In this episode of the HBR IdeaCast, Alison Beard interviews Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, about her experiences managing multiple crises during her tenure, including a disease outbreak, a terrorist attack, natural disasters, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Ardern shares insights on decision-making in uncertain environments, the role of empathy in leadership, and strategies for maintaining focus on long-term policy goals amidst ongoing crises. She emphasizes the importance of building trust through transparency, seeking diverse perspectives, and prioritizing well-being to avoid burnout. Ardern also discusses her approach to high-stakes negotiations, advocating for free trade, and advising business leaders on navigating political issues like climate change.
