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“I am optimistic because I see the good in people rather than the bad. You just see the human spirit rise.”
– Agostino Giramondo
Agostino Giramondo’s leadership does not shout. It shines. It is the kind of light that illuminates with steadiness, clarity and quiet power. In conversation, he offers no slogans or spin. Instead, he brings the presence of a man who sees clearly, leads collaboratively and draws strength from something deeper than role or title.
In this podcast conversation with Victor Perton on That Optimism Man, Agostino reflects on the values that shape his outlook and leadership. It is a rich exploration of heritage, humility and hope, inviting listeners to consider the deeper sources of resilience and collaboration in their own lives.
• 57 min
Optimism at the Speed of News: A Conversation with Agostino Giramondo
That Optimism Man Victor Perton
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What makes Agostino optimistic is not blind faith in outcomes. It is a grounded belief in people. This belief, he explains, has been shaped by a long line of Sicilian ancestors who cultivated more than land. They cultivated hope, resilience and community.
He reflects on the optimism of migrants, his parents among them, who came to Australia with little more than determination and the belief that things could be better.
“Migrants brought with them the same thing that every migrant has brought and still brings into a new country. And that is the optimism. They are leaving behind something really bad... Their idea was to move forward and help us help this generation.”
Raised in Melbourne, Agostino grew up with stories of sacrifice and service. He had a front-row view of his parents' tireless dedication. He watched his father work hard through the highs and lows of running a business, meeting each challenge with resolve and dignity. Their example was not only one of effort, but of values — faith, generosity and a belief in building something stronger for the next generation.
That legacy continues in his leadership today as Managing Director of News Corp Victoria and Tasmania. He champions a "Working Together" philosophy that honours the human spirit amid rapid change.
Agostino’s optimism is not abstract. It is lived. It shows in his love of cycling, where daily rides offer space for clarity and renewal. It is present in his advocacy for rural media voices and in his stewardship of stories that matter to local communities. It is embodied in his humility, a quiet confidence focused more on impact than ego.
In this episode of the That Optimism Man podcast, Agostino speaks about optimism as a leadership superpower. For him, optimism is not optional. It is essential. It fuels courage during disruption. It encourages collaboration over competition. It turns the act of seeing the good in people into a powerful leadership asset.
When Victor asks what sustains his optimism, Agostino does not point to outcomes. He points to people. To the everyday moments when someone shows up with generosity, grace or grit. To the quiet kindnesses that shape a workplace. To the power of choosing to believe in each other.
Agostino’s optimism, like his heritage, is not performative. It is practical. It is resilient. It is profoundly human.
Self-Improvement • Mental Health • 45 episodes
That Optimism Man Victor Perton
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