That Optimism Man Victor Perton

In this powerful episode of That Optimism Man, Victor Perton sits down with Agostino Giramondo, Managing Director of News Corp Victoria and Tasmania, cycling advocate, and leader whose optimism is deeply grounded in heritage, humility, and a clear-eyed belief in people. Agostino shares the influence of his Sicilian ancestry, where faith, hard work, and community shaped a worldview anchored in resilience and quiet strength. He speaks about his family's legacy, built on the values of service and grit, and how those early lessons continue to guide his leadership in one of the most fast-paced and disruptive industries in the world. We dive into his “Working Together” philosophy, his passion for cycling as a daily reset, and the joy he finds in small wins, community pride, and family life. Throughout the conversation, Agostino reminds us that optimism is not just a mindset. It is a responsibility. A choice to see the good in people and to act with integrity and collaboration. "I am optimistic because I see the good in people rather than the bad. You just see the human spirit rise." – Agostino This is a rich exploration of what it means to lead through change, to honour your roots, and to build a future where optimism is more than hope. It is action. It is legacy. It is leadership.

In this uplifting episode of That Optimism Man Podcast, Victor Perton speaks with Anisha Sainandini Panda, an inspiring student researcher from India whose work connects biotechnology, nanophotonics, and artificial intelligence. Anisha shares how optimism shapes both her science and her spirit, helping her remain calm, resilient, and purposeful as she works to create innovations that serve both people and the planet. Her story reminds us that patience, curiosity, and compassion can turn even the hardest moments in life into opportunities for growth. As Anisha beautifully expresses: “Optimism means finding light even in moments of darkness. It is the strength to stay calm, patient, and resilient, and to believe that every setback carries a lesson and every hardship hides a spark of good.” And she adds: “When we face hardship, we must hold patience, stay resilient, and search for the good even within the bad. That is what keeps me standing optimistic in life.” Anisha's bright conversation invites us to see optimism as both a mindset and a practice, a steady light guiding discovery, resilience, and hope for the future. 👉 Visit www.centreforoptimism.com to explore stories, tools, and daily practices that help you live and lead with optimism. How might your perspective change if, like Anisha, you chose to look for the spark of good hidden within your challenges?

In this uplifting episode of That Optimism Man Podcast, Victor Perton speaks with Megan Main, Chief Executive of New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation, and a leader whose calm and courageous optimism has guided people through some of the most complex challenges of our time. Megan reflects on her experience co-leading New Zealand’s Managed Isolation and Quarantine system during the height of the global pandemic and now guiding one of New Zealand’s most important public institutions. She reveals that optimism is not a matter of wishful thinking, but a way of facing reality with courage, care, and clarity. “Optimism is a mindset. It is what you make of the situation you are in, dealing with the reality you find, not how you wish things were.” Megan speaks about finding moments of joy even in the toughest days, and about the importance of levity and gratitude in leadership. “Even in the most difficult times, we found joy, sometimes by wearing funny hats or celebrating the small wins. That sense of joy kept us human.” This conversation is a beautiful reminder that optimism is not the denial of difficulty. It is the belief that through courage, compassion, and perspective, better is always possible. Visit The Centre for Optimism at centreforoptimism.com to join the movement and share what makes you optimistic. Because optimism is not only a mindset, it is a way forward. What is one daily practice that helps you face challenges with the same calm optimism and joyful realism that Megan brings to her leadership?

In this episode of That Optimism Man, I sit down with David Berez, a remarkable figure who merges law enforcement and positive psychology. With over 20 years as a police officer and a master's degree in applied positive psychology, David is pioneering resilience and well-being strategies for those on the front lines. We dive into the concept of courageous optimism—the mindset that empowers individuals to run toward danger and challenges, driven by a belief in their ability to effect change. David shares insights on how intentional optimism can transform police culture, enhance mental health, and bolster community connections. Join us as we explore the profound impact of optimism in policing and learn how to support those who serve our communities.

In this episode of That Optimism Man, I welcome back the vibrant Alix Bradfield, a true beacon of optimism and vitality. Alix, who previously launched her inspiring book, Energy for Life, with us, shares her journey of embodying joy and resilience, particularly for those navigating life past 50. We explore how optimism is not merely a fleeting emotion, but a daily choice that can transform our well-being, connections, and leadership. Alix's insights on gratitude, the beauty of nature, and spontaneous conversations with strangers reveal how small, intentional actions can create waves of positivity. Join us for a heartening conversation that will inspire you to embrace optimism and energize your life. Discover more about Alix's work at alixbradfield.com and learn how you can cultivate your own infectious optimism.

In this energising episode of That Optimism Man Podcast, Victor Perton speaks with Professor Angus Fletcher, an expert in storytelling, narrative neuroscience, and the psychology of performance, and author of Primal Intelligence: You Are Smarter Than You Know. Together, they explore how optimism and story shape the way we lead, adapt, and grow. Drawing on his work with the military, NASA, and creative institutions, Angus shares how reconnecting with your own moments of success can inspire action, belief, and confidence in what is possible. Angus shares powerful insights, including: “Optimism is not This will succeed. Optimism is much, much stronger. Optimism is This can succeed.” “Optimism is the first step toward antifragility.” “The most important story you will ever tell is the story you tell yourself about yourself.” This episode is a call to ensure you are connected to your own story, to rediscover your strengths, and to lead with infectious optimism. You can explore Angus Fletcher’s book Primal Intelligence. Connect with your host, Victor Perton, on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X. Learn more about the global community of optimists at The Centre for Optimism. Tune in, be inspired, and keep choosing optimism.

Do optimists think alike? New research from Japan reveals a powerful truth. Optimists share common brain patterns when imagining the future. In this episode, Victor Perton explores the Anna Karenina Principle of Optimism, how optimism brings clarity, and why that matters for leadership, wellbeing, and innovation. Discover how optimism is not just a mindset. It is a neural superpower.

In this energising episode of The Optimism Man Podcast, Victor Perton welcomes Erina Reddan — foreign correspondent, award-winning novelist, strategist, and coach to modern leaders. Erina brings to life a unique brand of optimism: sparkling in spirit, dogged in resolve. From reporting in war zones to guiding CEOs, her stories and insights show how optimism fuels courageous communication, deep trust, and transformational leadership. 💡 Explore how Erina equips leaders to speak with impact, clarity, and calm 💬 Discover how optimism becomes a strategy, not just a mindset 🎁 Enjoy 25 percent off Erina’s leadership communication program, exclusively for podcast listeners 🖥️ Learn more about her consultancy at https://www.redriver.com.au 📚 Explore her books and writing at https://erinareddan.com This episode is your invitation to lead with optimism, speak with truth, and connect with purpose.

What do you get when an army sniper, a magician, and a documentary filmmaker turns his lens inward? You get Julian Mather, an unapologetic optimist and a living example of practical optimism in action. In this episode of That Optimism Man, Victor Perton sits down with Julian to explore the mindset that transforms obstacles into opportunities and failure into fuel. Julian shares extraordinary, real-life stories—from near-death experiences to building hidden time capsules for future generations—all anchored in his powerful mantra: Own up. Wise up. Step up. Whether you're leading change, navigating uncertainty, or simply looking to become more optimistic in the midst of cynics, Julian's voice will challenge you to live boldly, speak more clearly, and lead with practical optimism. Tap play and meet the unapologetic optimist who might change how you see your day and your future.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of That Optimism Man, Victor Perton talks with animator-turned-fine-artist Rich Wilkie, whose journey from depression and self-doubt to creative clarity is transformational. A self-described natural pessimist, Rich shares how he deliberately chose optimism as a daily practice rooted in self-talk, creativity, laughter, and resilience. “I try to be optimistic about optimism," said Rich Wilkie From bringing joy to millions through animation at Disney and Netflix to painting powerful portraits in his “Eyes of War, Eyes of Hope” project for Ukrainian refugees, Rich shows us that optimism is the courage to keep creating through struggle. “Dreams are optimism, right? Even if you don’t believe in them… dream in the darkness, bring them into the light, and fight for them," Rich Wilkie told us. Whether you're an artist, a leader, or someone navigating life’s ups and downs, this conversation is filled with wisdom, warmth, and practical optimism. “It’s the striving to get the bad stuff out of your life, get the good stuff in—because being more optimistic, you’ll be healthier, happier, live longer, and be more successful," Rich told Victor. 🎨 Explore Rich’s art and optimism at richwilkie.com and follow him on Instagram and LinkedIn at @RichWilkieArt. 💡 Subscribe to That Optimism Man on your favourite platform to hear stories that inspire courage, joy, and infectious optimism. 🌍 Join the movement at centreforoptimism.com because the answer to life’s most pressing questions is optimism.

In this inspiring episode of That Optimism Man Podcast, Victor Perton shares an energising and heartfelt conversation with Anne Therese Gennari, The Climate Optimist author of The Climate Optimist Handbook. Together, they explore how we can face the climate challenge and life itself by leading with infectious optimism. Anne Therese shares how optimism is not just a mindset but a daily practice that builds resilience, sparks imagination, and empowers us to take meaningful action. Whether you're navigating personal change or global complexity, this conversation will lift your spirit and expand your sense of possibility. ✨ As Anne Therese says: "Optimism is a practice… but the good thing is, you can get better at it." And her bold reminder: "Since we are in power of creating and writing the future, why wouldn't we bring our most optimistic self to that picture?" 🌿 This episode is a radiant invitation to become a climate optimist, a courageous leader, and an optimistic force for good. 🔔 Subscribe to this podcast and to The Centre for Optimism at www.centreforoptimism.com, and join the movement to lead with infectious optimism.

In this inspiring episode of That Optimism Man Podcast, Victor Perton speaks with Dr Karen Johnson, educator, researcher and a true beacon of resilience and optimism. Karen shares her remarkable life journey, from her early years to becoming a respected faculty member at the University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies. Her work mentoring students and her leadership in higher education shapes generations of optimistic leaders. Drawing from her white paper, The Resilience Factor: American Workforce’s Adaptation to Ongoing Challenges, Karen reveals that over two-thirds of American workers are optimistic about their career futures, driven by resilience and the belief that challenges can become opportunities. When asked what makes her optimistic, Karen told Victor it is a blend of life experience, mindset, faith, relationships, and the daily decision to search for the light, even in the darkest moments. With grace, humour and profound wisdom, Karen reminds us that optimism is not about denying hardship. It is about believing the light will return and working to find it. She beautifully says, “We become what we look for.” Karen looks for optimism.

🎙️ Kindness, Optimism and the Journey to Freedom with Leon Logothetis What happens when you lead with kindness, embrace Optimism, and embark on a journey to true freedom? And what is said when "The Kindness Guy" meets "That Optimism Man"? In this episode of That Optimism Man, Victor Perton talks with Leon Logothetis, The Kindness Guy, bestselling author, and star of The Kindness Diaries, to explore the transformative power of kindness, human connection, and Optimism. Leon shares insights from his latest film, The Kindness Within: A Journey to Freedom. He reveals how his search for spiritual awakening and personal liberation led him across India, where he found that kindness is not just an action but a path to inner freedom. Together, Victor and Leon discuss: ✅ Why kindness and Optimism are deeply connected ✅ How small acts of kindness can create massive ripple effects ✅ The role of faith, resilience, and persistence in finding personal freedom ✅ What we can all do to bring more kindness and Optimism into daily life Leon's powerful insights include: 💬 "All it takes to change the world is to touch one life positively." 💬 "Optimism is simply an iron will to keep going through thick and thin. Never, ever give up." 💬 "When you're kind or when you are in the emotion of kindness, your heart is open. And when your heart is open, anything is possible. You cannot be a pessimist with an open heart." 💡 If you're ready to feel inspired, take action, and spread Optimism, this episode is for you!

What makes you optimistic? Is it your life experience, mindset, the facts, or the people around you? In this powerful episode of That Optimism Man podcast, Victor Perton sits down with Maria Ruberto, a vibrant, optimistic, deeply insightful psychologist, resilience coach, and founder of Salutegenics Psychology. Maria and her team recently won the Optimism & Wellbeing Award at the Melbourne Business Network Awards, recognising their trailblazing work in building cultures of Optimism, resilience, and strength-based mental health. Maria’s expertise lies in Salutogenic Psychology, a revolutionary approach focusing on building mental fitness rather than just treating illness. In this episode, she unpacks the science of Optimism, explaining how it fuels adaptability, creativity, and resilience. She also shares practical strategies anyone can apply to cultivate Optimism and thrive. Some of Maria’s most powerful insights from this episode: 🧠 “Optimism is the description that we give to our biological state of balance—it stabilises us when things are not going well.” 🚀 “The role of optimism is about engaging in the process of moving forward—whether that is planning, creating, or being curious.” 🌍 “Optimism requires a broad-lens focus. It’s about stepping back, seeing the bigger picture, and understanding the landscape we are working with.” 💡 “Optimism doesn’t mean avoiding struggle—it’s about bringing courage and belief to the table when we are truly challenged.” 🎯 “What makes me optimistic? My ability to choose. Optimism is a choice, and it’s one I make every single day.” If you’re ready to embrace Optimism as a powerful tool for resilience, leadership, and personal growth, this episode pf "That Optimism Man" Podcast is for you.

In this episode of That Optimism Man Victor Perton, I sit down with Paula Fenwick, a leadership and resilience coach, to explore the transformative power of optimism and love in leadership. Paula, author of More Love at Work, Lead the Future with Growth EQ, shares her journey from apartheid South Africa to becoming a beacon of hope and resilience. We discuss her LOVE framework—Listening, Openness, Values, and Empathy—and how it can reshape leadership and workplace culture. Join us as we delve into Paula's insights on how optimism, compassion, and love can lead to authentic and meaningful leadership.

In this episode of That Optimism Man podcast, Nick Tasler, author of The Year of Wonders: Embrace Change, Grow Faster, Win Bigger, joins Victor Perton for a captivating exploration of optimism and its transformative power. We believe you will be intrigued by Nick's insights and the originality of his agile optimism. Nick describes his evolution from a youthful contrarian to an agile optimist, saying, "Let’s not gloss over the realities of the situation. Let’s not gloss over the real challenges, but let’s be absurdly optimistic about how we can handle them and make something out of them. And I would say two and a half decades later, that’s the part of me that blossomed philosophically." Discover how Nick’s The Year of Wonders, his "Four Laws of Agile Optimism," and practical frameworks can help you embrace change, lead with resilience, and turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

In this heartwarming episode of That Optimism Man Podcast by The Centre for Optimism, Victor Perton engages in an inspiring and thoughtful conversation with Dr. Stephen Parnis, a leading emergency physician, medical leader, and advocate for healthcare professionals. Together, they explore the profound intersections of life, death, and optimism. Dr. Parnis shares his personal and professional journey, offering insights into how optimism strengthens resilience in high-pressure environments like emergency medicine. They discuss the life-and-death significance of optimism, the challenges of burnout, the connection between optimism and health, and how to foster hope in times of adversity. Whether in healthcare or any other field, this episode offers practical wisdom on staying optimistic, leading with empathy, and finding meaning in challenges and triumphs. Stay connected! You can follow Dr. Stephen Parnis on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter). You can join Victor Perton and the optimism movement through The Centre for Optimism’s website and follow Victor on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Substack.

In this uplifting episode of That Optimism Man Podcast, Victor Perton is joined by Russell Bricknell, CEO of Juniper Aged Care, to explore what makes Russell optimistic. From his unique childhood as the son of missionary parents in Papua New Guinea to his leadership in aged care, Russell shares how life experience, faith, and the power of working alongside committed people fuel his optimism. Several years ago, Amanda Terranova described Russell as one of her most influential leaders—a beacon of calm, balance, and integrity during times of change and complexity. What a perfect foundation for leading with optimism in an ever-evolving sector like aged care. Victor and Russell delve into Juniper's inspiring report, The Voice of Older Western Australians. The report reveals older generations full of optimism, deeply connected to family, friends, and community, and eager to embrace opportunities for growth, health, and exploration. Russell's insights remind us of the importance of fostering a collective commitment to making a difference and how optimism becomes contagious in the process. Tune in for an engaging conversation that celebrates the wisdom and optimism of older generations. You'll be inspired to reflect on your own sources of hope and create meaningful change. Don't miss it!

In this energising episode of the That Optimism Man Podcast, Bill Burke, Founder of The Optimism Institute and Host of the Blue Sky Podcast, connects with Victor Perton, Founder of The Centre for Optimism, for an inspiring discussion about the transformative power of optimism. Both shaped by their optimistic mothers, Bill and Victor explore optimism's pivotal role in health, resilience, and leadership. They share personal stories, insights from their work, and actionable ideas to foster hope and progress. Victor introduces his concept of magnetic optimism: "an optimism so tangible and a vision so compelling that people want to reach out and touch it." Bill embodies this magnetic optimism, bringing an infectious energy to every story he tells and every idea he shares. From Ted Turner's influence on Bill's career to Victor's global optimism movement, this conversation is brimming with insights that will leave you uplifted and ready to embrace the future with positivity. Discover how optimism is the key to living healthier, leading better, and creating a brighter world.

Join Victor Perton, "That Optimism Man", in a thought-provoking conversation with John Hagel, renowned author, Silicon Valley veteran, and passionate advocate for opportunity and exploration. Together, they delve into the transformative power of exploration and optimism in leadership, innovation, and life. From the insights of John's acclaimed books, including The Power of Pull and The Journey Beyond Fear, to practical advice on shaping serendipity, embracing curiosity, and navigating fear, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration. Discover how optimism, exploration, and curiosity can unlock your potential and shape a brighter future!