Walpole: In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
Claire Bevan: I'm not brilliant at separating work and time away from work. As Head of Retail at the Natural History Museum, I can't go into a shop without taking a photograph of something that gives me an idea for one of the three shops at the museum. Luckily, I love my job, so I don't feel like I have to separate my time that rigidly.
I sometimes overestimate my available time and energy in a week, between life admin, seeing friends and family and work – and relaxing! I now think about all my time as one bucket and I plan everything in. Then I can flex my time depending on what's happening, and I know everything is taken care of. If I’m feeling a little low on my social battery, I take a step back and have a weekend reset.
What’s one thing you do after the workday to help you unwind?
Most weekday evenings it's probably cooking (or, even better, being cooked for) and catching up on a series, film, or reading – I'm currently I'm reading One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez. Having a spare room in London also means I get a lot of visitors, so I usually have at least one weekday dinner and a good catch up. If it's emergency stations, a G&T or a hot bath – or both, together – usually does the trick.
What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?
I love games and I will take any opportunity to play with a group of friends. Skyjo is a recent favourite that I highly recommended. My mum and I love a good game of Scrabble – but that’s definitely more competitive than it is relaxing. I really enjoy a solo cinema trip and I try to use my Mubi Go subscription as much as possible.
What’s something you’ve read, listened to, or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?
The museum’s Director, Doug Gurr, runs leadership and development sessions where we share details on something we’ve read, listened to or seen, and I've had some great recommendations from those sessions. One of those was a book called The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, which got me into a different mindset with managing my time and effort.
After home and the office, where’s your favourite ‘third space’?
I often spend weekends visiting friends and family out of London, which I really enjoy as a break from life in the city. I go on a long walk in the woods, see some lovable children and/or dogs, and spend some time with people I love.
On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
I've usually planned for the week ahead on the Friday, so on Sunday I'll check the calendar to recap and catch anything I've missed. If I'm feeling particularly organised, I'll sort my outfit for Monday as well. Otherwise, I don't focus too much on work on a Sunday.
Best reason you've had to turn your out of office on recently?
Going for an overnight stay at London Zoo Lodges! Being woken up by the roar of an Asiatic lion while sleeping in Regent's Park is an absolute delight.
