A Different Kind of Power

A 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 give birth in office.

‘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

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

'Wonderfully frank and open' - The Rest is Politics: Leading

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 for anyone who has ever questioned themselves, or has wanted to make a difference. A profound insight into how it feels to lead, it asks: what if you, too, are capable of more than you ever imagined?

'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