In the August issue of Portfolio magazine, readers can catch up with former MSLO chief executive Susan Lyne. In an interview with Matt Malone, she describes some of her decision-making that led to her departure and is somewhat cagey about where she will go next: "I want to spend some time traveling, reading, thinking and listening."

The issue is on newsstands now. Here are a few highlights from the interview:

Why are you leaving?

"I said to Martha when I came to the company that I would put a great management team in place. At a certain point, you need to step aside so they can do what they came to do."

Worst day at MSLO?

"The day we met with Eddie Lampert to see if there was a new contract to be done with Kmart and realizing we were so far apart, it was hopeless. We knew the value of our brand to them, and I think he felt we had no other options and could hardball us."

Best day at MSLO?

"The day Martha came back to the company. And the day we could say we were profitable again. That was a fun earnings call."

Lyne also describes some of her visits with Martha during her stint at Alderson Prison for Women.