Jessica Alba Talks Honesty, Integrity, And Power

Jason Merritt / Getty Images for Variety file

Jessica Alba arrives at Variety's 5th Annual Power of Women event presented by Lifetime at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on Oct. 4, 2013 in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Jessica Alba is an actress, mom of two, New York Times best-selling author, and a successful e-commerce entrepreneur. In 2012, Alba co-founded The Honest Company, an online emporium devoted to all things non-toxic and eco-friendly for baby, beauty and home.

This month, the company launched a "Social Goodness Timeline," enabling its customers to get a close-up look at the company's philanthropic efforts, sustainability work, and giving milestones. And the actress' fans need not worry, because Alba is also back in theaters this September, reprising her role as Nancy Callahan in "Sin City: A Dame To Kill For."

Here, the actress and businesswoman weighs the meaning of power, the definition of success, and the qualities that make a man provocative.

What does honesty mean to you?

Honesty is being true to yourself and to others. An honest life celebrates the authentic and seeks the best choices. It's the foundation of my business, The Honest Company, and my life.

What is empathy?

Empathy is embracing what we share instead of focusing on what makes us different.

What does integrity mean to you?

Integrity is doing the right thing, even when it doesn't make you look good.

What qualities does a remarkable man possess?

A remarkable man is motivated, underst anding, confident and has a great sense of humor. Also, he doesn't need to be right all the time.

What qualities does a remarkable woman possess?

A remarkable woman doesn't ask for permission. She has a clarity of vision, a boldness of belief and a resourcefulness that carries her through any situation.

What is power?

Power is the ability to have people believe in what you can do, even before you've done it. Power only exists when others recognize it. We can only be powerful when we recognize it within ourselves.

What is success?

Success is seeing my family thrive and making their own contributions to the world. Success in work is more elusive: once you've achieved a goal, it inspires you to create more goals.

Describe one aspect of your dark side.

Technically, it comes from my father's Mexican-American heritage....but I also have a love for 70%+ dark chocolate with sea salt :)

What is provocative in a man?

Vulnerability.

Grace.

Being a good dancer.

What is provocative in a woman?

Power.

Freedom.

Being unapologetic.

What question stumps you?

This one.

What is feminine?

Femininity is the origin of everything.

What is masculine?

Masculinity is hard to define and even harder to defend.

For more information and inspiration visit MariaShriver.com

First published April 14 2014, 7:14 AM