A Different Kind of Power

A Memoir

By: Jacinda Ardern

Narrated by: Jacinda Ardern

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the former prime minister of New Zealand, then the world’s youngest female head of government and just the second to give birth in office, comes a deeply personal memoir chronicling her extraordinary rise and offering inspiration to a new generation of leaders.

“A clear and compelling case for compassion . . . an implicit repudiation of the strongman style of leadership that has taken hold around the world.”—The Washington Post

What if we could redefine leadership? What if kindness came first? Jacinda Ardern grew up the daughter of a police officer in small-town New Zealand, but as the 40th Prime Minister of her country, she commanded global respect for her empathetic leadership that put people first. This is the remarkable story of how a Mormon girl plagued by self-doubt made political history and changed our assumptions of what a global leader can be.

When Jacinda Ardern became Prime Minister at age thirty-seven, the world took notice. But it was her compassionate yet powerful response to the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, resulting in swift and sweeping gun control laws, that demonstrated her remarkable leadership. She guided her country through unprecedented challenges—a volcanic eruption, a major biosecurity breach, and a global pandemic—while advancing visionary new policies to address climate change, reduce child poverty, and secure historic international trade deals. She did all this while juggling first-time motherhood in the public eye.

Ardern exemplifies a new kind of leadership—proving that leaders can be caring, empathetic, and effective. She has become a global icon, and now she is ready to share her story, from the struggles to the surprises, including for the first time the full details of her decision to step down during her sixth year as Prime Minister.

Through her personal experiences and reflections, Jacinda is a model for anyone who has ever doubted themselves, or has aspired to lead with compassion, conviction, and courage. A Different Kind of Power is more than a political memoir; it’s an insight into how it feels to lead, ultimately asking: What if you, too, are capable of more than you ever imagined?

Critic reviews

“Against the backdrop of the braggadocio and threats that permeate today’s political discourse, former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern uses her new memoir to make a clear and compelling case for compassion. . . . Her new book is an implicit repudiation of the strongman style of leadership that has taken hold around the world.”—The Washington Post

“A Different Kind of Power is the story of the forces that have shaped Jacinda Ardern and the intentional effort she has put into creating a new template for the next generation of leaders to follow. Ardern’s insightful and inspiring memoir challenges old definitions of strength and power by emphasizing the urgency of compassion and kindness. World leaders have a lot to learn from her timely and important perspective.”—Melinda French Gates, author of The Moment of Lift

“Jacinda’s memoir gives us a rare glimpse into the foundations of her unique and unprecedented leadership style, one that values humanity above all else. It’s an essential, inspiring read in our current political climate.”—Natalie Portman

“This memoir offers such a refreshing take on leadership. The former prime minister of New Zealand writes about leading with both kindness and action. Her journey from small-town girl to world leader is inspiring and beautiful.”—ELLE

“It is rare enough to find someone who lives an inspiring life of genuine service to humanity; it is even rarer to find that they’ve written a beautiful book that will inspire others. Jacinda Ardern’s A Different Kind of Power is just such a book. I could not put down this deeply personal memoir by an icon who insists on being a real person. Like the memoirs of Barack Obama and Gloria Steinem, this book has the power to inspire a new generation of passionate leaders and readers. You don’t have to be interested in politics to devour this book; you might be interested in how women dare to mother and lead at the same time; you might be interested in bravery, and a life well-lived.”—Sarah Ruhl, author of Smile

“An honest, inviting and profoundly personal story of rising to power, and then choosing to give it up. This book is filled with humor, conviction, self-awareness, uncommon kindness, and a wisdom earned through the dizzying trials of recent history. This should be required reading for anyone trying to understand how—and why—to stay true to core values in trying times. A rare and essential memoir.”—Ben Rhodes, author of The World As It Is and After the Fall

“[Ardern] offers several fascinating peeks behind the curtain of her administration [in] an inspiring . . . glimpse at the rise and philosophy of a consequential politician.”—Publishers Weekly

Inspirational and moving

Wonderfully told story of an inspirational, humble, kind leader. If only more leaders were like Ardern then the world would be in a better place.

Absolute must read!

This is why we need more women in politics. What a role model she is! And what an amazing storyteller.

Leaders can indeed be kind

She leads from the heart as well as her head. They clearly have a wonderful marriage as well. Jacenda is a strong example of a life well lived and had a huge impact on the citizens of New Zealand. What a wonderful leader and human being she is. The world needs more leaders like her.

Authentic

All of it-I liked -a very authentic story about a person and a country.

Thoughtful & Inspirational

This was a very interesting book as a autobiography of sorts of Jucinda Ardern's political career. All heart & soul, it describes her life and political actions from the start of her career until she leaves office at Prime Minister of New Zealand. An authentic, interesting and compelling story from a true humanist. well worth the listen.