Welcome to THE BALANCE PROJECT: a series of relevant and refreshingly candid interviews featuring inspiring and accomplished women talking about balance. I’ve always been curious about how women I admire manage the tragically glorified “doing it all” craze. So I asked them. As I suspected, no one really does “it all.” Everyone’s making sacrifices somewhere. And that should make us all feel a little better. I hope the conversation will be steered toward that reality rather than toward the flawed and dangerous assumption that we should try—or even want to try—to perfectly do “it all.”

By the way, looking for THE BALANCE PROJECT novel that was inspired by these interviews? It’s here.

No. 153: Bianna Golodryga, Yahoo News and Finance Anchor

Age: 37
Where I live:
 New York
Job: Yahoo News and Finance Anchor
Kids: 4-year-old son, expecting 2nd child in May. Stepmother to 14-year-old boy and 16-year-old girl

Have you changed jobs or adjusted anything in your career to have more balance?
I’ve never changed or adjusted jobs for the purpose of more balance, but I have experienced greater balance in my current job. Morning television can be challenging not only in terms of finding enough time to sleep, but also in finding childcare at 4am. Given that my husband and I had demanding careers requiring early hours and lots of travel, we resorted to having live-in child support. I’m fortunate in my current position to have a more accommodating schedule, allowing for more of a regular “9-5” type of child-care system.

Do you think having “it all” is realistic or impossible and why?
I’ve never been a fan of the term, for either sexes. What does “having it all” even mean, really? There will never be a time where I feel that I’ve committed myself 100% to all of my responsibilities or goals, but I strive for it everyday. The challenge itself can prove to be rewarding, especially if surrounded by an encouraging support system.

What part of “balance” can you just not seem to figure out?
Dealing with my own guilt.

What part of “balance” are you getting better at?
Dealing with my own guilt. As I said, the challenge itself can be rewarding.

Do you have a favorite time management tool, hack, or other strategy you use that helps you achieve balance that you would recommend to others?
Exercising first thing in the morning is a daily priority. I find that it not only jumpstarts my day, but it also forces me to take care of myself better. I drink more water, make better food choices, and most importantly, enjoy the endorphin rush. I am a morning person by nature (which worked well for my years in morning television), so I try to wake up at 5:45 and am at the gym or spin class by 6am. It gives me some personal time before tackling my other responsibilities to my family and career.

What was the best advice you ever heard on balance?
From a mentor/co-worker? “Never let them seem you cry.”
From your mother? 
As a full-time successful career woman herself, she taught me that having a demanding job doesn’t make motherhood less rewarding or impactful. No, she didn’t attend every school event or supervise every class project I had. But she was there anytime I needed her, and is the best mother I could have asked for. She is still working today, and she continues to amaze me as not only a mother, but a doting grandmother as well.
From your spouse?
 My husband is my greatest supporter. He encourages and pushes me in ways I don’t even push myself. His constant message when it comes to my career is: No Excuses. It works wonders.
From your kids? My son is too young, but my stepdaughter based her 8th grade “inspiration” project on me. I was blown away. It was not only an incredibly thoughtful gesture, but it also showed that for a younger generation, valuing a career is something to be proud of and strive for. No matter what gender you are.

If you had one extra hour in each day and you couldn’t work or be with your family, how would you spend that hour?
Reading. I was just complaining to my husband that there isn’t enough time in the day to enjoy a good book. Getting a massage and facial comes in a close second.

What do you wish you’d known when you were 20?
Self confidence and gut checks are more important than trying to fit in. That and taking care of yourself and your body are crucial.

What do you hope to know by the time you’re 60?
How to properly take off ALL of my makeup each night!

What one part of your home life do you wish you could outsource?:
Dry cleaning.

Whose job do you wish you had?
My life is pretty good as is…

Whose job are you glad you don’t have?
Any job that would bore me.

Favorite books?
Hunting Eichmann by Neal Bascomb, Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush by Jon Meacham, and Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.

What are you reading right now?
Need a new book. Any suggestions??? [ED. NOTE: Well, Bianna, as a matter of fact, I do! How about The Balance Project by moi? ;-)]

Biggest vices…
Activity?
 Reality TV.
Food? Chewy candy… watermelon or peach rings!
Website? DailyMail.

How many hours do you generally sleep at night during the week?
6-7.

What do you read every morning?
Emails, Twitter, Politico Playbook, The New York Times, The Financial Times, and The Wall Street Journal.

Complete the following sentences:
I think I: should call my grandmother more often.
I wish: had more patience. I’m working on that!
My kids: are my world and amaze me every day.

Do you have a personal motto or favorite saying?
“A life lived in fear is a life half lived.”

About Bianna:
Bianna Golodryga is the news and finance anchor at Yahoo. In this role, Golodryga anchors Yahoo News Live, in addition to the weekly explainer series, “Now I Get It.” She has been with Yahoo since August 2014. Prior to joining Yahoo, Golodryga was the co-anchor of the weekend edition of ABC’s Good Morning America. She began her career in television as a producer at CNBC before becoming an on-air correspondent there. Prior to CNBC, she worked in the financial services industry. In 2004, Golodryga was named one of the top journalists under the age of 30. Golodryga is married and is the mother of one son, two stepchildren, and is expecting a daughter this May. She graduated from University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Russian, East European and Eurasian studies with a minor in economics.

Find out more about Bianna:
www.yahoonews.com
Facebook: Bianna Golodryga
Twitter: @biannagolodryga
Instagram: @biannagolodryga

WANT TO READ MORE ABOUT WORK-LIFE BALANCE? CHECK OUT MY NOVEL THE BALANCE PROJECT!

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