Main Character Energy 2.0: How to Lead Boldly (Even If You’re an Introvert)

We’ve all heard the phrase “main character energy.” Maybe you’ve seen it on TikTok or in a quote about walking into a room with shoulders back and unapologetic confidence. Main character energy isn’t just a trend. It’s a leadership mindset—and one you can activate even if you’re introverted, hesitant, or not the first to grab the mic.

Why Main Character Energy Matters in Fundraising

Fundraising requires courage. Whether you’re pitching a funder, making a bold ask, or inviting someone into partnership, it’s easy to shrink back and wait until the last few minutes of a meeting to finally say what you came to say. Main character energy helps you flip that script.

When you channel your inner “main character,” you:

  • Walk into a donor meeting with clarity and confidence.

  • Lead the conversation instead of waiting for permission.

  • Make the big ask without apologizing for it.

  • Stay resilient when you hear “no”—because you know it’s data, not a personal rejection.

Introverts, This Is For You Too

Main character energy isn’t reserved for extroverts who love the spotlight. You don’t need to be Beyoncé or Oprah to embody it (though let’s be real—channeling them doesn’t hurt).

For introverts, main character energy might look like:

  • Raising your hand when you’d normally stay quiet.

  • Being the first to speak up at a roundtable.

  • Asking the courageous question in a one-on-one meeting.

  • Owning your unique voice—even if your heart is racing.

At a women founders’ dinner I attended, the mic passed quickly from one confident speaker to another. It was energizing—but I realized most of the room was sitting silent, introverts quietly absorbing. In that moment, I decided: I’m going to raise my hand and represent us. I stood up, said my piece, and immediately felt the relief of other women nodding and whispering “me too.”

Sometimes main character energy isn’t about commanding the whole room—it’s about deciding you belong in it.

Borrow Their Energy Until You Believe It

Here’s a practical trick: think of a leader, mentor, or role model you admire. Someone resilient, bold, and clear. Ask yourself: What would she do in this exact situation?

  • Would she delay the ask until the last seven seconds of the meeting?

  • Or would she take the mic with confidence and speak her truth?

Borrow that energy like a cape you can slip on whenever you need it. Then practice showing up that way until it feels natural.

Talk Kindly To Yourself (Before, During, and After)

Main character energy isn’t about flawless delivery—it’s about resilience. You will fumble sometimes. You’ll forget a point or stumble over your words. That’s human.

The difference is how you talk to yourself about it:

  • Before the meeting: I’m prepared and ready.

  • During the meeting: I belong here.

  • After the meeting: That was courageous. Here’s what I learned.

This self-compassion is what turns rejection into redirection—and keeps you moving forward.

Step Into the Spotlight (Your Way)

Main character energy doesn’t mean you suddenly love public speaking or want every eye on you. It means you’re willing to show up boldly for your mission, whether that’s:

  • Pitching a new sponsor.

  • Inviting a prospect to coffee.

  • Writing an honest, behind-the-scenes email to your donors.

  • Asking for that stretch gift you know is possible.

When you activate your own version of main character energy, you stop shrinking back and start creating new opportunities—for yourself, your organization, and your mission.

Because at the end of the day, fundraising isn’t about waiting for the right moment. It’s about raising your hand, picking up the mic, and saying: Here’s what we’re building. Join us.

Christina Edwards