The Olympic spirit is gripping Vancouver right now and I feel so lucky to be living in this city to experience it. It’s really quite an incredible experience to step out on the streets and see seven times as many people as you’re used to.
The energy is electric. I’m also loving being part of the MetroBlenz News Squad – a group of local bloggers in Vancouver who are sharing their experiences during the Olympics via posts, photos and videos.
Yesterday I was lucky to attend a fantastic lunch seminar put on by the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (FWE) at PricewaterhouseCoopers and blogged about it here on the MetroBlenz site.
The theme was `Being the Torchbearer in your business and community’ and was perfectly aligned with the Olympics. I also got to hold the Olympic torch who’s inscription is ‘With Glowing Hearts’.
We were treated to an intimate discussion on leadership and how to become one of the driving forces in your business and community by the following:
- 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.
Christina Anthony 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.
If you’re interested in seeing a quick snapshot of the Olympic Torch ceremony watch this video!
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Hi Natalie, I am now doubly sad that I couldn't make it to the FWE event. Sounds like it was wonderful and you had some great takeaways from it. I really like the way you described their message
I agree that the Olympic spirit seems to have gripped all of us here (even the skeptics!) and it has been so much fun meeting people from all over – who are simply gushing about our city.
I hope we will get a chance to meet in person at the next FWE session.