--- title: Who have been the positive leaders in your life's journey? description: "In our survey \"Positive Leadership for the 2020s?\", we ask, \"Who have been the positive leaders in your life's journey? Who has inspired you?\"" image: https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Wordcloud%20of%20Who%20have%20been%20the%20positive%20leaders%20in%20your%20lifes%20journey_%20Who%20has%20inspired%20you_-png.png --- ###### [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) , ###### [Survey](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/survey) # Who have been the positive leaders in your life's journey? In our survey "Positive Leadership for the 2020s?" we ask, "Who have been the positive leaders in your life's journey? Who has inspired you?" ![](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Wordcloud%20of%20Who%20have%20been%20the%20positive%20leaders%20in%20your%20lifes%20journey_%20Who%20has%20inspired%20you_-png.png) [![Please Take Our Positive Leadership Survey](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/21889975/724536b5-ff18-46f4-8533-f2f78db121b9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/21889975/724536b5-ff18-46f4-8533-f2f78db121b9) Aaron Batchelor Adam Bowcutt Ajay Prakash Al-Ruali Faisal   Alan Mankoff - Managing Director Dun & Bradstreet Pty Ltd Alan Ruddock at The Scotsman Andrew Forrest at FMG *"**He inspired me for his vision, energy and determination." * Arnold Schwarzenegger *"success story in bodybuilding and fitness, movies and politics inspired me to stay disciplined, grounded and flexible."* Aung San Suu Kyi   Ayn Rand President Barack Obama  *"Obama overcame adversity, ingrained prejudice, and remained humble in success."* Bernadette McDonald current CEO of RCH Melbourne Bob Hawke (former PM of Australia) Brad and Kathy McWhorter Brett Hellier *"my first manager when I took a commercial role in Australia. He has been a great influence in my life ever since."* Buckminster Fuller, University of Illinois *"synergetics, world resources inventory, spaceship earth"* Buddha Cedric Austin Dr Colin Mendelsohn Craig Wright Dr David Abioye David Currie Dr David Oyedepo Eric Thomas Queen Elizabeth Gay Flashman  *"a UK media consultant who I had the good fortune to work with who showed me the value of thinking outside the box and reignited by excitement for learning."* George Palmer   George Siosi Samuels Graham Kerr Harold Gardiner Howard Moody, Group Communications Director, RBS Group (Retired) Jacinda Ardern  *"On a global level, Jacinda Ardern as she shows how powerful empathy can be in leadership."* Janine Allis Jesus - the servant leader *"Jesus Christ has not only inspired but is my inspiration & positive role model."* President Jimmy Carter "I dedicated my book on leadership to him" (Diane Dreher) Joan of Arc John Howard, Former PM of Australia John Maxwell John Tukey (Princeton, math) Pope John Paul Julia Gillard, Former PM of Australia Justin Brown (Primal Video) Kevin Short Lara Giddings as Premier of Tas.   Laura Garcia *"my personal coach"* Margaret Thatcher Marisa Murgatroyd (Live Your Message) Martha Beck  *I"Oprah's Life Couch"* Martin Lewis - Supply Chain Agent, Rover Group (Retired)     Matt Ridley       Michael Hudson Prophet Muhammad My Father My Mother My Parents My Wife Natalie Foss Neil Kinnock Nelson Mandela Nick Polyzos Pat McCafferty, Yarra Valley Water Paul Levy Peter Andren" *A former boss, Peter Andren, who went on to become a Federal MP (Independent). He was the most ethical news man I've ever worked with. He proved to me by example that even in such a shallow industry as commercial news, honesty, fairness and balance are the qualities you need to hold onto."* Phillip Britt Richard Dawkins Rob Barnett - COO of Friends Life     Robert Hollis Robert Masters Ron Walker AC CBE Robert Menzies Dr Robyn Stokes Roger Mosey, former Head of BBC News Rosie Harris, Group Risk Director, Friends Life     Rosita Bowcutt Ryan Moore Shirley Cooper - Non-Exec Director and President of the CUPS fellowship Simon Thornton   Steve Jobs  *"inspired me for his amazing innovations, drive and presentations."* Dr Suzy Green 4 Mother Teresa   Thomas Kuhn *"The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (paradigm shifts), question everything."* Tim Ferris *"4-hour work week"* Tony Abbott, Former PM of Australia Tony Blair Tony Robbins  "life coaching style and ability to influence and motivate so many to embark on their success journeys was definitely admirable." Victor Perton (Probably because I sent out the survey 😊) President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Winston Churchill   "A volunteer leader at a surf lifesaving club when I was a youth."  "All have inspired me in some way, and it's how I choose a business or a job, is who is my direct leader." "An Australian Army Officer (Vietnam vintage) who taught me a lot - both the good and bad of leadership." Every woman who stood for public office "Leaders for social change. Leaders who counter typical economic models for success." "My first manager Robyn" My Front Desk Supervisor and Rooms Division Director at Marriott Hotels My primary school teacher - Miss Draper My second class teacher "one of MY Directors" "One of the most profound positive leaders is my grandfather. As a 9 year old kid, I was in awe with his love and care for his family, his friends and the community, he shows up for people, was not afraid to say No to do what's right, knows people by name and takes care of people around him, that's a trait of a strong positive leadership." "Someone who can let me, be me." 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