Developing a safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled people to come together online

Nick was previously the Senior Creative Director for the Greens federal leader, Adam Bandt MP, where he led the party’s advertising and creative team. At the age of 32, Nick became seriously ill and was forced to medically retire. His personal experience with the profound social isolation often faced by chronically ill and disabled people motivated him to create Spoony— a safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill, and disabled people to make friends and find support.

Describe your career trajectory and how you got to your current position?

Non-linear, to say the least! I started as a film & TV director, working on shows like Wentworth, before shifting into politics as a creative director. My last role was with the Australian Greens, where I worked on three federal election campaigns. Then everything changed—I became chronically ill and had to slow down. A few years later, inspired by my own experience, I founded Spoony to help connect neurodivergent, chronically ill, and disabled people. I never imagined this is where I’d end up, but life has a way of leading you to unexpected places.

Take us through a typical day of work for you.

What I love about being CEO of Spoony is the variety—I get to work across so many different areas. I love collaborating with the community team to grow and support our community, diving into creative and marketing, and working closely with engineering and product to shape the app. But what makes it truly meaningful is that we’re solving a real problem—building a space where neurodivergent, chronically ill, and disabled people can connect and find support. Every day is different, and that’s what makes it exciting.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve encountered in your career, and how did you overcome it?

Becoming sick and having to step away from my career as a creative and television director was never part of the plan. It was the only thing I’d ever wanted to do, and accepting that there was no way forward took time. TV directing is physically demanding—long hours, intense schedules—and it simply isn’t compatible with my chronic illness. Letting go was hard, but it ultimately led me somewhere unexpected.

If you could go back in time, what piece of advice would you give yourself as you first embarked on your career?

Don’t focus too much on your long term goals because life will always throw something different at you! 

How do you unwind after work? 

Spending time with my family! I’ve just become a father.