A Different Kind of Power

Read by the author, Jacinda Ardern

By: Jacinda Ardern

Narrated by: Jacinda Ardern

Read by the author, Jacinda Ardern.

This is not just a book for people who follow politics, but for anyone who has ever doubted themselves, or wanted to make a difference.

The deeply personal memoir from the former prime minister of New Zealand, then the world’s youngest female head of government and just the second to become a mother in office.

‘An essential, inspiring read’ – Natalie Portman
'Fascinating and engaging . . . makes us yearn for an era of courage and hope' – Nicola Sturgeon, The Observer

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 became a global icon for her empathetic leadership that put people first. She guided her country through unprecedented challenges, from the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks to a global pandemic. She advanced visionary policies to address climate change and child poverty. And all while juggling first-time motherhood in the public eye.

This is the inspiring story of how a Mormon girl plagued by self-doubt changed our assumptions of what a leader can be. A Different Kind of Power is more than a political memoir. Powerfully evocative and refreshingly open, it is a profound insight into how it feels to lead, it asks: what if you, too, are capable of more than you ever imagined?

'Clear-eyed and luminous' – Bill Bailey
'Warm and funny . . . emotionally rich and candid' – The Guardian
'Wonderfully frank and open' – The Rest is Politics: Leading

Critic reviews

A rare glimpse into the foundations of Jacinda's unique and unprecedented leadership style, one that values humanity above all else. An essential, inspiring read (Natalie Portman, Academy Award winning actor)

Insightful and inspiring . . . 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, bestselling author of The Moment of Lift)

Jacinda Ardern believes empathy and kindness should be central to politics. Her warm voice and Kiwi accent embody authenticity, earnestness, and self-effacing humor . . . She’s a natural storyteller, reeling in the listener while maintaining an ever-present sense of purpose (AudioFile)

Inspiring . . . fascinating and engaging . . . makes us yearn for an era of courage and hope (Nicola Sturgeon, The Observer)

Wonderful. As clear-eyed and luminous a depiction of childhood and family life as it is a brilliant insight into the making of a politician, a mother and a head of state (Bill Bailey)

Decent, resolutely human . . . Jacinda Ardern still believes modesty, kindness and compassion will win the day (The Guardian)

An honest, inviting and profoundly personal story . . . A rare and essential memoir (Ben Rhodes, bestselling author of The World As It Is and After the Fall)

Jacinda Ardern redefined what leadership looks like on the world stage . . . a powerful memoir (The i paper)

A fireside chat with a kind leader

I appreciate that this book was read by Jacinda herself. It was like a personal conversation on her journey of leadership. It was an easy and insightful listen, which is great, because it makes it accessible to so many people who might not dip into an autobiographical book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and admire her frankness and thoughtful leadership.

Kindness

Due to its incredible scenery, New Zealand has always had a particular magic spell on people.
I was drawn to this book because it was written by New Zealand's former prime minister, Mrs Jacinda Ardern, who caught my attention during the COVID-19 pandemic.
After reading her book, I reached two personal conclusions:
1. We need more humanity in our routines and acceptance of different opinions. We really need to listen to others' opinions, not just hear them.
2. New Zealand is a nation that I need to visit and get to know in person.

A Powerful Book

I think the story of Jacinda Adern proves tbat you can be a compassionate leader, even in tough times.

Un relato sincero y humano

Disfruté mucho de este relato y experiencia de vida de Jacinda Ardern. Para mí, una verdadera inspiración.

What a powerful yet relatable read!

I enjoyed the grounded story line, the flow and the overall message was inspiring! what a wonderful read