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, clarit...
Jul 19, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Join me, Victor Perton, on "That Optimism Man Victor Perton" as I welcome back the inspiring Alix Bradfield in our episode titled "Alix Bradfield on Living Well with Optimism in Your Eighties and Beyond." Alix, a beacon of vitality and optimism, shares her insights on embracing life past 50 with joy and resilience. We explore her book, "Energy for Life," which offers guidance on living well, aging boldly, and finding joy in everyday moments. Alix discusses the power of gratitude, connection, and...
Apr 30, 2025•46 min
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—al...
Apr 12, 2025•47 min
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 Netfl...
Apr 10, 2025•51 min
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 n...
Apr 03, 2025•58 min
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 Wo...
Mar 17, 2025•54 min
🎙️ 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 h...
Mar 09, 2025•45 min
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, resilien...
Feb 22, 2025•57 min
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 in...
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr 1 min
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, ...
Jan 18, 2025•53 min
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 em...
Jan 08, 2025•59 min
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 ...
Dec 30, 2024•56 min
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...
Dec 20, 2024•59 min
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...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 2 min
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 b...
Dec 18, 2024•55 min
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 rel...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 3 min
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 to...
Nov 20, 2024•42 min
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 emp...
Nov 16, 2024•59 min
In this episode of That Optimism Man, Victor Perton explores "The Optimism Economy" with special guests Dr. Anand Kulkarni and Robert Masters AM. Built upon the foundation of The Optimism Principle, this conversation on The Optimism Economy highlights how optimism is a powerful driver of national productivity, innovation, and economic resilience. Dr Kulkarni and Robert Masters share insights into the impact of "economic optimism," showing how nations that nurture positive expectations see greate...
Nov 04, 2024•32 min
In this episode of That Optimism Man, Victor Perton talks with Brad Rowswell, the Shadow Treasurer in the Parliament of Victoria, who is passionate about servant leadership. Rowswell shares how his faith and life experiences shaped his view of servant leadership from his early years studying for the priesthood to his passion for community service. He explains how optimism, a commitment to gratitude, and an unwavering hope for humanity are central to his role in public service. Rowswell and Perto...
Oct 28, 2024•43 min
This edition of "That Optimism Man" podcast includes an interview with Juliana O'Connor-Connolly, the Premier of the Cayman Islands, about what makes her optimistic. Victor Perton, "That Optimism Man", spent last week in Samoa at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Forums, "The Peoples Forum" and "The Commonwealth Business Forum," to provoke optimism in an agenda best by doom and gloom and press predictions of unresolvable disputes problems. Andrew McKellar, the CEO of the Australian Chamber of...
Oct 27, 2024•7 min
Join Victor Perton as he hosts a thought-provoking conversation with Bruce Everett, an Anglican deacon who explores the complex dimensions of optimism. In this episode, Bruce reflects on his personal journey through life’s challenges, such as health issues and divorce, and how these experiences have shaped his nuanced view of optimism. Together, they discuss the power of optimism to inspire and uplift and its potential pitfalls when misapplied. Bruce shares insights from his recent travels to So...
Oct 15, 2024•56 min
In this riveting episode of "That Optimism Man" podcast, "The Optimism Effect" and "Dr Danielle Kent's Learned Optimism," with special guest Dr Danielle Kent, a leading researcher in Behavioural Finance from the University of Sydney, we explore how optimism drives not only individual success but national and global economic transformation. Dr. Kent unpacks her groundbreaking research on The Optimism Effect, which shows how optimism boosts productivity and innovation in 42 countries. She explains...
Oct 11, 2024•52 min
Welcome to The Optimism Diet, a refreshing and uplifting conversation that explores how the foods we love—and the simple daily habits we embrace—can feed our minds, lift our spirits, and spark lasting joy. In this episode, I dive into the delightful connection between the meals that bring us happiness and the ingredients that nurture optimism. From the comfort of a crispy schnitzel to the sweetness of fresh apricots and the warmth of a glass of Armagnac, we'll explore how to cultivate positivity...
Oct 06, 2024•14 min
In this episode of That Optimism Man, Victor Perton is joined by Jasmine Koria, a passionate youth leader from Samoa, who shares her insights on optimism, leadership, and the upcoming Commonwealth Youth Forum at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024 in Samoa (CHOGM) Victor kicks off the conversation with his signature question, "What makes you optimistic?" To which Jasmine beautifully responds, "For me, it's a combination of all of those things—definitely my faith, which has been ver...
Oct 03, 2024•46 min
Join Rod Wade, the Chair of World Commerce & Contracting, as he engages in an inspiring conversation with That Optimism Man, Victor Perton. In this episode, Rod shares his remarkable journey, from his diverse upbringing to his influential role in shaping global commercial and contract management standards. As a true optimist and active supporter of the Centre for Optimism, Rod offers deep insights into how optimism fuels innovation, resilience, and strategic success in global commerce. Liste...
Oct 02, 2024•1 hr 40 min
In this episode of "That Optimism Man" Podcast, Victor Perton talks with Professor Carol Graham, a global leader in the economics of optimism, hope, happiness, and wellbeing. As the Leo Pasvolsky Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and a Professor at the University of Maryland, Carol has dedicated her career to studying the links between optimism, hope, inequality, and human flourishing. Her groundbreaking research and influential books, including The Power of Hope: How Wellbeing Science ...
Oct 01, 2024•48 min
In this episode, Victor Perton speaks with Professor Jessica Koehler, a renowned expert in psychology and an advocate for cultivating optimism. Jessica shares her personal journey from a self-described "worrier" to a learned optimist, discussing how her studies in psychology and life experiences have shaped her optimistic outlook. Despite initial pessimistic tendencies, Jessica has actively worked to "flip the script" and now encourages others to challenge negative thoughts and focus on what the...
Sep 20, 2024•1 hr 2 min
In this inspiring episode, Victor Perton sits down with Kevin Novak, CEO of 2040 Digital and author of The Truth About Transformation, and Jeff Kerr-Bell, a leading Australian change executive and co-author of The Optimist Checklist for Success in Transformation and Change Projects. Together, they explore the power of optimism in successful transformation projects. Kevin shares how his mindset as a Nichiren Buddhist fuels his optimism and problem-solving approach, while Jeff emphasises the impor...
Sep 13, 2024•38 min
A Fork in the Road? Victor talks to Stephen Berkeley and Anne Boland, the hosts of the "Forks in the Road" podcast, which explores dilemmas in everyday leadership. Victor asked, "What is the Fork in the Road?" As you can imagine, Victor asked Stephen and Anne what makes them optimistic.
Sep 12, 2024•22 min
