Ask a Mentor Monday: Nicol Maulabaks on Self-Worth, Leadership & Becoming
As we close out July’s theme of Mentorship in Action, we shift into: Embody Your Leadership not through perfection, but through a continual commitment to understanding yourself and, in turn, the world around you.
At FÉ, we believe growth needs space. So during the month of August, our team will be taking a pause stepping back to reflect, reset, and realign with intention.
To guide us into this new energy, we’re sharing a special Ask a Mentor Monday with the incredible Nicol Maulabaks — an educator, mentor, and leader whose story reminds us that true leadership begins within. Alongside her answers to your most pressing mentorship questions, we’ve included a deeper look into Nicol’s journey, her style, and the values that shape her work.
This week, we’re honored to spotlight Nicol Maulabaks, a seasoned educator, mentor, and department coordinator based in the Netherlands. With nearly a decade of experience in (vocational) education, Nicol brings a no-nonsense, grounded approach to mentorship , one that blends heart, structure, and deep personal growth.
Through her work at Grafisch Lyceum Rotterdam and previous roles as mentoring coordinator and English teacher, Nicol has supported countless students and colleagues alike. Her approach? Lead with empathy. Grow through self-awareness. And never stop becoming.
We asked Nicol to respond to your questions from our Instagram Stories. What followed was a masterclass in self-leadership, resilience, and real-world wisdom.
Your Questions, Answered
Each week, we invite the FÉ community to ask real questions—no fluff. Nicol offered responses rooted in lived experience, strategic thinking, and human understanding.
What’s one belief you had to unlearn in order to grow?
I had to unlearn my inferiority complex, the belief that I wasn’t worthy. If you can’t see or feel your own worth, others likely won’t either. It becomes a magnet for bad energy. All success starts from within. It begins by knowing you belong, that you’re allowed to take up space and shine your light. When you do, others feel safe to do the same.
What’s a lesson you had to learn the hard way?
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Learning to listen to my intuition and set boundaries wasn’t easy, but it was essential. If your insides are screaming no, trust that.
How do you say no without guilt?
By knowing my worth. The deeper you know yourself, the easier it is to say no. Saying no to one thing often means saying yes to something more aligned. Clarity creates confidence.
How do you move through fear without letting it stop you?
Keep moving and have 1 or 2 people you trust walk with you. Like when you were a child and afraid of the dark, having someone next to you makes all the difference. I’ve found support in my partner and closest friends. That love keeps me going.
How do I stop holding myself back?
Go on a journey of getting to know yourself. The closer you get to your core, the easier it is to move forward. No one else can give you that power you already have it. Taking one step toward yourself is already momentum.
How do you encourage your workplace to support mentoring?
Be the mentor you want to see. Voice what mentorship has done for you. You don’t need a big speech. Small actions and steady presence create ripple effects. Play the long game as real change takes time.
What’s one brave decision that changed everything for you?
Leaving an old life behind and building a new one. It took three years, therapy, failure, and tears. But it was worth it. Sometimes, you outgrow everything around you. It’s okay to start over.
What’s a great way to get started with FÉ (from a mentor perspective)?
Start with curiosity. Explore the website. Book a discovery call. You don’t need to commit right away just take the first step. That alone can open a door.
How do you build confidence in a male-dominated field?
Focus less on the dominance, more on being the best female leader you can be. Educate yourself, speak up, and set strong boundaries. You don’t need to prove yourself to anyone. Let your results do the talking.
Was there a book that changed something for you?
The Fountain by Els van Steijn helped me break old patterns. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero gave me energy and fire when I needed it most.
Have you ever felt behind in life?
Yes, for a long time. Sometimes I still do. But I’ve learned that life isn’t a race. What’s meant for you won’t pass you by. This is your life so live your picture, not someone else’s.
What are you still learning, even now?
Becoming the woman I’m meant to be in every role I hold. It’s a constant unfolding.
Mentor Style: Who is Nicol Maulabaks?
Three words: Determined. Loving. Grounded.
Mentor vibe: No-nonsense motivator
Sun sign: Virgo ☉ | Moon: Leo ☾ | Rising: Virgo ↑
Mentoring feels like: A mirror, a roadmap, and a portal—because true transformation often begins with reflection and leads to new paths.
Textures & tones: Olive green, deep blue, and burgundy. Grounded, yet powerful.
Mentorship location: A quiet, older building in Vasteland, Rotterdam. Steeped in history, yet filled with possibility.
Mentorship soundtrack: Who I Am by Wyn Starks—a song that captures where I’ve been and where I’m going.
Nicol’s Reminder to Her Mentees
“After a session, take a pause. Let it sink in. Revisit your notes in 2–3 days. Make your next step real and manageable. Then act.”
Whether you're just getting started or finding your next step, Nicol’s story reminds us that leadership starts with knowing yourself. That bravery and boundaries can coexist. And that true confidence is built from within.
Ready to Go Deeper?
Book a 1:1 session with Nicol or explore other mentors via the FÉ platform. Let mentorship meet you where you are!