What If You Could

'What If You Could' by Dame Jacinda Ardern is a truly inspirational and profoundly moving text that I believe everyone should read. Jacinta Ardern tries to convince us that kindness, empathy, and listening are more powerful leadership qualities than soft skills, and that imposter syndrome, anxiety, and over-preparation plagued her form a young age as well as during her time in office.

This book offers a relatable point of view while at the same time articulating important messages of hope, courage, and self-belief. Though easy to read, the book packs an immense amount of wisdom and empathy into its pages. What also makes this text so inspiring is its exploration of how difficult and challenging leadership can be. Ardern shares how her own anxieties and imposter syndrome, qualities she once feared would weaken her, ultimately strengthened her capacity to lead with compassion. She reminds us that true courage and kindness go hand in hand, and that every individual is capable of making a meaningful difference. A quote that encapsulates the message is, “… if you are thin-skinned and sensitive, if criticism cuts you in two, that is not weakness; it’s empathy. In fact, all of the traits that you believe are your flaws ……you thought would cripple you will in fact make you stronger….” This is inspiring and refreshing especially in light of how social media shapes how teenagers perceive themselves today. Whether discussing global advocacy, climate change, or individual empowerment, Ardern reassures us that we are all capable of far more than we realise. It is a thoughtful, inspiring read that made me hopeful for our younger generation; it is actually a great read for adults as well.