Leading with Empathy: Jacinda Ardern and the Future of Leadership
At Sleek, we believe the future of leadership is already here - and it looks a lot more human!
Recently, our Head of People & Culture, Claire Highton Barge (Known simply as ‘Barge’ to the team), had the exclusive opportunity to hear former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speak in London. Known for her kind, values-led approach to leadership, Ardern’s insights offered powerful affirmation of something we’ve always believed at Sleek: empathy, honesty, and clarity are the most important leadership tools of our time.
Barge returned from the talk with some fascinating insights, and she was inspired by Ardern’s ability to lead with kindness without compromising on effectiveness. The standout message? “Labradors can lead.” Sensitivity is not a weakness. Leaders don’t need to dominate to make an impact. The opposite might just be true.
Barge and Karen, inspired and energised after a masterclass in modern leadership
Rethinking What Leadership Looks Like
At Sleek, leadership is a mindset, not a job title. We see it at all levels within our team - in the way they show up, collaborate, and make decisions with care and accountability. We value leaders who are confident enough to admit when they don’t have all the answers and who always maintain the humility to keep learning.
Ardern’s approach to receiving criticism especially struck a chord: not all feedback is fair, but all of it can be instructive. “Does it hurt because it’s true? Then work on it. Or does it feel incorrect?” Then let it fuel you to prove the challenger wrong.” That spirit of self-reflection, combined with resilience, is something Barge and our Founder, Jennifer Davidson, actively champion.
Staying True to Our Values
As Sleek continues to evolve and deliver experiences for the world's most prominent brands, staying grounded in our values has never been more important. We believe the best work happens in environments where trust, creativity, and self-awareness are front and centre-and that goes for our client partnerships, too.
“We strive to work with brands that not only value what we do, but how we do it,” Jennifer says. “The best partnerships are built on trust, honesty and collaboration. It costs nothing to be kind.” It’s a belief that’s woven into everything we do, from pitching concepts to delivering experiences for tens of thousands.
Just like Ardern emphasised, ego has no place in leadership. Staying connected to your original motivation and leading with purpose is what drives long-term success.
Team Sleek—proof that when you put people first, everything else follows.
Protecting the Culture That Built Us
We believe culture isn’t a perk. It’s a responsibility and it’s created by all of us. It’s creating a space where people can do the best work of their careers, where vulnerability isn’t punished, and where constructive honesty- always delivered with empathy - is the norm. “Imposter syndrome is real,” Barge says. “But when we acknowledge it, when we talk about it, we can use it to our advantage, fuelling us to keep evolving.”
Barge believes in making space for feedback, reflection, and open conversation. “Hopefully, we can be each other’s trusted network. We don’t have to have all the answers. Empowering others to find them is a mark of strong leadership.”
The Leadership Shift
Leadership, as Barge sees it, is no longer rooted in hierarchy or fear. It’s about building momentum through trust, shared purpose, and clarity of direction. It’s about creating environments where people feel safe to challenge themselves and supported enough to take risks.
Looking to the future, she predicts we’ll see even greater emphasis on:
Emotional intelligence
Transparent communication
Self-awareness and reflection
Empowerment at all levels
Pride in shared goals
And when companies are brave enough to truly put people first, when everyone feels part of something bigger, the magic speaks for itself.
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