Dame Jacinda Ardern on Leadership, Kindness and Lasagne Toppers

In this episode, Sienna tells her Dad Ben she wants to grow up and be a leader like Dame Jacinda Ardern. From growing up in a small town in Morrinsville, to becoming New Zealand’s youngest Prime Minister, leading the country through major news events, and balancing life as a mum while running the nation, Dame Jacinda Ardern has achieved a lot. During it all, Jacinda has always aimed to show that kindness and strength can go hand in hand.

In this conversation, Sienna and Ben cover:

• The opportunities Jacinda had growing up in a small town full of fibreglass cows, discovering a passion for politics, and lessons from her family - including one grandmother who wasn’t a fan of her political party!

• Becoming New Zealand’s youngest leader, why putting yourself forward for challenging jobs should be encouraged more, the sadness she still carries with her after leading the country through tough events, and what she misses most about being Prime Minister.

• Balancing motherhood with leadership and how she became the “cringe” mum earlier than expected.

• Getting nervous around meeting people like Oprah, and the Queen’s special phone call during COVID lockdowns.

• How Clarke captured the behind-the-scenes footage for her documentary - and how awkward it is to watch herself on the big screen in a room full of others.

• The one Kiwi food they find unusual overseas, whether she really likes fishing with Clarke, and how she feels about being called a Dame or Cindy.

• The work Jacinda is doing now brings her purpose, advice for teens wanting to make a difference and what she would tell her younger self.

It’s an insightful, inspiring and fun conversation about leadership, kindness, and showing that you can make a difference in the world from anywhere - while staying true to yourself.

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