Sasfin CFO Harriet Heymans believes the perfect balance between work and life does not exist, and shares the lessons she’s learned in trying to achieve it.
The pursuit of a perfectly balanced work-life dynamic can leave even the most seasoned professionals feeling frustrated. Harriet Heymans, the CFO of Sasfin, offers a refreshing perspective, advocating for a shift away from unattainable balance towards a model centred on presence, clear boundaries and leading with authenticity.
While Harriet juggles a multitude of responsibilities, she challenges the notion that anyone can effectively balance multiple priorities simultaneously. “If you think you can split your time effectively between work, family, friends – it’s impossible. And all you start doing is, you feel like a failure at all aspects of your life.”
Trying to be everything to everyone at once often leads to diminished quality across the board, she explains. The solution lies in focused presence: “The only way I find balance is to give all of myself to what I’m busy with. You have to be present and give your all to the task at hand.” This perspective shifts the emphasis from splitting time into neatly defined buckets, toward being fully engaged during each activity.
The only way I find balance is to give all of myself to what I’m busy with.
Communicating clear boundaries
Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is essential to achieving this level of focus, she says. It involves open and honest communication with both family and colleagues about priorities and expectations. “The people in your life must know what you’re going through, and the people at work must know when family comes first and why,” Harriet explains.
“Transparency fosters understanding. When family members know that work demands are intense, they are less likely to feel neglected. Similarly, when colleagues understand that personal obligations take precedence, they are less likely to misinterpret a temporary lack of availability.”
However, effective communication goes beyond simply stating boundaries – it requires creating context and sharing your personal story. “You have to be vulnerable in that, and you have to open yourself up and tell your story,” she says. “Vulnerability fosters trust and confirms that we are all just human beings. People are more understanding when they know the rationale behind your actions. Conversely, a lack of context can lead to assumptions and resentment from all parties involved.”
Creating inclusive environments
Harriet’s leadership philosophy also centres around trust, authenticity and inclusion. “I’m just a human being – what you see is what you get,” she says. This genuine approach creates a safe space where teams feel comfortable expressing themselves freely.
Within her team, Harriet promotes a culture of “loyal dissent”, encouraging open debate within the team while maintaining a united front externally. “We can scream, and shout and we can be as angry as we want to be with each other. But, once we agree on a way forward and we leave the room, we are one.”
True presence – whether at work or within your personal life – requires mental and emotional energy, she says, acknowledging the value of downtime, hobbies and activities that replenish this energy reserve for both herself, her family and her team.
“I love movies and I love reading,” she shares when asked about leisure activities. Time spent immersed in fictional worlds or pursuing favourite sports provides the mental clarity and emotional rejuvenation needed to tackle everyday challenges. Finding what replenishes you is crucial for sustained excellence, she says.
We can scream, and shout and we can be as angry as we want to be with each other. But, once we agree on a way forward and we leave the room, we are one.
Lessons in work-life balance
While Harriet presents a clear framework, she is open about the fact that finding the right rhythm remains an ongoing process. Flexibility and adaptability are key traits for those who seek to excel both professionally and personally.
Her lessons for a fulfilling work-life dynamic:
Embrace presence: focus wholly on the present task, whether it’s work, family or leisure.
Set boundaries: clearly communicate priorities and limitations to both colleagues and loved ones.
Be transparent: share your story and motivations with those around you.
Prioritise self-care: engage in activities that replenish you mentally and emotionally.
Acknowledge impermanence: finding the right rhythm is an ongoing journey, not a static destination.
By shifting away from the elusive goal of perfect balance, leaders like Harriet demonstrate that it’s possible to lead with both heart and a commitment to results – a powerful blueprint for a truly fulfilling life.
