"It's time. I don't have enough left in the tank to do justice."

"We, politicians give all that we can for as long as we can and then its time and for me it's time. I don't have enough left in the tank to do justice", said Jacinda Arden in her resignation speech. 

This announcement came after a series of personal and professional challenges and has had a major impact on New Zealand's political landscape. Arden has been a popular leader, and her resignation has left a void in the leadership of the country. Many have expressed sadness and disappointment, while others have praised her for her accomplishments during her tenure. 

It is good to see how one of the world's most powerful working women chose her family over her country. Her baby will have her attendance as she would start her first day of school, but what about us, who held her as a rare example of true and ethical leadership.

Her tenure as Prime Minister saw the country become a leader in progressive policies, including the legalization of same-sex marriage, carbon tax and the introduction of a living wage.

From turning around child poverty statistics, climate change and improving conditions of workers and making progress on issues around national identity, her cabinet has helped New Zealand in emerging as a victorious, internationally acclaimed country. New Zealand's covid strategies were lauded across the world and yet it's Arden who resigned and not the countless other male leaders.  

Her dedication to fighting climate change with optimism remains an inspiration for me. She rooted her ambition in the reality that adaptation to climate change and minimalistic living can pave. I couldn’t agree more with her statement "The speed we need to move demands it" at The Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit. 

Any women who has every worked or held a position of responsiblity can relate to Jacinda's resignation. They opt out of the workforce because even in 2023, the world expects only women to be primary caregivers to their children and parents.

The world makes sure that women, even widly successful ones, like the first female CEO of PepsiCo, spend their entire lives feeling guilty for not having spent enough time with their family. Nooyi told an infamous tale about coming home late, excited to tell her family about the big news she had learned at work. She had made it to the board of directors and was going to be the President of the company. Her mother ignored her and said, "The news could wait. Go get some milk first." Her husband wasn't asked to do so, because, well he was "tired". When she finally shared her news, Nooyi's mother replied, "You might be on the board of directors, but when you enter the house you're the wife, the daughter, the mother, the daughter in law.

Arden was mindful and knew that one cannot and should not lead a country unless they have a full tank and a bit in reserve for those unforeseen challenges. Do male leaders give that any thought?

Jacinda Andern remains an inspiring leader for serving as a constant reminder for us to put our oxygen mask on first. 

Learning from Jacinda's personality, let's learn to be kind but strong, empathetic but decisive, optimistic but focused and be our own kind of leader, one who knows when it's time to go!