Faking Phone Calls and Fighting Doubt: Fundraising with Imposter Syndrome
Ever been in a room full of development leaders and funders and thought, “What am I doing here?”
Yep—me too. I once faked a phone call at a conference just to look like I belonged.
That inner critic? That’s imposter syndrome—and it lies.
🤯 Imposter Syndrome Sounds Like:
- “You don’t belong here.”
- “They’re smarter/more experienced/better connected than you.”
- “You’re not a founder. Why would they talk to you?”
These thoughts often hit women, people of color, and folks from the Global South hardest. Because when you rarely see yourself represented in the room, it’s easy to believe you’re the mistake.
But let me tell you something: You’re not the mistake. The room is missing context.
🧠 What Helped Me Push Through
1️⃣ Name it. Sometimes it’s not imposter syndrome—it’s nerves. New things are scary. That’s normal.
2️⃣ Write it down. Before big events, I list my top accomplishments to remind myself of the facts.
3️⃣ Find support. Mentors and peers can reflect back your brilliance when you forget.
4️⃣ Practice. Confidence grows with repetition: speaking, networking, showing up.
5️⃣ Own your expertise. You know your work better than anyone else in the room.
6️⃣ Be “delulu.” If others can walk in like they own the place—why can’t you?
7️⃣ Talk about it. You’d be surprised how many impressive people feel this too.
8️⃣ Remember why you’re there. You weren’t invited as a favor. You earned your place.
👣 This week’s invitation:
Write a reminder note to yourself with 3 reasons you belong in every room you enter. Save it for the next time your confidence wavers.
