In this empowering episode of STANDOUT From The Crowd, Darine sits down with Urmi Hossain — author, speaker, and finance professional — to explore what it means to lead authentically while navigating identity, confidence, and belonging in traditionally male-dominated spaces.

From earning both the CFA and CAIA designations to building a career in finance and becoming a global voice for women’s empowerment, Urmi’s journey is one of resilience, cultural pride, and self-discovery.

She opens up about overcoming self-doubt, conquering her fear of public speaking, and finding her voice as a woman of color in corporate leadership. Together, Darine and Urmi unpack how embracing one’s cultural identity — rather than hiding it — can become a powerful driver of influence, purpose, and success.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Owning your identity: How to embrace your cultural and personal story as a source of power, not insecurity.


• Breaking barriers in finance: Urmi’s experience navigating a male-dominated industry and building credibility as a woman of color.


• From fear to confidence: How she transformed her fear of public speaking into a global platform for empowerment.


• The role of community: Why mentorship and representation matter for women’s growth and visibility.


•  Redefining success: What it means to lead authentically without compromising who you are.

Key Takeaway:

1. Visibility isn’t vanity — it’s strategy. Being seen for your contributions ensures your voice and impact aren’t overlooked.
   


2. Your cultural identity is a strength, not a setback. Authenticity builds credibility, trust, and differentiation in any industry.
   


3. Confidence is a skill, not a trait. The more you speak, share, and lead, the more your belief in yourself grows.
   


4. Representation matters. Seeing others who look like you at the table expands what you believe is possible.


5.  Redefine leadership. True influence comes not from blending in but from standing firmly in who you are.

Actionable Steps:

1. Audit your visibility: Write down three ways you’ve added value recently — and identify who needs to know about it.
   


2. Reframe self-doubt: Replace “I’m not ready” with “I’m learning in public” — confidence grows through action.
   


3. Champion another woman: Visibility multiplies when we lift each other; share someone else’s win this week. 

Connect with Darine:

- On Instagram

- On LinkedIn

- Visit her website

Connect with Urmi Hossain: 

Linkedin: @urmihossain

Instagram: @storiesbeyondborderspodcast

YouTube: @urmihossain

Website: https://www.womeninleadership.ca/

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The Introverted Leader: Harnessing Quiet Power in Loud Spaces

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