Please note: This story reflects the personal experience and perspective of its contributor. Academic careers vary widely, and others may experience different challenges and opportunities. 

Career Story 

I was interviewed for and offered the position of Head of School on the same day I found out I was going to become a dad.

Either of these events would have required me to rethink my approach to research. Both at once made this rethink an absolute necessity.

Looking back, I would tell myself: ask others for help, at work and at home, and do not suffer in silence.

I assumed at one point that leadership roles are lonely. They can feel that way, but they do not have to be. One of the practical changes I made was to stop trying to do everything alone in my research. I actively decided to seek out co-authors and invest more in collaborative projects rather than working in isolation.

I also became much more intentional about quality. Instead of trying to produce as much as possible, I focused on producing fewer, higher-quality outputs. It was a conscious decision to prioritise depth over high volumes of poor to middling outputs.

Taking on senior leadership while navigating a major life transition forces you to think carefully about how you balance research, leadership and family responsibilities.

Reflections I would offer now 

• Major professional and personal changes can happen at the same time. Be prepared to rethink how you work.
• Ask for help, both at work and at home. Do not suffer in silence.
• Leadership does not have to be lonely.
• Balancing research, leadership and family life requires conscious adjustment.