I would like to introduce you all to Urmi Hossain! She works in financial services. She is also a blogger, YouTuber, and self-published author. Recently, I received the opportunity to interview her! Check it out below!

Where are you from?

I am from Italy. Born and raised between Palermo and Milan. Parents are from Bangladesh and are currently living in Montreal.

I like to identify myself as Italian by birth, Bengali by blood, and Canadian by law.

What’s the inspiration or story behind why you entered the world of finance?

It never crossed my mind to study finance. I envisioned myself becoming a therapist or even a tourist guide at some point. However, when I enrolled in university, I was studying International business, which I really disliked, and finance was my minor. Upon taking a few finance classes, it was love at first sight. I enjoyed listening to finance professors, attending finance classes, and even taking finance exams. From being a minor, finance became my major, and since then I have pursued a few certificates in finance and have been working in the financial sector. I really enjoy it.

Finance is so dynamic, and it matches so well with my own personality. That’s probably why it is a perfect match. 

As a woman working in the field of finance, what challenges have you encountered, if any? How did you overcome it?

The industry is so male-dominated that women get intimidated to work in finance or even climb the ladder. There is a lack of ambition because we are conditioned to behave a certain way. There is a fear of not being good enough in the roles we have or the roles we are seeking.

I overcame these hurdles by building resilience and tenacity, believing in myself, and having mentors. I didn’t give up just because I didn’t see enough representation. I didn’t give up because I didn’t feel good enough.

In every situation I faced, I was my best advocate. I believed in my capabilities. I surrounded myself with great female mentors, bosses, and colleagues who advocated for me.

You just need the right support system. 

It seems that you have a passion for traveling as well. Was traveling always something you wanted to do?

Yes, I love traveling and seeing the world from a different perspective. There is nothing more beautiful than savoring new flavors, meeting wonderful human beings, and relishing every aspect of a place’s scenery. Traveling helps you forget life’s problems and allows you to be fully present in the moment.

 “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”

 – 

Ibn Battuta

What’s the most memorable place you’ve been and your favorite meal you’ve eaten?

New York was the most memorable place. It has a vibe you can never forget.

Being Italian myself, New York is every Italian’s dream to visit one day. When I saw it for the first time, I was speechless at how similar New York is to how it is shown in movies: chaotic, glamorous, and high-tech. You see all sorts of things when you walk the streets of New York, and one thing is for sure—you can never get bored in a city that never sleeps.

You can try any type of cuisine from great chefs. The last time I went, I had typical Afghan food such as kebabs with basmati rice. It felt like we were instantly transported to Kabul.

When it comes to women and our women’s community, what would you like to see more of?

Only a woman will truly understand another woman’s pain. We need to support and encourage each other’s ideas and business proposals. We need to mentor and educate each other. We need to cheer for each other’s success and be present when things are not going well. It is through women helping women that we can foster a more equal society.

Share any websites, social media handles, and how we can connect with you and your work!

Instagram: https://instagram.com/urmamio⁣
Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/urmihossain⁣
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@urmihossain⁣
Blog: https://www.myways.ca/

Thank you so much Urmi!