This month, I want to share insights from A Different Kind of Power, a new book by Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand. Ardern’s leadership gained international recognition, not for being the loudest voice in the room, but for her quiet strength, compassionate governance, and unwavering moral clarity – values that align closely with the leadership philosophy we embrace at AMSG.
In the book, Ardern reflects on moments that defined her leadership, including the Christchurch Mosque attacks, and the COVID-19 pandemic hitting New Zealand. After the 2019 terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, Ardern’s immediate response was one of profound empathy. She met with grieving families wearing a hijab as a gesture of respect, and she told the nation, “They are us.” Her focus wasn’t just on policy, but on healing, choosing to comfort a nation in mourning before debating politics. Similarly, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, she hosted regular Facebook Live sessions from her home, sometimes in a sweatshirt after putting her child to bed. These weren’t just updates; they were honest, human conversations that reassured people and built trust through transparency and empathy.
Her belief that leadership is not about dominating others, but about lifting them up, reminds me of the six core values I talk about often: Competence, Courage, Compassion, Character, Communication, and Community. Ardern’s approach embodies each of these, especially Compassion and Character. One of the most powerful lessons she offers is that empathy is not weakness. In fact, it’s the foundation of trust, unity, and real progress.
As leaders at AMSG and in your communities, whether you’re running a program, managing a team, or supporting a client, I encourage you to ask yourself: Am I leading in a way that makes people feel safe, heard, and valued? Ardern’s book reminds us that leadership doesn’t have to be loud to be strong. Sometimes, the most transformative moments come when we slow down, listen carefully, and act with intention, and heart.
Written by: Jim O’Farrell, President and CEO