Jacinda Ardern has a new job at the University of Sydney.
Australia has spent years claiming New Zealand’s best exports. Apparently, we’ve now expanded the programme to former prime ministers.
Ardern is joining as a Professor of Practice, based in the university’s School of Public Health. Her work will focus on empathetic leadership, social cohesion, civic trust and global health challenges.
She’ll deliver guest lectures, lead masterclasses and mentor students. The university says this is not a full-time teaching position.
So, despite the headlines, don’t assume she’ll be marking your tutorial attendance every Tuesday.
Although “I couldn’t finish the assignment because I was under pressure” might be a difficult excuse to deliver to a former prime minister.
Ardern led New Zealand from 2017 to 2023, including through the Christchurch terrorist attacks, the Whakaari volcanic eruption and the COVID pandemic.
Those experiences offer substantial material for examining decisions under pressure, public communication and trust.
The classroom should also provide room to question decisions and examine what could have been done differently.
A former leader’s experience is valuable. It becomes more valuable when students can interrogate it.
My view? Empathy is a worthwhile subject for leadership education.
Understanding how a decision affects people doesn’t mean avoiding difficult choices. It means making those choices with a clearer understanding of the consequences.
That’s useful in government, business, and any university group assignment where one person mysteriously disappears until presentation day.
Ardern will also work with the Sydney Policy Lab and the vice-chancellor’s office, connecting practical leadership experience with university initiatives.
The test is what students gain: stronger judgment, better questions and the confidence to disagree respectfully.
Universities should be places where experience meets scrutiny, rather than applause alone.
And if Ardern can teach future leaders to listen before responding, Australia might consider enrolling a few current ones.
Preferably before their next press conference.
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