From Crisis to Confidence: Megan Main on the Strength of Optimism
That Optimism Man Victor Perton
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?