A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern

This bestselling memoir from New Zealand’s former Prime Minister, and once the world’s youngest female head of government, is less about politics and more about leadership under pressure, scrutiny, and impossible expectations.

What makes this book compelling is that it doesn’t read like a victory lap. There’s very little political rhetoric, chest-beating or behind-the-scenes score-settling. Instead, Ardern gives a remarkably human account of leadership: the weight of responsibility, the constant tension between conviction and doubt, and the reality that leadership can feel both deeply meaningful and completely absurd in the same breath.

One of the strongest themes throughout the book is her openness about self-doubt. Rather than pretending confident leaders have all the answers, she reframes the so-called “confidence gap” as something that can actually make leaders more thoughtful, grounded, and connected to the people around them. That perspective will resonate with a lot of middle managers who are quietly questioning themselves while still carrying enormous responsibility.

The chapters covering the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks are particularly powerful. Ardern openly shares that her first reaction wasn’t polished composure, but blinding rage. It’s an important reminder that authentic emotion and strong leadership can co-exist. Her leadership during crisis consistently demonstrates the value of visibility, empathy, and calm communication when people need certainty most.

Another standout idea is the concept of the wellbeing budget, where success was measured beyond economic growth alone. For leaders, especially those managing teams in high-pressure environments, it raises an important question: are we measuring what genuinely matters, or just what’s easiest to report on?

If there’s one area the book skims over, it’s the political machinery behind major decisions. If you're looking for tactical strategy (political or otherwise) or detailed backroom negotiations you may find yourself wanting more. But that’s clearly not the purpose of this book.

Why this matters for middle managers:

Kindness is not weakness.
Ardern makes a strong case that empathy and effectiveness are not opposites. In fact, the best leaders often combine both.
Self-doubt can be useful.
A level of uncertainty can keep leaders curious, reflective, and open to feedback instead of becoming rigid or disconnected.
In difficult moments, communicate more, not less.
Whether it’s organisational change, team conflict, restructures, or uncertainty, people look to leaders for presence and clarity.
Redefine what success looks like.
Productivity matters. So do wellbeing, trust, morale, and sustainability. The challenge is making sure we’re not only measuring outputs while ignoring people.
Self-awareness includes knowing your limits.
Ardern’s reflections on stepping down are thoughtful and surprisingly refreshing. She frames the decision through self-awareness, not failure. There’s a valuable lesson there for leaders who struggle to delegate, ask for support, or admit when capacity has been reached.

Worth reading, particularly if you’re leading from the middle and constantly balancing expectations from above with the needs of the people below. It’s a strong reminder that leadership doesn’t have to look loud, dominant, or performative to be effective.

A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern

Managing Oneself by Peter F. Drucker