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!

Victor Perton talks with Benson Saulo—trailblazer, father, and infectiously optimistic leader—for a conversation brimming with hope, storytelling, and inspiration. From becoming Australia's first Indigenous Consul-General to running as a Liberal candidate for Macnamara, Benson's journey has been marked by resilience, vision, and a belief in shaping a brighter future.

When asked what makes him optimistic, Benson shared, "It's such a beautiful question, and a couple of things really shaped me to be an optimist. One is right in front of me—my kids. I'm a father of three. I've got three under five, which sometimes brings challenges. But the decisions we make today help shape the future for them tomorrow. I can't help but be optimistic when I see that my daughter just turned five—she's off to big school next year. We've got a three-month-old who just rolled over this morning, which is amazing. And our two-and-a-half-year-old son loves dinosaurs—he can tell you a whole range of things about them. That gives me a lot of optimism for the beautiful world we can shape for them."

"I also think about my upbringing and some wise words my father gave me when I was 13: 'Never think the world is not yours.' As a 13-year-old, that message meant the world was mine to step into and make my own, regardless of my humble upbringing or skin colour. That every opportunity is afforded to you. From a young age, optimism was instilled in me by my father through faith. My father is a minister, and church and faith played an important role in our upbringing and continue to shape my family's life today. It's a strong foundation for being optimistic about the future."

Benson also reflects on the unique sense of optimism he's developed through yarning with Australians—from bustling urban centres to the country's most remote corners. In these conversations, he's witnessed the resilience, creativity, and deep sense of community that define Australia's spirit. These experiences fuel his belief in a brighter future for the nation, shaped by the collective efforts of its people.

Join us for this heartwarming episode, rich with storytelling and insights on how optimism, faith, and connection can inspire a better tomorrow.

Join me, Victor Perton, on "That Optimism Man Victor Perton" as I welcome back Dr. Bruno Cignacco, a global leader in compassionate business. In this episode, titled "A Passion for Compassion and Optimism: Bruno Cignacco and Victor Perton," we explore the transformative power of compassion in the business world. Bruno shares insights from his research, highlighting a new generation of companies prioritizing human-oriented approaches. We discuss the importance of building strong, long-lasting relationships with stakeholders and the role of compassion in enhancing workplace dynamics. Bruno emphasizes that the most valuable resource in business is the human being, advocating for a shift from profit-focused to people-centered strategies. Tune in to discover how compassion and optimism can reshape business practices and create a more sustainable future.

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Victor Perton speaks with Viv Nguyen, Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, about her journey as a Vietnamese refugee - a "boat person" - and the optimism that fuels her leadership.

Viv shares the profound hope that guided her and her community in rebuilding their lives and her reflections on the power of optimism in family, community engagement, and creating opportunities for others. She says: "When you are optimistic and hopeful, the tone of your conversation is different, your posture is different, and whatever you're saying becomes more infectious."

Through personal anecdotes and insights, Viv discusses the importance of collaboration, trust, and deep engagement in overcoming challenges and building a thriving, inclusive society. Her unwavering belief that "you just have to know that there is a better tomorrow" resonates deeply in this candid conversation.

Discover how Viv connects optimism to action, leadership, and the potential for positive change in multicultural communities. This episode will leave you inspired to embrace optimism as a driver of resilience and opportunity.

Visit The Centre for Optimism to explore more insights and join the optimism movement. https://www.centreforoptimism.com/podcasts

In this episode of The Optimism Man, host Victor Perton welcomes Chelsea Follett, Managing Editor of HumanProgress.org, a project of the Cato Institute that provides open data on long-term global improvements in well-being. Chelsea is also the author of Centers of Progress: 40 Cities That Changed the World, a book that celebrates cities that have driven humanity forward through innovation, resilience, and optimism.

Chelsea and Victor discuss how an optimistic, fact-based view of progress can empower individuals and leaders alike. From advancements in public health and environmental sustainability to the power of cities as hubs of progress, Chelsea shares insights that align with The Optimism Principle—the belief that optimism holds the answers to life’s most pressing challenges. Together, they explore how optimism, backed by data and historical examples, can be a catalyst for ongoing innovation and societal improvement.

Join us for a conversation that reveals how optimism, grounded in progress, can be the inspiration for positive action and a brighter future.