'It takes courage to be an empathetic leader. And I think if anything the world needs empathetic leadership now, perhaps more than ever.' Jacinda Ardern

Jacinda Ardern was swept to office in 2017 on a wave of popular enthusiasm dubbed 'Jacindamania'. In less than three months, she rose from deputy leader of the opposition to New Zealand's highest office. Her victory seemed heroic. Few in politics would have believed it possible; fewer still would have guessed at her resolve and compassionate leadership, which, in the wake of the horrific Christchurch mosque shootings of March 2019, brought her international acclaim. Since then, her decisive handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has seen her worldwide standing rise to the point where she is now celebrated as a model leader. In 2020 she won an historic, landslide victory and yet, characteristically, chose to govern in coalition with the Green Party.

Jacinda Ardern: Leading with Empathy carefully explores the influences - personal, social, political and emotional - that have shaped Ardern. Peace activist and journalist Supriya Vani and writer Carl A. Harte build their narrative through Vani's exclusive interviews with Ardern, as well as the prime minister's public statements and speeches and the words of those who know her. We visit the places, meet the people and understand the events that propelled the daughter of a small-town Mormon policeman to become a committed social democrat, a passionate Labour Party politician and a modern leader admired for her empathy and courage.

About the Author

Supriya Vani is a peace activist and author. As a human rights advocate, she actively participates at international peace conferences and forums, including the Permanent Secretariat of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, the Nobel Women's initiative, and Laureates and Leaders, World Academy of Arts and Science, and United Nations. She is a recipient of an honorary James Patterson Fellowship from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Her first book, Battling Injustice: 16 Women Nobel Peace Laureates, based on her interviews with all the women Nobel Peace Laureates, won praise from a number of prominent international figures including Nobel Peace Laureates Malala Yousafzai, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Former Secretary General of United Nations Ban Ki-Moon.

Carl A. Harte is an Australian writer and book editor. The recipient of an eLit Gold Award for his book, Building Your Own Home: Tips, Techniques and Thoughts for the Owner Builder, he has also worked with a wide range of authors including the late former President of India, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Om Swami, Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi, Arun Tiwari, Farahnaz Ispahani, Swami Agnivesh, Kishalay Bhattacharjee and Maxwell Pereira.

Reviews

'This readable, admiring biography will appeal to readers interested in women's expanding role in politics and the emergence of an empathetic "feminine" governing style that the authors argue Ardern exemplifies.'

-- Booklist

'An inspiring read... One of the most striking features of the book is its political fair-mindedness, its generosity of spirit... Jacinda Ardern has led through empathy, breaking the mold of New Zealand political culture and blazing a trail for women in leadership.'

-- Australian

'Well-researched and competently written.'

* The Critic *

'Battling Injustice will educate people about gender equality and inspire women to rise up to their potential. It will inspire parents not clip the wings of their daughters. All our girls are meant for the stars, they need equality and freedom to flourish.'

* Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai and her father Ziauddin Yousafzai on Battling Injustice *

'The lives of the women Nobel Peace laureates...are clear evidence of my belief that women are naturally more sensitive to others' needs and well-being... Therefore, when, as now, compassionate leadership is required, women should take on a greater role in making this world a better place.'

* His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Battling Injustice *



Book Information
ISBN 9780861540303
Author Supriya Vani
Format Hardback
Page Count 384
Imprint Oneworld Publications
Publisher Oneworld Publications
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 153mm * 34mm