Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern tells Jon Stewart how leading through crises like the Christchurch attacks and the Covid-19 pandemic taught her the value of empathy, principled decision-making, and courage, while her memoir A Different Kind of Power and HBO documentary Prime Minister reveal the human side of leadership, leaving audiences inspired and reflective.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern recently appeared on The Problem With Jon Stewart, filmed at the HBO studios in New York City, to discuss her new memoir, A Different Kind of Power, and the upcoming HBO documentary Prime Minister, which chronicles her tenure in office.

Known globally for her empathetic yet decisive leadership style, Ardern reflected on the unique challenges she faced while serving as New Zealand’s youngest female prime minister, emphasizing the need for leaders to remain human, even in the midst of political pressures.

During the wide-ranging conversation, Ardern recounted the difficult balance of governance while addressing multiple crises.

She highlighted her efforts to tackle child poverty and combat climate change, explaining that her government prioritized policy initiatives aimed at long-term societal benefit.

“We need more leaders who are willing to be humans while they’re in the job,” Ardern told Stewart, emphasizing that compassion and empathy are not weaknesses in leadership but essential tools for meaningful progress.

The discussion also delved into moments of acute crisis, including the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings, a domestic terrorist attack that shook New Zealand and the world.

Ardern spoke about the immediate responsibility she felt to comfort a grieving nation while simultaneously implementing rapid legislative changes to tighten gun laws.

“It was a time where every decision mattered, not just politically but morally,” she said.

“You realize that the weight of leadership isn’t abstract — it’s measured in lives and trust.”

Ardern also addressed the global Covid-19 pandemic, noting how her government sought to prioritize public health while navigating the economic and social consequences of strict lockdown measures.

“Leadership in a crisis means making choices that are not always popular but are the right thing for people,” she explained.

Her focus on transparent communication and empathetic engagement helped build trust with citizens, an approach that has been widely cited as a model for crisis management worldwide.

Throughout the interview, Ardern emphasized the concept of political courage, especially in an era of global polarization.

She discussed the challenges posed by social media and the increasing divide in public discourse, noting that leaders often face intense scrutiny and pressure to conform to partisan expectations.

“The globalization of political polarization makes it harder to stay principled,” she told Stewart.

“But I think there’s courage in optimism — in believing that good leadership and meaningful progress are possible, even when the world seems divided.”

Ardern’s memoir, A Different Kind of Power, provides an intimate look at her journey from early political engagement to the highest office in New Zealand.

She reflects on the lessons learned from both successes and failures, offering readers insight into the human side of politics, the importance of empathy in leadership, and the strategic use of political capital.

According to Ardern, spending political capital on doing the right thing, rather than the expedient thing, is one of the hallmarks of principled governance.

“It’s about measuring success not by popularity or election cycles but by whether you leave things better than you found them,” she said.

The upcoming documentary Prime Minister, produced by HBO, promises to give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the daily realities of Ardern’s time in office, combining archival footage, personal reflections, and interviews with staff, family, and political colleagues.

According to Ardern, the documentary aims to illuminate the often unseen human dimension of leadership, showing the difficult decisions, emotional toll, and profound responsibilities that accompany public service.

Throughout the interview, Stewart and Ardern discussed the broader implications of her leadership style, highlighting the contrast between conventional political approaches and Ardern’s more empathetic, principled method.

Ardern’s emphasis on humanity, transparency, and courage in the face of adversity resonated strongly with viewers, underscoring why she has been celebrated internationally as a role model for contemporary political leadership.

Ardern also shared reflections on the personal impact of leading a nation through consecutive crises.

She acknowledged the mental and emotional strain of managing public expectations, national tragedies, and global scrutiny while remaining grounded and authentic.

“There’s no instruction manual for this,” she said.

“You make decisions as best you can, guided by your values, your empathy, and the belief that you can make a difference.

That’s what leadership really is.”

Her conversation with Jon Stewart provides a rare and insightful look at the challenges and responsibilities of modern political leadership, offering both an inspiring account of her accomplishments and a candid exploration of the personal costs and ethical considerations inherent in holding high office.

With her memoir and documentary, Ardern continues to engage a global audience, encouraging a more human, empathetic, and courageous approach to leadership that resonates far beyond the borders of New Zealand.

From navigating domestic terrorism and a global pandemic to advocating for social reform and climate action, Ardern’s tenure remains a testament to principled governance under pressure, and her reflections leave viewers and readers questioning how future leaders might rise to meet the same challenges with empathy, courage, and integrity.