Urmi Hossain: Showing up as You Through Human Connection
In this episode of Be Truly Heard, Anne Leatherland is joined by finance professional, author and mentor Urmi Hossain for a thoughtful conversation about identity, confidence and why women need to say yes to more opportunities.
Drawing on her experience as an Italian-Bengali woman working in the male-dominated world of finance, Urmi shares how mentoring, self-belief and representation have shaped her journey. Together, she and Anne explore imposter syndrome, reframing negative self-talk, the power of visualisation, and how women can lead with more confidence by owning both their voice and their story.
Key Takeaways
Be the mentor you never had.
Urmi’s drive to mentor women comes from her own experience of growing up without many role models who looked like her or shared her cultural background. She now supports women from a wide range of backgrounds, especially women of colour, by becoming the guide she once needed herself.
You do not have to choose one identity over another.
Urmi reflects on navigating two cultural worlds – Bengali and Italian – and the pressure to fit neatly into one label. Her breakthrough came when she stopped choosing and instead embraced both, confidently describing herself as Italian-Bengali in both personal and professional life.
Representation matters in male-dominated industries.
Working in finance has meant learning to advocate for herself, find allies and seek out mentors. Urmi believes staying visible in those spaces matters, not just for her own career, but for the women coming behind her who need to see that they belong there too.
Reframing negative self-talk can change everything.
One of Urmi’s core tools for helping women with imposter syndrome is reframing. Rather than getting stuck in thoughts like “I’m not good enough”, she encourages women to rewrite those internal messages into something more constructive and empowering.
Vision boards are more than a creative exercise.
Urmi uses yearly vision boards as a practical way to keep goals, values and ambitions visible. By putting dreams into images and words, she believes the brain starts working towards them, often before we consciously realise it.
A mentor might already be in your life.
Urmi introduces the idea of a “friendtour” – a blend of friend and mentor. Sometimes the people best placed to guide, encourage and challenge us are trusted friends who already understand our struggles, values and ambitions.
Say yes before you feel fully ready.
Her advice to younger women is simple but powerful: say yes to opportunities. Too often women hesitate because they doubt themselves or feel unprepared, but stepping outside the comfort zone is how confidence is built.
Your voice and perspective are enough.
Anne and Urmi both reflect on the cultural and generational expectations placed on women, but the message is clear: women are worthy of being part of the conversation, and what they have to say carries value.
Best Moments
- “I want to be the mentor I never had.”
- “It wasn’t about fitting either world, but more about putting them together and embracing the two sides of it.”
- “No matter where I am, it’s because I belong there.”
- “We have so many negative self-talks… we’re always second-guessing ourselves.”
- “Once you put it in a vision board, your brain starts to work towards that.”
- “Who knows you better than your own friend?”
- “Say yes to opportunities.”
- “What we have to say as women is powerful and it’s enough.”
About the guest
Urmi Hossain is a personal branding strategist, speaker and author who helps
professionals and entrepreneurs show up as themselves with clarity, confidence and
intention. With a background in corporate banking, she understands the challenges of
being seen and heard in professional spaces, and now supports others to build a strong,
authentic presence both online and in real life.
She is the author of Discover Your Personal Brand and is known for her practical,
grounded approach to visibility, particularly on LinkedIn. Urmi’s work focuses on helping
people find their voice, communicate their value and step forward in a way that feels
natural rather than forced.
Through her writing, speaking and coaching, she empowers individuals to be more visible,
so that they can create opportunities, build influence and grow their careers or businesses
in a way that truly reflects who they are.
Connect with the guest
linkedin.com/in/urmihossain
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-beyond-borders/id1831413373
womeninleadership.ca/montreal
About the Host
With over 28 years’ experience, Anne Leatherland helps clients develop vocal confidence and personal growth. Her holistic approach bridges science, education and the performing arts, supporting women to be truly heard in business.