polling, Ardern remained adaptable, revising the campaign strategy and refocusing on hope and practical solutions rather than negativity.
Her handling of the pandemic further highlighted her resilience, as she made difficult decisions while facing unprecedented challenges, including the emotional toll of leadership during a global crisis. Ardern’s ability to remain calm, grounded, and decisive in such high-pressure situations speaks to the importance of resilience in leadership, showing that adaptability and perseverance are critical traits for navigating both personal and professional challenges.