Juggling Three Hats: Lessons in Balance, Leadership, and Passion

Balancing one demanding career is challenging enough, but what happens when you’re wearing three equally significant hats? As the Head of Education at SRAL (Stichting Restauratie Atelier Limburg), Chair of ICOM-CC (International Council of Museums Committee for Conservation), and Founder of Art Conservation Education, I navigate this delicate balancing act daily. Each role requires a unique blend of leadership, mentoring, administration, and travel. While it can be overwhelming, the process has taught me valuable lessons about time management, prioritization, and the importance of passion-driven work.

Here’s how I juggle these roles, the strategies that help me thrive, and how I switch off to recharge.

Understanding the Roles

1. Head of Education at SRAL:

My work here is centered on training the next generation of art conservators. This involves curriculum design, mentoring students and professionals, managing partnerships, and ensuring the quality of education meets global standards. It’s a mix of coaching, administration, and long-term vision planning, which requires steady focus and a lot of people interaction.

2. Chair of ICOM-CC:

ICOM-CC is a global platform for conservators to exchange ideas, advance research, and tackle challenges in heritage preservation. As chair, I oversee a diverse international network, guide strategic decisions, and advocate for conservation on the global stage. This role involves frequent travel, committee management, and fostering collaboration across cultures.

3. Founder of Art Conservation Education:

As a personal passion project, this initiative allows me to innovate and expand conservation education in ways traditional institutions might not. It’s where my entrepreneurial spirit thrives. Though this role demands flexibility, it also requires a significant investment of time to design programs, engage with stakeholders, and mentor learners.

Key Challenges

1. Time Allocation:

With three roles competing for attention, finding time for each without overcommitting is a constant challenge.

2. Shifting Mindsets:

Switching between strategic leadership, hands-on mentorship, and creative entrepreneurship requires agility and mental clarity.

3. Travel and Collaboration:

With international travel for ICOM-CC and SRAL-related work, maintaining productivity across time zones and cultures is critical.

4. Sustaining Energy:

Each role requires passion and dedication. Balancing them without burning out takes discipline and self-awareness.

How I Make It Work

1. Prioritization with Flexibility

I use a triage system to decide what needs attention each day. Urgent deadlines or events naturally take precedence, but I also allocate time for long-term planning to ensure none of my roles suffer from neglect. Flexibility is key—sometimes a pressing SRAL project means stepping back from ICOM-CC for a week, or a new Art Conservation Education initiative requires shifting priorities.

2. Delegate and Empower

No one can do it alone, and I’m fortunate to work with talented teams in all three roles. Delegation is not just about assigning tasks—it’s about empowering others to lead. By mentoring and trusting my teams, I can focus on the big picture without getting lost in the details.

3. Set Clear Boundaries

When I’m immersed in one role, I give it my undivided attention. This means setting boundaries and communicating them clearly. For example, during an ICOM-CC meeting, my SRAL and Art Conservation Education responsibilities are temporarily on pause.

4. Leverage Overlaps

Although these roles are distinct, they share common themes—mentorship, education, and collaboration. I often find synergies that benefit all three. For instance, insights gained from ICOM-CC’s global network enrich my teaching at SRAL, while my experiences at SRAL inform the programs I design for Art Conservation Education.

5. Embrace Travel as Reflection Time

Travel can be exhausting, but I’ve learned to use it as an opportunity for reflection and planning. Long flights and train rides are perfect for brainstorming, catching up on reading, or strategizing for the future.

6. Passion as Fuel

Ultimately, it’s my love for art conservation and education that keeps me going. When the workload feels heavy, I remind myself of the impact each role has—training future conservators, advancing global conservation, and creating innovative educational opportunities.

How I Switch Off

With such a packed schedule, switching off is essential to recharge and maintain perspective. For me, spending time with my six-year-old Labrador, Runa, is the ultimate way to unwind. Whether it’s a brisk walk in the countryside, playing fetch in the park, or simply lounging at home together, Runa helps me disconnect from work and reconnect with the present moment.

Dogs have a unique way of reminding us to slow down, enjoy the little things, and find joy in simplicity. When I’m with Runa, I leave behind the emails, the meetings, and the to-do lists. Her wagging tail and boundless energy pull me into her world—a world of fresh air, movement, and companionship.

This time with Runa not only refreshes my mind but also brings clarity. Often, the best ideas come to me during our walks, when I’m not actively trying to solve a problem but simply enjoying her company and the natural surroundings.

Advice for Others Balancing Multiple Roles

1. Stay Organized: Use tools like project management apps, shared calendars, and to-do lists to track responsibilities and deadlines.

2. Communicate Clearly: Keep your team informed about your availability and priorities to avoid confusion or delays.

3. Celebrate Wins: Take time to acknowledge accomplishments, no matter how small—they’re the fuel that keeps you motivated.

4. Protect Your Energy: Build rest and self-care into your schedule. It’s not wasted time; it’s essential for long-term success.

5. Stay Curious: Each role offers opportunities to learn and grow. Embrace the challenges as part of your journey.

Conclusion

Balancing three significant roles is far from easy, but it’s also deeply rewarding. By prioritizing, empowering others, and staying connected to my passion for art conservation and education, I’ve found a way to thrive in this demanding but fulfilling career. And when it all feels like too much, Runa reminds me of the importance of rest, play, and simply being present.

If you’re juggling multiple responsibilities, remember: it’s not about doing it all perfectly, but about doing it with purpose, care, and adaptability. Take time to recharge, whether it’s through a hobby, time with loved ones, or a loyal companion like Runa. Embrace the chaos, trust in your abilities, and know that you’re making a difference—one role (or one wagging tail) at a time.