If you feel like it's difficult to change, you will probably have a harder time succeeding.

We are disappointed that Sears has made a change in its approach at this late stage and won't be part of the beComing venture, ... We have always viewed retail as a long-term strategy for Avon. We are as committed as ever to our retail initiative.

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

There are pros and cons of experience. A con is that you can't look at the business with a fresh pair of eyes and as objectively as if you were a new CEO. Fire yourself on a Friday night and come in on Monday morning as if a search firm put you there as a turn-around leader. Can you be objective and make the bold change?

Avon invented the concept of direct marketing and direct selling beauty. And that's still very valid to us. We'll have a firm that will be around for another 114 years as strongly as it was the first 114.

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.