It's an unbelievable responsibility to influence decisions, shareholder value and most important to me, people's careers and livelihoods.

Talent is the No. 1 priority for a CEO. You think it's about vision and strategy, but you have to get the right people first.

I feel like I'm part of history being made. I leave Apple board meetings thinking, 'I've got to do a better job.'

That was very much ahead of its time back in the 1880s and, not surprisingly, it was met with some resistance. [I]f you fast forward to today and the fact that we're the single largest source of employment for women (broadly speaking, as the reps are independent contractors), we've been an important creator of entrepreneurship for women.

Women like myself, CEOs, can pave the way for more women to get to the top.

The product is second to managing the people.

When a woman earns a dollar, the payback is higher. She'll invest in her children, in their education, health care, and basic needs. The impact of a woman's role in the economy benefits society at large.