Episode Summary: Jacinda Ardern | Photogen-Ick

Release Date: June 4, 2025

In this insightful episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand. Ardern discusses her newly released memoir, "A Different Kind of Power," delving into her leadership philosophy, personal experiences, and the challenges she faced during her tenure.

Welcome and Introduction

The episode begins with Stephen Colbert welcoming Jacinda Ardern back to the show. [13:48] Ardern humorously mentions shipping a couple of kiwis to make Stephen feel at home, setting a warm and friendly tone for the conversation.

Discussing "A Different Kind of Power"

Ardern introduces her memoir, explaining that the title encapsulates a dual meaning—highlighting both the nature of power in leadership and her personal experiences with self-doubt. [18:39] She states:

"We have choices in leadership, particularly in politics. You can either weaponize fear and blame or tackle issues with kindness, empathy, strength, courage, and resilience."

Stephen adds his agreement, emphasizing the harmonious blend of empathy and strength in effective leadership. [19:26]

Leadership Style and Imposter Syndrome

The conversation delves deeper into Ardern's leadership style, particularly her approach during crises. She reflects on her struggles with imposter syndrome and self-doubt, sharing how these feelings influenced her leadership decisions. [18:20] Ardern mentions:

"When you're in times of crisis, you can either weaponize fear or genuinely tackle the issues affecting people's lives with a people-centered approach."

Personal Reflections and Family Insights

Ardern opens up about balancing her role as a mother and a world leader. She recounts a poignant moment at the UN General Assembly where she walked onto the floor with her daughter in her arms, emphasizing the support system that enabled her leadership. [24:07] She shares:

"There wasn't just a photo of me. That whole group of people helped me be Prime Minister and a mother."

Furthermore, Ardern discusses the influence of her family, particularly her parents, on her civic-mindedness and leadership qualities. [28:42] She attributes much of her dedication to democracy and service to her upbringing and parental guidance.

Upcoming Documentary: "Prime Minister"

The discussion shifts to the documentary "Prime Minister," set to release on June 13th. Ardern appreciates the documentary's intimate portrayal of her time in office, despite her initial reservations about being filmed. [28:42] She remarks:

"I really credit him for sticking with it because I was pretty hard to film. But I'm glad he persisted because I think it gives an insight into leadership in a really human way."

Dedication and Core Values

Ardern explains the heartfelt dedication in her memoir to "criers, worriers, and huggers," highlighting the importance of humility, empathy, and emotional openness in leadership. [25:08] She elaborates:

"Those are the individuals that I think we need a bit more of—the ones with humility, who wear their hearts on their sleeves and lead with those traits."

Closing Thoughts

As the episode concludes, Ardern reflects on the unexpected nature of political leadership and the importance of staying true to one's values amidst challenges. [31:07] She shares a candid moment about the unpredictability of her rise to Prime Minister, emphasizing resilience and adaptability.

Key Takeaways:

• Empathetic Leadership: Ardern advocates for a leadership style rooted in kindness, empathy, and resilience, especially during crises.

• Personal Struggles: She candidly discusses her experiences with imposter syndrome and the personal doubts that accompanied her role as Prime Minister.

• Support Systems: Ardern emphasizes the importance of a strong support network, including family and dedicated team members, in achieving effective leadership.

• Legacy and Reflection: Through her memoir and the upcoming documentary, Ardern offers a transparent look into her political journey, aiming to inspire future leaders to embrace empathy and humility.

This episode offers listeners a profound look into Jacinda Ardern's approach to leadership, her personal challenges, and the values that guided her tenure as Prime Minister. Her reflections provide valuable insights into the qualities that define true power and effective governance.