Condoleezza Rice is a pioneer. She was the first female African-American Secretary of State -- and only the second woman to ever hold that office. Her time as Secretary was controversial; she served under President George W. Bush, and was a strong advocate of the invasion of Iraq. But Condoleezza has had to deal with a lot more controversy than that.

On 'The Late Late Show' (weeknights, 12:37AM ET on CBS), Ms. Rice discussed a life in politics, and life as a woman and an African-American. "Condi" is the daughter of a Presbyterian minister, and the descendant of slaves who lived in Alabama. Host Craig Ferguson -- a fellow Presbyterian -- quizzed his guest about sexism, racism, and religious matters.

Craig learned that Condi was raised during the era of segregation. She didn't even have a white classmate in school until she was twelve years old. Ms. Rice discussed the problems of racism: "It shows up when people just think ... you are going to be a little less capable because you're black." Ferguson then asked whether sexism or racism had been a worse problem in Condoleezza's life.

Condi seemed amused by the question. "Well ... I can't go back and create myself as a white man," she said. "Neither can I!" Craig quipped. In the end, she said that sexism was a greater barrier to success in America. Despite all the obstacles she's had to face, Ms. Rice was upbeat and cheerful about it all. And in fact, even the original meaning of her name contains the spirit of optimism. Con dolcezza actually means "with sweetness" in Italian.