Sandra Smith, a seasoned reporter at Fox Business Network, stands as a prominent voice in financial news. Growing up in Chicago’s bustling financial district, Smith was surrounded by conversations about stocks, investments, and market trends. With a deep understanding of financial markets, she always knew her career would be rooted in business, though she never imagined it would lead her to national television.

A Career Spanning Two Cities

Smith’s path from trader to top financial reporter has been both rewarding and unexpected. Her finance background made her a natural fit for Bloomberg Television early in her career, but it was her move to Fox Business Network in 2007 that catapulted her to prominence. From the trading floor to the television studio, Smith’s rise reflects her hard work and talent for breaking down complex financial topics.

Motherhood: A New Chapter

As Smith’s professional life soared, her personal life took a joyous turn with the birth of her daughter, Cora, in early 2020. Balancing the demands of a high-profile career with motherhood has been challenging, but Smith approaches it with determination and grace.

“Every time I walk into Cora’s room and see her face, it feels like Christmas morning,” Smith shared, reflecting on the profound joy her daughter brings. “It’s amazing how much personality kids have at such a young age.”

Balancing Work and Family

Juggling a demanding career with the responsibilities of motherhood requires meticulous organization. Smith credits Google Calendar as her lifeline, helping her manage a packed schedule that includes early mornings, radio interviews, and live on-air reporting. Despite her busy days, Smith ensures that when she walks through the door at night, it’s time for “mommy mode.”

“I wake up at 5 a.m. with the baby, conduct radio interviews, and then report on-air for the rest of the day,” Smith said. “But by the end of the day, it’s all about family.”

The Power of ‘Me Time’

In the midst of her hectic life, Smith carves out moments for herself, often late at night after her family is asleep. “The middle of the night is my time,” she explained. “I might clean the kitchen or read a book. It helps me recharge.”

Being a mother has made Sandra more intentional with her time, and she has embraced a strategy of “me time” to stay centered. While many might assume that her hectic schedule leaves no room for personal time, Sandra has found ways to incorporate small moments of self-care into her day. One of her favorite rituals is her midnight pop-ups—those rare moments when she finds time for herself after her family has gone to sleep.

“The middle of the night is me time,” Sandra explains. “After we’ve all gone to bed, I sometimes pop up for an hour or two just to do something for me—like clean the kitchen or read a book—and then go back to bed.” This self-care routine may seem small, but it has been an important way for Sandra to recharge and maintain a sense of personal space while balancing her roles as a mother and career woman.

A Strong Support System

Smith attributes much of her success in balancing career and family to the support of her husband, John Conolly. The couple married in 2010 and have navigated their busy lives together. “John is an incredible partner and team player,” Smith said. “He has amazing patience and is always there to help with Cora.”

Smith emphasizes that asking for help and delegating responsibilities are key to managing both worlds. “Moms tend to be hard on themselves, but we have an amazing ability to multitask,” she noted. “With support and a willingness to delegate, we can succeed in both personal and professional life.”

A Message of Love

While Smith spends her days delivering complex financial analysis, the message she hopes to pass on to her daughter is simple: unconditional love. “I want Cora to always remember how much we love her,” Smith said. “It’s instant and unconditional.”

As Smith continues to excel at Fox Business Network and embrace the joys of motherhood, she is proving that women can thrive in both career and family life. With resilience, organization, and the support of her loved ones, Sandra Smith exemplifies how to balance success in every facet of life.