Season 2, Episode 8: Work Addiction, Perfectionism & Choosing a Softer Life – Maryane Mwaniki
This episode discusses childhood hardship, caring responsibilities, racism, perfectionism, overwork, stress, and serious health issues.
Join us for an honest and inspiring conversation with counsellor, coach and public speaker Maryane Mwaniki as she shares her journey from growing up with constant money struggles and caring for her mother from a young age, to becoming a high achiever in a demanding professional world before being forced to confront the cost of overwork. This thoughtful discussion explores how childhood experiences can shape perfectionism and work addiction, and why slowing down can be the beginning of a more balanced and fulfilling life.
In this compelling episode, Maryane openly shares:
- Growing up in a family affected by ongoing money struggles
- Caring for her mother, who lived with chronic ill-health and did not speak English as a first language
- Advocating for her family from a young age
- Becoming highly driven and high-achieving at work
- Studying English and going on to work in Higher Education
- Being the only young, Black female in a space dominated by older White men
- Building a successful career at pace
- Reaching a point of personal stress and overwork that led to serious health issues
- Being forced to slow down and re-evaluate her priorities
- Addressing what she describes as ‘a work addiction’
- Retraining as a counsellor after her recovery
- Choosing to live a ‘softer life’ centred more on balance than perfection
- Working now as a counsellor, coach and public speaker with individuals, couples and groups
This essential conversation offers valuable insight for high achievers struggling with perfectionism, overwork, and the pressure of trying to ‘have it all’.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Childhood hardship and early caring responsibilities
- Growing up with financial pressure and family advocacy
- The roots of perfectionism and overachievement
- Navigating race, gender and identity in professional spaces
- The impact of chronic stress and overwork on health
- Recognising and addressing work addiction
- Slowing down and re-evaluating priorities
- Recovery and career change
- Retraining as a counsellor
- Living a softer, more balanced life
- Supporting individuals, couples and groups through counselling and coaching
Learn more about Maryane Mwaniki.
