By Natalie Sisson

Today I was lucky to attend a fantastic lunch seminar put on by the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (FWE) at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

The theme was `Being the Torchbearer in your business and community’ and was perfectly aligned with the Olympics.

• Tina Osen, CEO, Hub International Insurance Brokers
• Tracey McVicar, Olympic torch bearer, CAI Capital Management, FWE Board of Directors
• Christina Anthony, Olympic torch bearer, Odlum Brown Limited & Founder/President of FWE
• Chris Clark, CEO & Canadian Senior Partner of PwC

Christine and Natalie with Olympic torch

As true leaders I found their insights heartening, honest and humbling. Each of them had come into their role as a leader from different paths.

A common thread that weaved between all four speakers was that leadership comes from a place of serving. Taking ego out of it and putting everyone else first.

How can I best serve?, how can I empower you in your role?, how can I make you an enamored customer?

According to Michigan Ross School of Business, three critical characteristics necessary for business leadershipsuccess are mindfulness, sense making and resilience. It was apparent from today that heart is also a big factor.

I refer to heart as passion, a desire to make a difference, to be the change and to ensure that those you impact have the ability to become leaders too.

All the athletes at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games are showing true leadership qualities in their chosen field by exhibiting leadership characteristics each time they step up to compete. This is what makes them so inspiring to watch and learn from.It’s truly energizing.

It takes true leadership to remain devoted and committed to your cause, your individual or team pursuit and your business. Let’s look to ourselves to become Torchbearers in our lives. Go light that flame to burn eternally in the hearts and minds of others.

Natalie Sisson is a Kiwi entrepreneur, adventurer and lover of Ultimate Frisbee. You can find her blog at WomanzWorld.com and tweet with her on @nataliesisson