Elevation is essential: Nicole Maduro’s career pivot

In a Candid and reflective conversation, Nicole Maduro opened up about the moments that led to her unexpected departure from TV, the emotions behind such a bold move, and how she’s navigating her new chapter in corporate communications. What followed was a conversation filled with wisdom, vulnerability, and the kind of insight only someone who’s truly lived their purpose and dared to evolve can share.

During my time as a Communication student, I had the honor to do my internship at TeleCuraçao, the first local TV station in Curaçao. There, I met many talented professionals passionate about their craft. One of them was Nicole Maduro, the station’s news anchor and producer. Always kind, welcoming, and undeniably skilled, Nicole stood out.

A few years after my internship, she stepped into an even larger role as the host and Executive producer of Moru Bondia, the island’s most-watched morning show at the time. So when I saw social media posts in 2023 announcing her departure, not only from the show but the TV station entirely, it came as a shock.

A passion for storytelling

Nicole had been part of the essence of news and morning television in Curaçao for nearly 17 years. Her exit made waves across the community, not only because of her visibility but also because of her impact. She was not just a familiar face, but one of the station’s main arteries. Then came the surprise: she had pivoted completely, taking on a new role as the Head of Corporate Communications at Maduro & Curiel’s Group. Like many, I had questions. What made her walk away? Where do you find the courage to leave a solid career path and start anew? 

I was honored when Nicole agreed to speak with me about her journey.

With bright eyes and a spark of nostalgia, she tells me that she knew she wanted to become a journalist at just 14 years old. “I grew up in Bonaire, and thanks to my father, we’ve always had CNN and TeleCuraçao playing at home. So from a young age, I was a news junkie”, she smiles. “I also loved writing”.

AT SGB (Scholen Gemeenschap Bonaire), she joined the youth journal, a first step that felt completely natural. Later, she pursued Mass Media Communications at UNC Charlotte, where she minored in Journalism. “Our professors were active journalists still working in the field, so I learned from the best.”

Her passion deepened during her Master’s in Broadcast Journalism at the University of Miami, where she continued to sharpen her writing and storytelling skills for TV. Her first job? News Assignment Editor at ABC News in Miami.

“After about a year and a half, I moved to Aruba, I always wanted to contribute to journalism in the Antilles.” In Aruba, she became Head of Production at a one-stop-shop marketing company, helping clients bring their creative campaigns to life. But love soon called. “I met my now husband in Aruba, he was visiting from Curaçao. After a long-distance relationship, I decided to move. I always say I’m in Curaçao because of love,” she giggles.

Moru Bondia and beyond

In Curaçao, Nicole joined TeleCuraçao as an Executive Producer, primarily overseeing the midday news. “Together with Franklin Hasseth Jr., we ran the news department. I was only 24 at the time.”Eventually, she began filling in on Moru Bondia, originally hosted by the beloved Aileen Looman. 

Nicole and Moru Bondia's Co-Host Tito Doran

“On her deathbed, she told the General Manager of the station that she wanted me to take over the show”, Nicole recalls. She also shared that Aileen would often go to the news department and playfully ask her to do the show, and she would reply with an ‘Hell no!’ “I used to say I’d never do early mornings again after working in Miami. But never say never, right?”

In 2015, she officially became the Executive producer and host of Moru Bondia. Together with Renzo Petronia and a talented team, they revamped the show. She held the role for nearly a decade, until 2023.  “I always thought that I’d leave when I’m retired”, she admits. “It was hard to get to that point, I had to go to therapy to help make a decision.” After being re-assigned to a behind-the-scenes role and publicly announcing that her time in the show would be reduced, she received multiple job offers. “ It was beautiful but confusing because I didn’t say I was leaving the TV station. Therefore, it took me some time to make a decision.”

Starting a new chapter

Nicole accepted the position of Head of Corporate Communications of the MCB group, overseeing communications across all the islands where the bank operates. ‘It was a new role for them and me. I was afraid. I’ve always loved being around people, involved in projects. I didn’t know if I could sit behind a desk for eight hours”, she says. But the role brought variation, purpose, and travel. “I had to remind myself of my mantra: ‘Life is what you make of it. This also applies to work.”

She made the role her own and found ways to stay engaged and active. “People still stop me and say they miss seeing me on TV. I do miss it”, she confesses. “But I’ve learned that I can grieve TV and still love where I am now. I know I’ll return to the screen in some way, TV is a part of me.” 

Bridging Journalism and Corporate Communications

Her approach to corporate communications mirrors her TV background. “The company has over a thousand employees across islands, and I wanted to help us feel like one. So I asked myself, ‘How do you engage an audience?’ That’s what I know how to do.”

But starting over wasn’t easy. “Sometimes, when you’ve worked somewhere a long time, you wonder how others see you. I thought maybe people saw me as just a blond girl with decent interview skills. Would they know what else I’m capable of?” 

The job offers she received for different positions told her they did. “I realized that they do see me.” Still, she faced doubts, even sadness, and uncertainty. “Therapy helped, and the whole situation made me stronger. When I started my new role, I told myself: ‘They know who they hired. It’s not arrogance. It’s clarity and confidence in what I can do."

Values that guide her

As a true journalist, she’s not afraid to ask questions or sell herself. “Since the role is new, I made sure to reach out to departments and let them know where I can help.”

Nicole believes in energy and consistency. “What you put out in the world comes back to you, eventually.” Her mother’s advice rings in her ears: Kill them with kindness. “Now I tell my daughter to always be kind. How you treat people will always make a difference.” 

Additionally, she credits her parents for her discipline and work ethic. “Your knowledge isn’t just for you. You leave nothing behind if you don’t share it.”

No 5-year plan, just purpose

When it comes to career planning, Nicole takes a refreshing approach: “I don’t have a five-year plan. I have visions for future projects, but not a plan. I just give my best, and when opportunities come, I know I’m ready.”

So, what would she tell someone stuck and afraid to pivot? “Pivot”, she says confidently. “Steve Jobs once said, 'If you wake up and you’re not excited to go to work, it’s time to move on.' I love Mondays. It’s the start of a new week, to do new things!”  She admits that it’s not always easy to leave a job, but if you have the option, and are especially young, to just do it. 

Final reflection: Say yes to change

Her greatest lesson? Be open to change. “A few months ago, my answer would’ve been different. But when you’re in a situation, you don’t always see clearly. Change brought fear and anxiety, but it also brought growth.”

She smiles, radiant and sincere. “It’s essential to evolve, that’s what makes life exciting! My life is an event. You don’t need to wait for an invitation to celebrate it. Don’t let life become a habit. Look for the fun, the new friendships. Be thankful. Be present. Doors open when you show up with good energy.”