It was emotional and inspiring to watch as former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern gave an emotional farewell to parliament last week.  She announced she was stepping down and retiring from politics earlier this year, after five and a half years in the role – a time that was turbulent and challenging as she led New Zealand through the pandemic with policies that were at once exalted and criticised both nationally and globally. 

Her leadership style will be reflected on for its executive presence as she displayed character, substance and style and modelled what kindness in leadership looks like.  The future is bright for this unique leader as she has just been appointed a trustee to The Earthshot Prize, and I for one will be watching with admiration as she continues to engage, inspire and move people to act.

#kindnessinleadership #executivepresence #womeninleadership

For more on her farewell speech, visit https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/05/jacinda-ardern-leaders-can-be-sensitive-kind-farewell-speech-new-zealand