Another former political leader made all present realise how the organisation's (TIC) membership of business leaders take pride in and share its socially responsible corporate practices.

Former Australian Democrats leader Cheryl Kernot's words of encouragement for businesses to openly discuss more social entrepreneurial ideas was broadly welcomed.

It focused attention TIC's role in the community in bringing together people to discuss important issues.

The sponsor of this week's meeting, RMB Lawyers, provided examples.

RMB partner Sandy Rendel said Ms Kernot's speech made so many think about what they had done individually, what all businesses in the room had done collectively and what might be possible if they took up her challenge.

"The ethics of the firm have always revolved around putting back into the local community," Mr Rendel said.

"At RMB we see our responsibility to the community extending beyond the conventional lawyer's pro-bono role. Ensuring affordable access to the law for all remains very important.

"In 2009 our women lawyers established a project with the St Vincent de Paul Society to mentor girls from some of the most disadvantaged areas of the Illawarra in their final years at senior school," he said.

"Our people man community legal centres, sit on boards of committees of management at child care centres, sporting clubs and many other community organisations," he said.

Last year RMB had sponsored the formation of the Shoalhaven Professional Business Association whose main objectives included encouraging school retention, gap year placements and tertiary education at TAFE and university, particularly at the Shoalhaven and Wollongong campuses.

"In these activities we at RMB are mirrored by all the members of TIC," Mr Rendel said.

Ms Kernot said she was amazed by the level of interest in and reaction to her talk.