Quickfire Q+A with CTV National News Anchor, Sandie Rinaldo

What inspires you?
I am inspired by anyone who can whip up a gourmet meal, with ease and little fuss.

What is your favourite occupation?
If I had the talent and the ability, I would love to be a chef.

What is your chief characteristic?
I am dogged, determined, a hard worker and people tell me that I am nice!

What were some of your first jobs at CTV?
In that first year, I jumped from Junior Secretary to Production Secretary to Production Manager, and then became a researcher for W5.

What is your personal brand?
My brand would be “Polished, Determined and Goal-Oriented.”

What trait do you most wish to see in ambitious women?
I think it’s important for ambitious women to have lots of energy.

When did you break the glass ceiling for women in media?
In 1980, I was promoted to News Anchor of CANADA AM, becoming the first woman in Canadian history to anchor a daily network newscast.

What does balance mean to you?
Balance means never having to say I should have gone to my daughter’s performance instead of accepting a work assignment.

What has been your greatest obstacle?
Every occupation has its naysayers, the ones who say it can’t be done. I now try to avoid these people.

When are you most influential?
I am most influential at work when there’s a big story breaking, and a strict deadline to meet. At home, as a mother, I’m most influential when I listen and act as a sounding board.

What has been the biggest risk you’ve taken?
There are so many risks in life, so probably the biggest risk I’ve taken is answering these questions. I am a private person.

What is your idea of success?
My idea of success is getting the worklife balance. Nobody on their death bed ever said “I wish I’d spent more time at the office.”

What would you like to accomplish?
I would like to walk a runway without tripping in high heels.

What has been the most defining moment of your career?
I’d have to say that being hired by CTV 40 years ago has changed my life.

When the going gets tough, what do you do?
I turn on my iPod and dance around my living room. Love musicals!

What are some of your awards?
Canadian Association of Journalism Award 2001 for Best Overall Newscast (shared with Lloyd Robertson); RTNDA Award – Best Newscast 1999, 2000 (shared with Lloyd Robertson) and 2001; Gemini Nominations for Best Newscast 2003/2002/2001; Gemini Nomination – Best Newscaster 2000.

What talent do you most admire?
I most admire those who can reduce an audience to tears by hitting a high note.

What’s next?
Governor General.

Sandie Rinaldo was Canada’s first full-time female national news anchor. For more than 25 years, she has been the weekend anchor for CTV NATIONAL NEWS, Canada’s most-watched national newscast. She previously held various journalistic roles at the broadcaster since walking through their door one week after graduation. She celebrated her 40th anniversary with CTV on May 6th. Follow Sandie on Twitter @SandieR_ctv.