The Unapologetic Optimist: Julian Mather on Practical Optimism, Courageous Change, and Leaving a Legacy of Hope
At The Centre for Optimism, we celebrate those who live and spread infectious optimism. Julian Mather is a living example of that spirit—and the featured guest on the latest episode of That Optimism Man podcast hosted by Victor Perton.
Julian Mather’s journey is anything but ordinary. He’s been an army sniper, magician, documentary filmmaker, and now a speaker on change and leadership. But through it all, he has carried one unwavering philosophy:
“I am an unapologetic optimist. I live through practical optimism.”
In a world where cynicism can feel like the dominant narrative, Julian stands tall as a beacon of bold, evidence-backed, future-focused optimism.
Julian carries a particular fire when it comes to cynicism. He’s seen it far too often—those moments at the end of a meeting when someone folds their arms and declares why something can’t be done. But to Julian, that reaction is a form of resignation, not wisdom. Cynicism, he believes, is the easiest argument in the room—an excuse not to think deeper or try harder.
Instead of retreating, he issues a challenge: offer something better. He doesn’t dismiss dissent—he demands higher thinking. For Julian, optimism isn’t naïve or wishful; it’s mental discipline, strategic courage, and the refusal to settle for lazy thinking.
Julian’s life philosophy is built on three daily disciplines:
Own Up – Take personal responsibility for your mindset and path.
Wise Up – Embrace learning, unlearning, and re-learning as lifelong habits.
Step Up – Seek out daily doses of mild discomfort to grow stronger and bolder.
This isn’t abstract theory—it’s a practical playbook. He keeps a handwritten note by his bed that reads:
“My job is the dream of the unemployed. My house is the dream of the homeless. My smile is the dream of the depressed. My health is the dream of the sick.”
It’s a daily reminder to choose gratitude and optimism—intentionally.
Julian is deeply influenced by the likes of Hans Rosling (Factfulness) and Viktor Frankl (Man’s Search for Meaning), whose work helped him push back against the negative bias in news and culture. He encourages others to look at the real data, where trends show that the world is, in many ways, improving.
He’s also shed the fear of failure—and even death—after surviving three near-death experiences. As he puts it:
“That loss of fear boosts my optimism. It just means go out and try more.”
From winning a Golden Guitar award by saying yes to the projects no one else wanted…
To creating physical time capsules hidden in his house to spark wonder in strangers decades from now…
To launching bestgranddad.com as a joyful journey into intergenerational optimism…
Julian Mather shows us that optimism isn’t passive. It’s a strategy, a challenge, and a daily choice.
Perhaps Julian’s most powerful insight comes from his years behind the camera as a documentary filmmaker:
“Extraordinary people are just ordinary people who do extra.”
And if you think you’re just ordinary? Good news—you’re already in the game. As Julian says, “The only person who doesn’t realise it yet is you.”
Julian knows the cost of caring in a world that often rewards detachment. He offers this rallying cry to anyone who's been told they're too hopeful or too heartfelt:
“We live in cynical times. Try to do something meaningful and someone will call you naïve. Care too much and you’ll be told to calm down. But don’t you dare shrink your light to make others comfortable. Wanting to make things better isn’t something to excuse—it’s something to honour.”
🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
📬 Subscribe to Julian at julianmather.com and follow his journey at bestgranddad.com.
And stay close to The Centre for Optimism as we continue amplifying the voices of those who lead with courage, speak with clarity, and shape the future with infectious optimism.