While researchers and global corporations research 'the corporation of the future', there has never been any doubt that leadership is a skill that needs to be developed constantly to ensure due process within and outside of organisations. Last week South Africans were privileged to experience global leaders like Scott Bedbury, Carly Fiorina, Tom Peters and Rudy Giuliani live and in person on stage in South Africa. What struck me the most listening to them, was the simplicity of the delivery of their messages. There was no death-by-powerpoint droning on, few of the latest management gobbledygook and buzz words... there was lots of storytelling instead. And lots of emphasis on values and leadership essence that I think many in business take for granted: integrity, ethics, authenticity, listening skills, "people matter", employees first, horizontal leadership rather than top down dictatorship, and so on. We need to listen to them - no matter how big or small your own organisation is. This is about creating sustainable business for the future, empowering and growing employees, building capacity within organisations and your industry sector and creating knowledge assets for the generation to come. And here at Bizcommunity.com, our congratulations go to our own sports star - our Johannesburg account executive, Gee Friedman, who is part of the South African Korfball squad for the Korfball Commonwealth Games in London, 14 - 16 July 2006. We all wish her the best of luck at the games! Enjoy! Louise Marsland, editor, www.bizcommunity.com