One of the Chicago area's least-recognized female CEOs, Ilene Gordon of Corn Products International, said Tuesday she could see the need for a mandated number of women on corporate boards because her experience has shown her that two or three women -- or more -- can make a significant impact on company decision-making.

"You've got to get to two (women on a company's board of directors), and three is better," said Gordon, head of the Westchester-based corn processor and food ingredient maker and a member of the board at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, the Executives Club and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

In refreshing comments, Gordon offered intriguing insights into how some government mandates for women to serve on boards are working: