Ms Medd's first message was how directorships are great experience and not as hard as many think.

"There is a board for everybody at any age and any stage of their career. It is great for your CV. It builds your career and leadership skills because you get to see all the issues confronted by an organisation. And it gives you exposure to people who might be some use to you.

"The reality is, even today, the majority of board roles are still determined by "who you know"."

She concluded with the importance of aspiring directors having a good 30 second pitch to practice regularly and that succinctly reveals career aspirations to people they meet. She said having a decent board CV that included that pitch was also important. And it must reveal what a potential director can bring to the board.

Ms Medd said it was also a good idea to have a sponsor who can recommend the person and help them get in the door. As well as a good Linkedin profile that reveals their interest in being on a board.

Building a network that includes directors is also important. "The more directors you know the more likely it is you will get asked," she said.

The next major event on the calendar for Illawarra Women in Business is the IWIB Conference and Expo Day on September 20 at Sage Hotel Wollongong. The lunch event will support the Cancer Council's Wollongong Relay for Life and feature Jo Burtson, of Rare Birds, as the keynote speaker.

There will also be a panel of local businesswomen facilitated by Margaret Biggs from The Disability Trust. Panel members are Amy Harper, of Kells Lawyers, Marie Russo, from Zig Zag Hub, and Henny Williams, of Essential Bookkeeping Solutions.

Read more: