Stepping-stones to the seat of power

So you fancy yourself as a member of a board? Here are some tips from Institute of Directors chief executive David Newman.

* Make your interest known. Spread the word that you are interested - network, speak to executive search companies, drop the word in influential ears, join the Institute of Directors.

* Improve your skills. Courses are available which teach the differences between the roles of a senior executive and a board member.

* Enrol with the Crown Company Monitoring Advisory Unit, which appoints to the boards of state-owned enterprises and values diversity.

* Make yourself known to Te Puni Kokiri, the Ministry of Maori Development and the Ministry of Women's Affairs. Both keep registers of potential board material.

* Get involved with the new district health boards.

* Share your energies with a charity. This is a route by which many women rise, and one offering plenty of opportunity to rub shoulders with influential people.