#KatieTalks with Sally Spicer: Workaholism, Worth and What Happens When You Finally Stop

About this episode

Katie Bennett-Stenton and Sally Spicer discuss workaholism, burnout, and the impact of an ADHD diagnosis on personal identity and productivity.

In this candid and deeply human conversation, Katie Bennett-Stenton sits down with Sally Spicer, Communications Director at Future Women, to talk about the moment when relentless ambition collides with real life. Sally is a two-time Mumbrella award-winner, this year named Journalist of the Year (2025 Mumbrella Publish Awards), and last year recognised for her exceptional work as Executive Producer of There’s No Place Like Home, a powerful podcast on domestic and family violence. But behind the accolades was a story few knew: burnout, ADHD, and the courage to stop. In this conversation, Katie and Sally explore: How overachievement and anxiety often disguise themselves as dedication. The fine line between purpose and overwork — and what happens when identity becomes productivity. How an ADHD diagnosis reframed Sally’s view of herself from broken to wired differently. What leaders can learn about neurodiversity, sustainability, and genuine support. Why giving yourself grace might just be the most radical form of self-care. Sally’s honesty and humour offer a masterclass in reframing success, from constant output to conscious living. Read Sally’s article: “I’ve always worked too hard…

People in this episode

Host: Katie Bennett-Stenton

Guest: Sally Spicer

Topics covered

• workaholism
• burnout
• ADHD
• neurodiversity
• self-care
• productivity
• mental health

Keywords

• workaholism
• burnout
• ADHD
• neurodiversity
• self-care
• productivity
• mental health
• success
• ambition
• leadership

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Future Women, Mumbrella, The Age, Sydney Morning Herald

Books & works: There’s No Place Like Home, I’ve always worked too hard. It took an ADHD diagnosis and a breakdown to change that.

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