--- title: "What makes me optimistic is the power of diversity: Joel Backwell" description: What makes Joel Backwell optimistic is the power of diversity and knowing that the best in everyone is good enough. image: https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Joel%20Backwell.jpeg --- ###### [Check out Our latest insights on Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog) [![Centre for Optimism_Logo](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Centre%20for%20Optimism_Logo.svg)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com?hsLang=en) - [Home](https://www.centreforoptimism.com) - [Subscribe](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/subscribe) - [Why Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whyoptimism) - [What is Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whatisoptimism) - [The Optimism Principle](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/theoptimismprinciple) - [Need Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/services-and-workshops) - [The Optimism Workshop](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/workshop) - [Victor Perton - That Optimism Man](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/victorperton) - [Magnetic Optimism for Organisations](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/magnetic-optimism-workshops) ![Close Icon (3)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Close%20Icon%20(3).svg) ![Search (2)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Search%20(2).svg) ###### [Leadership](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/leadership) , ###### [Diversity](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/diversity) , ###### [Australian Leadership](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/australian-leadership) # What makes me optimistic is the power of diversity: Joel Backwell "What makes me optimistic is the power of diversity and knowing that the best in everyone is good enough. And that as leaders, if we nurture and bring out the best in everyone in our community, we can solve any problem, meet any challenge and make the world a better place for us all." That's what Joel Backwell told me when I asked him what makes him optimistic.   Joel is the Executive Director of the Victorian Government's Office for Suburban Development. What makes you optimistic? 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