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What Makes You Optimistic? Lessons from Viv Nguyen
By Victor Perton
In my conversation with Viv Nguyen, Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, I was struck by her infectious optimism and profound wisdom. Viv, a proud Vietnamese refugee—a "boat person"—has dedicated her life to creating opportunities and fostering inclusivity. Her journey, filled with resilience and hope, is a testament to the power of optimism in action.
Viv's story begins with her escape from Vietnam as an 11-year-old child. She describes the journey vividly:
"For us, it was a one-way ticket. And so if you made it to shore, you are lucky. God has looked after you or the divine has looked after you, and it's your responsibility to live well and also in honour of those who didn't make it."
That sense of responsibility and gratitude has driven Viv to embrace every challenge with hope. She believes optimism transforms not only the individual but also the way we connect and lead.
"When you are optimistic and hopeful, the tone of your conversation is different, your posture is different, and whatever you're saying becomes more infectious."
This infectious optimism shines in Viv's work but is deeply rooted in her personal life. She shared how the joy of her family's milestones and successes reinforces her belief in life's goodness:
"I see what makes me happy and look around and say, wow, this is a good day. The world is good, is when something about my family, some good news about my family is shared ... Things like that make me feel that, yeah, there is a lot in life, and we all have something to look forward to."
Viv also emphasises the power of relationships and collaboration in building thriving communities. For her, optimism and progress go hand in hand when we work together:
"If we can create greater collaboration, greater cooperation, and break down barriers, we can truly move our society forward. Relationship, understanding, and engagement are key opportunities to do better."
In times of difficulty, Viv reminds us that hope remains a guiding light:
"You just have to know that there is a better tomorrow."
She also encourages action through community involvement. Connecting with others through shared interests or causes fosters a sense of purpose and inspiration:
"If we can connect with people through some common interest ... we can find a lot of hope, optimism, and inspiration from those activities."
Our conversation reinforced my belief that optimism is the answer to life's most pressing questions. As Viv put it, optimism isn't just a mindset—it's a way to inspire change, build trust, and create a brighter future. Her story is a powerful reminder that optimism can help us rebuild, reconnect, and thrive even amidst challenges.
What about you? What makes you optimistic?
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