What if optimism wasn’t just a personal trait, but a leadership strategy?

In this Spotlight episode, we’re joined by Victor Perton, founder and Chief Optimism Officer at the Centre for Optimism. Victor shares why declining optimism is one of the greatest public policy challenges of our time — and why the leaders of the future must be “magnetic optimists.”

He unpacks what it means to lead with infectious energy, how optimism builds trust, resilience, and innovation, and why every CEO should be asking their teams: “What makes you optimistic?”

A joyful, compelling conversation for every leader who wants to shape a better future — by starting with belief.

What if optimism wasn&rsquo;t just a personal trait, but a leadership strategy?
In this Spotlight episode, we&rsquo;re joined by Victor Perton, founder and Chief Optimism Officer at the Centre for Optimism. Victor shares why declining optimism is one of the greatest public policy challenges of our time &mdash; and why the leaders of the future must be &ldquo;magnetic optimists.&rdquo;
He unpacks what it means to lead with infectious energy, how optimism builds trust, resilience, and innovation, and why every CEO should be asking their teams: &ldquo;What makes you optimistic?&rdquo;
A joyful, compelling conversation for every leader who wants to shape a better future &mdash; by starting with belief.

Welcome to Future Fit Leadership a podcast for emerging and experienced leaders to learn, grow and become future fit! 

There has been a global shift in how we lead people. Traditional models are being challenged, and our workplaces are now dynamic. 


In this podcast you will hear and connect with leaders, CEO’s and change makers who will challenge the status quo and share their future ready strategies to unlock your growth. 


No matter where you are on your leadership journey this podcast will give you practical ideas and tools to help you think outside the square and become a change maker in your industry. 

Future Fit leadership is your place for bite sized learning, for time poor executives.

Contact Sadhana Smiles via email: sadhanasmiles@realchange.com.au

Or connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/

Welcome to Future Fit Leadership a podcast for emerging and experienced leaders to learn, grow and become future fit! 
There has been a global shift in how we lead people. Traditional models are being challenged, and our workplaces are now dynamic. 
 In this podcast you will hear and connect with leaders, CEO’s and change makers who will challenge the status quo and share their future ready strategies to unlock your growth. 
 No matter where you are on your leadership journey this podcast will give you practical ideas and tools to help you think outside the square and become a change maker in your industry. 
Future Fit leadership is your place for bite sized learning, for time poor executives.
Contact Sadhana Smiles via email: <a href="mailto:sadhanasmiles@realchange.com.au">sadhanasmiles@realchange.com.au</a> 
Or connect on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/</a>

Future ready leadership strategies to unlock your growth

Future Fit Leadership

'Future Fit Leadership — practical ideas for leaders on AI, the future of work, wellbeing, psychological & psychosocial safety, resilience and inclusive leadership.' 

There has been a global shift in how we lead people. Traditional models are being challenged, and our workplaces are now dynamic. 

In this podcast you will hear and connect with leaders, CEO’s and change makers who will challenge the status quo and share their future ready strategies to unlock your growth. 

No matter where you are on your leadership journey this podcast will give you practical ideas and tools to help you think outside the square and become a change maker in your industry. 

Future Fit leadership is your place for bite sized learning, for time poor executives.

Contact Sadhana Smiles via email: sadhanajsmiles@gmail.com

Or connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/ 

We are excited to announce our partnership with Future Leadership and this podcast will sit in their Future Exchange Community where as leaders, CEO's, Directors and executives you can access content, events, live streams and connect with your peers. To join the community click on the following link, membership is free. 

https://community.futureexchange.global/groups/official

**Future Fit Leadership acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we record this podcast and we pay our respect to elders - past, present and emerging. We extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

-- 

This is a Guide Your Light Network Production | Podcasts with Purpose

www.guideyourlightnetwork.com 

'Future Fit Leadership &mdash; practical ideas for leaders on AI, the future of work, wellbeing, psychological &amp; psychosocial safety, resilience and inclusive leadership.'&nbsp;
There has been a global shift in how we lead people. Traditional models are being challenged, and our workplaces are now dynamic.&nbsp;
In this podcast you will hear and connect with leaders, CEO&rsquo;s and change makers who will challenge the status quo and share their future ready strategies to unlock your growth.&nbsp;
No matter where you are on your leadership journey this podcast will give you practical ideas and tools to help you think outside the square and become a change maker in your industry.&nbsp;
Future Fit leadership is your place for bite sized learning, for time poor executives.
Contact Sadhana Smiles via email: <a href="mailto:sadhanajsmiles@gmail.com">sadhanajsmiles@gmail.com</a>
Or connect on LinkedIn&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/</a>&nbsp;
We are excited to announce our partnership with Future Leadership and this podcast will sit in their Future Exchange Community where as leaders, CEO's, Directors and executives you can access content, events, live streams and connect with your peers. To join the community click on the following link, membership is free.&nbsp;
<a href="https://community.futureexchange.global/groups/official" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://community.futureexchange.global/groups/official&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1683848489703000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2f0TqhapHFy9zLTwwgyebz">https://community.futureexchange.global/groups/official</a>
**Future Fit Leadership acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we record this podcast and we pay our respect to elders - past, present and emerging. We extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
--&nbsp;
This is a Guide Your Light Network Production | Podcasts with Purpose
<a href="http://www.guideyourlightnetwork.com">www.guideyourlightnetwork.com</a>&nbsp;

 The Optimism Effect: Why Future Fit Leaders Radiate Belief and Possibility

What does resilience really look like in a world that never seems to slow down?

In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, I sit down with resilience coach, speaker and facilitator Russell Harvey to explore one of the most important leadership capabilities of the decade.

As workplaces face rapid technological change, shifting expectations and growing levels of uncertainty, resilience has moved well beyond being a personal wellbeing concept. It is becoming a critical leadership skill. But according to Russell, resilience is not about pushing harder, bouncing back, or pretending everything is fine. It is about learning how to adapt, grow and move forward through challenge.

Drawing on more than two decades of experience in leadership development and organisational change, Russell shares the lessons that shaped his own journey and the insights he has gained from working with leaders across a wide range of industries. Together, they discuss why resilience matters more than ever, the common misconceptions leaders have about it, and the practical habits that help individuals and teams thrive under pressure.

The conversation explores the cost of constant change, the importance of self-awareness, the relationship between resilience and leadership, and why the future will belong to those who can remain adaptable, curious and grounded in uncertain times.

Whether you are leading a team, navigating change, or simply trying to stay ahead of an increasingly complex world, this episode offers a thoughtful and practical perspective on what it takes to build resilience that lasts.

 

 

What does resilience really look like in a world that never seems to slow down?
In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, I sit down with resilience coach, speaker and facilitator Russell Harvey to explore one of the most important leadership capabilities of the decade.
As workplaces face rapid technological change, shifting expectations and growing levels of uncertainty, resilience has moved well beyond being a personal wellbeing concept. It is becoming a critical leadership skill. But according to Russell, resilience is not about pushing harder, bouncing back, or pretending everything is fine. It is about learning how to adapt, grow and move forward through challenge.
Drawing on more than two decades of experience in leadership development and organisational change, Russell shares the lessons that shaped his own journey and the insights he has gained from working with leaders across a wide range of industries. Together, they discuss why resilience matters more than ever, the common misconceptions leaders have about it, and the practical habits that help individuals and teams thrive under pressure.
The conversation explores the cost of constant change, the importance of self-awareness, the relationship between resilience and leadership, and why the future will belong to those who can remain adaptable, curious and grounded in uncertain times.
Whether you are leading a team, navigating change, or simply trying to stay ahead of an increasingly complex world, this episode offers a thoughtful and practical perspective on what it takes to build resilience that lasts.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

The 2030 Leader: Why Resilience is Your Most Vital Skill with Russell Harvey 

At 21 years of age, Hugo Toovey discovered a small lump. Like many young men, he ignored it.

What followed was a life-changing cancer diagnosis, months of chemotherapy, major surgery, and a lesson that would ultimately shape the rest of his life: never ignore the signs when something doesn't feel right.

In this powerful Men's Health Week conversation, Hugo shares his journey through not one but two cancer diagnoses before the age of 30, the physical and emotional toll of treatment, and the challenges of rebuilding his life after years of surgeries and recovery.

But this episode is about far more than cancer.

Hugo speaks openly about the impact serious illness had on his mental health, the pressure many men feel to appear strong when they are struggling, and the turning point that taught him the importance of asking for help.

Today, Hugo is the founder of 25 Stay Alive, a charity dedicated to changing the way young Australians think about their health. His mission is simple: encourage people to take ownership of their wellbeing earlier in life, advocate for themselves when something doesn't feel right, and understand that the choices we make today shape our health decades into the future.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why early detection saves lives
• Learning to trust your instincts and advocate for your own health
• The hidden mental health impact of serious illness
• Resilience, recovery and finding purpose through adversity
• The mission behind 25 Stay Alive and why "25 is the new 50"

This is an honest, courageous and deeply human conversation about health, resilience, and making the most of the life we're given.

Link to 25 Stay Alive - https://www.25stayalive.com/

At 21 years of age, Hugo Toovey discovered a small lump. Like many young men, he ignored it.
What followed was a life-changing cancer diagnosis, months of chemotherapy, major surgery, and a lesson that would ultimately shape the rest of his life: never ignore the signs when something doesn't feel right.
In this powerful Men's Health Week conversation, Hugo shares his journey through not one but two cancer diagnoses before the age of 30, the physical and emotional toll of treatment, and the challenges of rebuilding his life after years of surgeries and recovery.
But this episode is about far more than cancer.
Hugo speaks openly about the impact serious illness had on his mental health, the pressure many men feel to appear strong when they are struggling, and the turning point that taught him the importance of asking for help.
Today, Hugo is the founder of 25 Stay Alive, a charity dedicated to changing the way young Australians think about their health. His mission is simple: encourage people to take ownership of their wellbeing earlier in life, advocate for themselves when something doesn't feel right, and understand that the choices we make today shape our health decades into the future.
In this episode we discuss:
&bull; Why early detection saves lives &bull; Learning to trust your instincts and advocate for your own health &bull; The hidden mental health impact of serious illness &bull; Resilience, recovery and finding purpose through adversity &bull; The mission behind 25 Stay Alive and why "25 is the new 50"
This is an honest, courageous and deeply human conversation about health, resilience, and making the most of the life we're given.
Link to 25 Stay Alive - https://www.25stayalive.com/

 Hugo Toovey: Turning a Cancer Journey into a Movement

What happens when the workplace that is meant to support you becomes the very thing that breaks you?

In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, I sit down with Jane Phipps, author of The Heart-Centered Leader, to explore a topic that affects more people than we often realise: toxic workplace cultures and the lasting impact they can have on our wellbeing, confidence, and sense of self.

Drawing on her own experiences of workplace bullying, narcissistic leadership, and growing up in an environment shaped by control and fear, Jane shares how those experiences influenced her leadership philosophy and ultimately led her to a very different way of leading.

Together, we discuss psychological safety, emotional intelligence, accountability without fear, and why trust remains one of the most important foundations of leadership. Jane also shares the moment her body told her something was wrong before her mind was ready to acknowledge it, and how that experience changed the way she views work, leadership, and personal responsibility.

We explore why many people stay in unhealthy workplaces longer than they should, the hidden cost this can have on women, carers, and those who cannot simply walk away, and what leaders can do to create environments where people feel safe to contribute, challenge ideas, and bring their whole selves to work.

This is an honest conversation about courage, recovery, self-awareness, and the kind of leadership the future requires. One built not on control, but on trust, kindness, and humanity.

Guest: Jane Phipps
Book:The Heart-Centered Leader: Transformation and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse to Self-Empowerment

What happens when the workplace that is meant to support you becomes the very thing that breaks you?
In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, I sit down with Jane Phipps, author of The Heart-Centered Leader, to explore a topic that affects more people than we often realise: toxic workplace cultures and the lasting impact they can have on our wellbeing, confidence, and sense of self.
Drawing on her own experiences of workplace bullying, narcissistic leadership, and growing up in an environment shaped by control and fear, Jane shares how those experiences influenced her leadership philosophy and ultimately led her to a very different way of leading.
Together, we discuss psychological safety, emotional intelligence, accountability without fear, and why trust remains one of the most important foundations of leadership. Jane also shares the moment her body told her something was wrong before her mind was ready to acknowledge it, and how that experience changed the way she views work, leadership, and personal responsibility.
We explore why many people stay in unhealthy workplaces longer than they should, the hidden cost this can have on women, carers, and those who cannot simply walk away, and what leaders can do to create environments where people feel safe to contribute, challenge ideas, and bring their whole selves to work.
This is an honest conversation about courage, recovery, self-awareness, and the kind of leadership the future requires. One built not on control, but on trust, kindness, and humanity.
Guest: Jane Phipps Book: The Heart-Centered Leader: Transformation and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse to Self-Empowerment

The Optimism Effect: Why Future Fit Leaders Radiate Belief and Possibility

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