In this episode of Giant Ideas, former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern returns to explore the person behind the public role. Invited to choose three photographs that define her life, Jacinda reflects on a childhood shaped by New Zealand, parents who modelled service and fairness, and the early experiences that forged her lifelong commitment to tackling inequality and child poverty.

She shares a candid glimpse into the emotional weight of leadership, including the lasting impact of March 15, and why stepping down wasn’t about burnout, knowing when to pass the baton. Jacinda also talks about becoming a mother while in office, learning to let go of control, accepting help, and challenging the myth that women must “do it all” alone. She also describes how she’s crafting her next chapter and why her family makes her so happy.

In this conversation:

The three “photographs” that define Jacinda’s life and values
How she was a a reluctant leader
The emotional legacy of crisis leadership
Motherhood, power, and the myth of “doing it all”
Pushing back on misogyny
Life after high office and why she has “no regrets”

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Music credits: Bubble King written and produced by Cameron McLain and Stevan Cablayan aka Vector_XING.

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