Making Space with Hoda Kotb: Episode Summary Episode: Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Leading with Compassion While Taking Action
Release Date: June 11, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Making Space with Hoda Kotb, Hoda engages in an intimate and insightful conversation with Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand. At 37, Ardern became the youngest Prime Minister in New Zealand's 150-year history, leading with empathy, strength, and decisive action. Throughout the discussion, Ardern shares her journey of self-discovery, the challenges she faced while in office, and the principles that guided her leadership style. The episode is enriched with personal anecdotes, notable quotes, and profound insights into the resilience of the human spirit.

Early Life and Political Journey

Ardern begins by reflecting on her upbringing in New Zealand, describing her childhood with a single word: "Barefoot" ([10:11]). This term encapsulates the freedom and connection to nature that defined her early years. Growing up in a dairy farming community, Ardern emphasizes the strong work ethic instilled by her parents—her father, a policeman, and her mother, who worked multiple jobs after farm life.

She recounts her first foray into the workforce at the age of 12, delivering pamphlets, and later working at a fish and chip shop—a quintessential New Zealand job ([15:07]). Ardern's political consciousness was shaped by witnessing the economic turmoil of the 1980s in her town of Morinsville, where deregulation led to widespread unemployment and social issues. This environment ignited her sense of fairness and propelled her towards politics ([16:00]).

At 28, Ardern became a Member of Parliament (MP) after a serendipitous series of events. Initially considering a career in the police, she was encouraged to join the Labour Party list, ultimately leading her to Parliament ([25:43]). Her ascent was marked by a relentless commitment to positive change over political maneuvering.

Leadership Style: Compassion Meets Action

Ardern's leadership is characterized by a unique blend of empathy, kindness, and resolute action. She challenges the traditional perception of politicians needing to display unwavering strength by advocating for the inclusion of vulnerability and empathy in leadership roles.

Notable Quote:
"I want you to push through that [imposter syndrome]. It doesn't mean you have to advertise it, but I want you to push through that." ([05:22])

Ardern discusses how her approach was initially met with skepticism, including criticism for not fitting the conventional political mold. However, her dedication to compassionate leadership resonated deeply with the public and her peers.

When asked about setting a narrative for her party, Ardern explains how she and her team committed to a governance style that focused on assurance, positivity, and addressing issues without personal attacks:

Notable Quote:
"We are going to be relentlessly positive. We are going to talk about what's possible, not about just everything that is wrong." ([46:59])

This approach not only redefined her party’s image but also fostered a more inclusive and supportive political environment.

Handling Crises with Empathy and Decisive Action

Ardern's tenure was marked by significant crises, including the Christchurch mosque shootings and the COVID-19 pandemic. Her response to these events illustrated her leadership philosophy in action.

Christchurch Mosque Massacre ([49:35])

The tragic mass shooting in Christchurch tested Ardern's leadership profoundly. She emphasizes that empathy must be coupled with action:

Notable Quote:
"You cannot have an empathetic response that then does not seek to resolve the issue that has caused that distress or that crisis." ([49:35])

In response to the shootings, Ardern swiftly implemented a ban on AR-15s within 27 days, showcasing her ability to translate compassion into tangible policy changes. This decisive action received overwhelming support, with 119 out of 120 members of Parliament voting in favor of the ban.

COVID-19 Pandemic ([51:43])

During the pandemic, Ardern navigated New Zealand through two distinct phases. Initially, she focused on alleviating fear and uncertainty by being transparent about what was known and unknown about the virus. This transparency built public trust and confidence:

Notable Quote:
"We were sharing all of that and that we still had a plan actually, that built confidence, people trusted us." ([51:43])

Ardern argues that true confidence in leadership comes from honesty and a clear, adaptable plan rather than the facade of complete certainty.

Resignation and Personal Reflections

After five and a half years as Prime Minister, Ardern stepped down, a decision rooted in self-awareness and the recognition of her own limits. She clarifies that her resignation was not due to burnout but a conscious choice to ensure effective leadership:

Notable Quote:
"I've been in this job five years... Sometimes you have to recognise when you've been through crisis, you have to recognise what you need to lead in crisis. And I don't have enough in the tank anymore." ([53:50])

Ardern addresses misconceptions surrounding her departure, emphasizing the importance of personal well-being and the responsibility of leaders to maintain their capacity to lead effectively.

Optimism for the Future

In discussing her current life post-politics, Ardern expresses a steadfast optimism about the future. She rejects the notion that optimism is naive, positioning it instead as an active belief in the potential for positive change:

Notable Quote:
"Optimism is an expectation. It's an active belief and hope and aspiration that things could be better." ([55:33])

Ardern remains hopeful, inspired by the enduring optimism of younger generations and her belief in the continual improvement of society through dedicated leadership.

Conclusion

Jacinda Ardern’s conversation with Hoda Kotb offers a profound exploration of compassionate leadership intertwined with strength and decisive action. Her experiences highlight how empathy can drive meaningful change and how resilience is crucial in the face of adversity. This episode serves as an inspiring testament to the power of leading with both heart and determination, leaving listeners with valuable lessons on personal growth and effective leadership.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "I want you to push through that [imposter syndrome]." ([05:22])
• "We are going to be relentlessly positive. We are going to talk about what's possible, not about just everything that is wrong." ([46:59])
• "You cannot have an empathetic response that then does not seek to resolve the issue that has caused that distress or that crisis." ([49:35])
• "We were sharing all of that and that we still had a plan actually, that built confidence, people trusted us." ([51:43])
• "I've been in this job five years... Sometimes you have to recognise when you've been through crisis, you have to recognise what you need to lead in crisis. And I don't have enough in the tank anymore." ([53:50])
• "Optimism is an expectation. It's an active belief and hope and aspiration that things could be better." ([55:33])

Final Thoughts

This episode of Making Space with Hoda Kotb provides an enriching narrative of Jacinda Ardern’s leadership journey, emphasizing the harmonious blend of empathy and action. For listeners seeking inspiration and deeper understanding of compassionate leadership, this conversation is both enlightening and motivating.