Former prime minister Jacinda Ardern is set to release a “deeply personal” memoir in June, in which she details her decision to step down during her second term.
In A Different Kind of Power: A Memoir, Ardern describes her journey from a girl in Morrinsville to becoming the world’s youngest female head of government at age 37.
According to publisher Penguin Random House, Ardern shares the moments that defined her leadership and created a model for leaders to tackle challenges with empathy and strength.
“A Different Kind of Power is more than a political memoir; it provides inspiration for anyone who has ever doubted their own abilities, ultimately asking — what if you, too, are capable of more than you ever imagined?”
During Ardern’s time as prime minister, she led New Zealand through the terror attack on two Christchurch mosques, the Whakaari White Island eruption, and the outbreak of Covid-19.
In a provided excerpt of the book, Ardern writes: “Some people thought kindness was sentimental, soft. A bit naive, even. I knew this.”
“But I also knew they were wrong. Kindness has a power and strength that almost nothing else on this planet has. I’d seen kindness do extraordinary things—I’d seen it give people hope, I’d seen it change minds, and transform lives… Kindness. This was my guiding principle, and it would be the trait with which I would try to lead, no matter what lay ahead.”
Publisher Grace Thomas of Penguin Random House New Zealand said A Different Kind of Power was “everything a reader could want in a memoir”.
“Ardern shares generously from many aspects of her life: childhood, family stories, struggles with faith, and of course a look behind the scenes at some of the most iconic moments of her career to date. Told honestly, with great self-reflection, humour and hope, A Different Kind of Power is an inspiring call to action for empathetic leaders as well as a captivating read.”
A Different Kind of Power: A Memoir, was due for release on June 3.
