‘Live to Lead’ Review: The Stories of RBG, Jacinda Ardern, And Other Powerful Changemakers

Netflix’s docuseries, “Live to Lead” is the spark of inspiration Generation Z needs right now, and a must watch for anyone interested in moving mountains in the realm of social justice. Created in honor of Nelson Mandela and his commitment for battling for real change in the world around us, this work was created by director Geoff Blackwell of New Zealand.

This insightful series takes place over seven episodes, each of which follows a different notable figure in recent history. As the series continues, it becomes clear that one person’s actions and persistence can cause a storm of change in the world.

Influential figures covered by this series range from late Supreme Court Justice and women’s rights activist Ruth Bader Ginsburg to former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. These various leaders are introduced by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan; episodes begin with a memorable clip of the episode’s subject in action supporting their cause, then dive back into the roots of their life stories through interviews or other means of storytelling.

Each episode only lasts a half hour; however, they are so beautifully crafted through engaging plot points and polished video editing that they neither feel too short nor too long. The leaders are so intriguing and well chosen that one may want to rewatch each episode to soak up every piece of knowledge presented. Coming from a variety of backgrounds and professions, the subjects of this series showcase an incredibly diverse array of impacts. There has to be at least one episode in this documentary that speaks to any kind of viewer with any kind of passion.

That being said, these inspiring stories were not always without struggle or hardship, and the interviews place a heavy emphasis on this part of each story, allowing the subject of each episode to share the difficult trials that truly made them who they are.

For example, Ginsburg discusses the unadulterated sexism she faced while trying to land a position at a law firm, even after graduating from Harvard Law School. She also opens up about the anxiety she faced when she asked herself if she could handle taking care of a child, while also being a law student.

Meanwhile, Rugby player and philanthropist Siya Kolsi describes some of the struggles he faced growing up with little food available to him, and emphasized the overwhelming feeling of needing to help South Africa during uncertain times like the recent pandemic.

In another episode, lawyer and activist Albie Sachs recalls his near death experience with a car bomb and being targeted after demanding racial equity in support of Mandela’s mission in ending apartheid in South Africa.

In the show, the leaders were brutally honest about their life paths, and there is something extremely remarkable about both their strength and their willingness to be vulnerable in the public eye. This series emphasizes knowing all the details, which includes the good and the bad, so viewers come away with a complete understanding of these subjects, and how invested they were in their respective missions.

The only aspect missing from this documentary was perhaps an episode on a subject who sparked change while in the role of physician, healthcare worker, or science researcher. All of the leaders highlighted fought for improvements to areas such as abortion rights and climate change; however, healthcare equity was not an area touched by this series.

Overall, “Live to Lead” is perfect for anyone looking for end-of-semester motivation, interested in the history of modern day social activists, or trying to figure out how they want to make a difference in the world we live in today.

—Staff writer Hailey E. Krasnikov can be reached at hailey.krasnikov@thecrimson.com.