Leadership Lessons from the Presidential Campaign Trail with Halla Logadóttir

THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED:

Join the Belfer Center’s Arctic Initiative, the Women and Public Policy Program, and the Center for Public Leadership for a conversation with Professor Halla Hrund Logadóttir as she shares her experience in one of Iceland’s most dynamic presidential races. This past spring, she built a grassroots campaign that grew from under 5% support to become a leading contender. From nearly 80 initial participants, the field narrowed to 12 candidates, featuring a former Prime Minister, a former Mayor, and a former Presidential candidate.

Finishing in third place after leading in the polls at various points, Logadóttir participated in a race that saw three women competing at the top, marking a significant milestone in gender representation in presidential races globally. The campaign also changed Iceland’s national conversation about natural resource management, environmental policy, and innovation - paving the way for future generations to take these issues forward.

In this talk, Logadóttir will discuss what drove her to run, the challenges of competing with high-profile contenders, and the lessons she learned. She will also share advice on building momentum, taking risks, and making an impact, even when faced with difficult odds.

Halla Hrund Logadóttir is the Director General of Iceland’s National Energy Authority and co-founder of the Arctic Initiative at the Harvard Kennedy School, where she also teaches the Arctic J-term course.