Celebrating, understanding and building Australian leadership. This built on my experience as Commissioner to the Americas. It's a regional leader.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to meet many Australian leaders from government, business and the not-for-profit sector. I have spent many thousands of hours listening to the day-to-day challenges of leadership and to the needs of people. The idea of a blog and website devoted to the positive elements of Australian leadership came to me after the completion of the Australian G20 Preside
23/05/2025
Good Listening: 🎤 Lisa Leong and Victor Perton on "the secret to optimism"
Victor Perton and the secret to optimism - ABC listen Victor's refugee mother was widowed at a young age, his grandparents were tortured and killed by the Soviets, but Victor says he comes from four generations of radical optimists
06/05/2025
"In leadership, realistic and infectious optimism has emerged as the essential and defining trait of globally successful leaders in the 2020s. It fuels bold strategy, unlocks innovation, and anchors resilience in the face of adversity. Optimism empowers transformation, inspires action, and builds trust in uncertain times."
Ask yourself today: What would optimism choose here?
This is an extract from “Optimism can be Learned” in the updated “Optimism: The How and Why” by Victor Perton
Hardcover: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HFXWMJ4
Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1686098375
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WDG7SKP
Optimism: The How and Why At its simplest, optimism is an expectation that good things will happen and that things will work out in the end. There’s strong evidence that optimism will improve your health. There is a strong link between optimism and longevity. Infectious optimism is the essential trait of the globally succ....
11/04/2025
Excellent article about our founder Victor Perton.
How to be an optimist (even when the world is going to hell) Optimism guru Victor Perton is on a mission to spread hope wherever he goes, despite society’s penchant for existential dread.
27/07/2024
A Joyful Sunday Morning: Australia leads the Paris Olympics Medal Tally.
https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/medals
"The leader of the Opposition in Victoria, John Pesutto expressed his about the relationship between the two countries as well as between their localities, noting that strengthening Australia-Vietnam cooperation is a bipartisan consensus in Australia."
https://en.vietnamplus.vn/australias-victoria-state-wants-to-boost-ties-with-vietnamese-localities-post290558.vnp
We need lots of optimism and infectiously optimistic leadership 😊
19/07/2024
Leaders can boost team morale and foster a positive work environment by incorporating optimistic language. Replace "but" with "and," and use phrases like "well done" and "thank you."
https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/language
Use the Language of Optimism: Positive Phrases in Speech and Writing Discover how using optimistic language can transform your speech and writing, fostering a positive mindset and inspiring those around you. Learn more today!
25/04/2024
How can we design the points test to best target migrant success in finding a skilled job?
That's the question the Australian Department Of Home Affairs is asking us.
What do you reckon?
Department of Home Affairs Website Home Affairs brings together Australia's federal law enforcement, national and transport security, criminal justice, emergency management, multicultural affairs, settlement services and immigration and border-related functions, working together to keep Australia safe.
Anzac Day poignantly reminds us of the sacrifices made by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Still, it also celebrates the enduring spirit of optimism and camaraderie that those soldiers exemplified.
Literature vividly captures the spirit of wartime camaraderie, as is evident in the book "Comradeship: Stories of Friendship and Recreation in wartime". The stories in this book portray individuals who possess an "unshakeable optimism," a sense of humour, and a determination to help others. These narratives reinforce the positive traits we associate with the Anzacs and highlight how these qualities have permeated Australian society.
Peter Dutton's speech on Anzac Day 2021 emphasised the ideal characteristics of the Anzac legacy - qualities Australians aspire to embody: "A society defined by sacrifice, not entitlement. By mateship, not malevolence. By egalitarianism, not tribalism. By responsibility, not resentment. And by optimism, not cynicism." This vision promotes an optimistic approach to societal development, steering the communal mindset towards constructive and affirmative values.
Governor-General David Hurley echoed this sentiment in his 2022 address, urging Australians to embrace these inherent traits without concern for being seen as 'jingoistic'. He stated, "the characteristics that we take from the Anzac legacy to define us – mateship, endurance, courage and sacrifice – are inherent in Australia. They always have been... And that should make us all optimistic for our future." This declaration is a powerful call to reflect on the traits that define and strengthen Australian society, compelling a vision of the future filled with hope and guided by the Anzac spirit.
Adding to this narrative, the Governor of Queensland in 2022 noted that "from this tragedy was born an enduring symbol—one that continues to demonstrate that in the face of adversity, optimism is generated by courage, and tremendous strength is built on unity." This statement emphasises the power of transforming adversity into a force that unites and strengthens, driven by optimism and courage.
The commitment to helping others and finding light in dark times resonates deeply, encouraging an optimistic leadership style that honours the past while boldly embracing the future.
This collective embrace of optimism for Australia and Australians - defined by the enduring Anzac traits of courage, mateship, and sacrifice - inspires a forward-looking attitude crucial for national unity and progress.
As Australians reflect on their history, they are reminded that the spirit of Anzac is about more than remembrance; it shapes the nation's identity and aspirations with optimism and resilience.
“What makes you ?”
A super Monday morning coffee conversation at ’s RACV Club.
Please join us!
https://events.racv.com.au/pub/pubType/EO/pubID/zzzz6620bbcacd54c765/interface.html
01/04/2024
The unique style: ; Self-Effacing ; and no Bu****it, Plain Speaking.
Who exemplifies that style at work, in the community, or in business?
Should we add "relentless optimism"?
Read More on The Australian Leadership Project:
The Australian Leadership Project The mission of the Australian Leadership Project is to "Celebrate, Understand and Improve Australian leadership."
10/03/2024
Authentic leadership fosters happiness, resilience, and an optimistic outlook to tackle challenges.
Authentic Leadership and Optimism: Transforming Athletes into Champions of Mental Health Discover how 'Authentic Leadership and Optimism: Transforming Athletes into Champions of Mental Health' unveils the pivotal role of authentic leadership and optimism in sports.
05/03/2024
"Australia and Southeast Asia must together face this moment with a sense of optimism."
Anthony Albanese speaking at the CEO Forum part of the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit.
Address to CEO Forum, 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit Ministerial colleagues, Mr Nicholas Moore and distinguished guests, it is an honour to be here with some of Southeast Asia and Australia's most eminent business leaders.I'm pleased to welcome you to the great city of Melbourne for the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit to commemorate 50 years of Dialogu...
