Related: America has added over 1 million jobs in 2015
HP easier than politics? Now that she's in charge, Whitman has been forced to make many job cuts of her own in an effort to turn HP around. Even after overseeing 55,000 layoffs since 2011, Whitman told CNN more cuts are likely in the cards.
Despite the huge challenges she's faced remaking the company, Whitman joked, "It's a lot easier than running for governor."
In fact, she says being on the campaign trail and the ensuing media scrutiny made her a "better CEO," a more effective communicator and "a lot tougher."
Related: HP's Meg Whitman: More job cuts ahead
Whitman 'evolves' on gay marriage: Since losing the election, Whitman has changed her position on gay marriage. The HP CEO was one of about 300 conservatives to file a brief with the Supreme Court in 2013 in support of gay marriage.
"My point of view on this evolved. Society changes, things change, your perspective changes as you get a little older," Whitman said. "It's the right thing for gay people and lesbians to be able to marry just like everyone else. In many ways it's a civil rights issue."
She added, "You ultimately have to do what your heart tells you.