Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Fatoumata’s Journey From Doubts to Dishes | Episode 44 on Women Disrupting Tech

When you’re ready for some inspiration on how to overcome imposter syndrome and other hurdles that are put in your way as a female startup founder, today’s episode is for you.

Join me as I speak to Fatoumata Diallo to find out how she overcame imposter syndrome to build a community where global foodies can enjoy authentic, home-cooked dishes.

Listen to episode 44 of Women Disrupting Tech to learn
👣 What her first step was on her journey as a startup founder.
🌍 How one letter can make a difference when you want to become a global brand.
🪄Fatoumata’s magic recipe for more diversity in tech.

Click the play button below to listen to her story.


Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Fatoumata Diallo's Journey From Doubts to Dishes | Ep. 44 Women Disrupting Tech


Picture of Fatoumata Diallo, founder of Gamaal, with a quote from episode 44 of Women Disrupting Tech. When you're ready to listen, search for “Women Disrupting Tech” in your favorite podcast app.

The Magic You Can Expect in this Episode 🪄

Imposter syndrome: the voice in your head that tells you to wait for that “perfect moment.” Because you need more money, experience, or time.

Now, we know that “the perfect moment” does not exist. The lights are never going to turn green at the same time.

So the real question is, “How do you overcome that imposter syndrome?” And you’ll discover the answer in episode 44 of Women Disrupting Tech.

Let Fatoumata Diallo be an inspiring guide with her story about building Gamaal. In this episode, she’ll tell you how
🌟 she uses her doubts as stepping stones to progress.
🥘 Gamaal harnesses the power of homemade food to bridge cultural differences.
🌈 the quest for more diversity in tech is similar to the suffragette movement about a century ago.

Plus, you’ll discover how leaving out one letter from a word can make a world of difference in being a globally recognizable brand.


About Fatoumata

Fatoumata is the founder of Gamaal. She was born in West Africa, raised in Brussels, and now lives in London. She has a Master’s degree in Public Administration, and prior to starting Gamaal, she worked with NGOs and large corporations in the UK and Belgium.

You can learn more about Leonie and connect with her on LinkedIn

About Gamaal

Gamaal is a platform that brings the rich world of home-cooked dishes to foodies. The app is not just another food delivery app. It’s a community of culinary and cultural lovers. You can learn more by visiting their website and following their culinary adventures on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and/or Twitter/X


What makes this episode magical🌟?

If you’re a fan of great storytelling, you will now be disappointed. Because Fatoumata is a natural storyteller who knows how to captivate an audience.

An excellent example of this comes toward the end of the podcast when we get to the question of how to make the podcast obsolete. 

She starts by drawing up a comparison with the suffragette movement of about a century ago. Then, she gives me her recipe for transforming today’s battle for more diversity into stories of motivation for future generations:
🙋🏾‍♀️ Having an abundance of role models
🌠 Being able to transcend stereotypes
📚 Having educational narratives
🤝 Actively supporting and empowering female founders.


What’s coming up?

On International Women’s Day, we’ll learn how to recruit for a tech startup. Spoiler: this episode includes a career change, too. 

Afterward, Arosha Brouwer will return to the show to share Quan’s journey that followed after she was my guest on episode 3. It’s an episode you do not want to miss.


Do You Want to Be a Male Ally

How do you get started with diversity, equity, and inclusion in tech when you’re a man?

Let me give you a few suggestions, courtesy of ChatGPT: 
📚 Educate yourself about the topic.
👂🏻 Listen to underrepresented people and amplify their voices. 
💪🏼 Support inclusive practices like fair compensation.
🫱🏼‍🫲🏾 Collaborate with DEI organizations and advocate for DEI within your company.

By listening, you’re already ticking two of these boxes. And maybe you’re ready to do more.

About 18 months ago, I was in your shoes. So, I started a podcast to interview women working in tech. I wanted to learn why there are so few of them. This podcast is called Women Disrupting Tech.

Since I started, I’ve interviewed 44 women about topics ranging from founding a startup to managing intellectual property. My goal is to provide them with a platform so they can inspire other women to consider an education or a job in tech.

But my goal for 2024 is to have more men join the conversation as guests and members of the Women Disrupting Tech Community.

As a member, you’ll receive a free email every Friday. By reading it, you’ll learn something new about diversity in tech. Like how we can prevent the gender pay gap. Or how to start with DEI in a startup. The women I interview inspire you with their stories, help you understand their points of view, and advocate for them. Of course, I include links to the most recent podcast episode and the show notes for further reading and education.

So, it is an excellent way to start educating yourself. But reading the newsletter and listening to the podcast also ticks other boxes on the list. Because you can amplify their voices to other people in your network by sharing the articles. And with the wisdom these women share, you can support inclusive practices in your company.

Ultimately, that’s good for business and gets you karma points. All of that for free.

When you’re ready to join the Women Disrupting Tech Community, enter your best email address below.

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