Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Urmi Hossain

Urmi Hossain shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Urmi, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
During the week, my day is usually divided into what I like to call my 9–5 and my 5–9.

My 9–5 is my full-time job, which keeps me busy from Monday to Friday. The day usually starts with getting ready and heading to the office. I like to get off two stations before my actual stop to get some steps in — it’s a small habit that makes a big difference.

Once I’m at the office, I get into my usual routine. At lunch, I try to step outside to disconnect a bit. I go for a walk to stretch my legs and clear my head. Sometimes I’ll stop by a bookstore, do a little shopping, or meet up with a friend if time allows.

When work ends, my 5–9 begins. Most days, I go to the gym. Lately, with summer in full swing, I’ve been running more — either with friends or joining women’s groups that organize runs around the city. I’ve also been going to events like Matcha & Pilates, which are super fun, especially if you’re looking to move your body and meet new people.

Once I’m home, I take a quick shower, eat dinner, and check my emails. Then I usually shift gears into creative mode — studying Spanish, creating YouTube content, or writing blog posts. That’s how most of my weekdays go, before it’s finally time to sleep and do it all again the next day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a self-published author, blogger, YouTuber, mentor, and a strong advocate for women’s empowerment. Most recently, I’ve stepped into a new role as a podcast host for my very first show, Stories Beyond Borders. The podcast explores themes close to my heart — Third Culture Kid (TCK) experiences, migration, the meaning of “home,” and the role of language in shaping identity.

For years, I was the one being interviewed — invited as a guest on various podcasts. But now, it’s my turn to be the host and create a space where others can share their stories and use their voices.

What makes me unique is that I’m multifaceted and multipassionate. By day, I work in finance — a field I genuinely enjoy and find empowering. But outside of that, I wear many other hats. I’m involved in Toastmasters, I love learning languages, I advocate for women, and I mentor women of colour.

These different sides of me may seem unrelated, but together they reflect who I am: someone who believes in continuous growth, meaningful connection, and using her voice to uplift others.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I’d say the most important relationship I’ve built is the one with myself. It was only when I started to truly appreciate and accept who I am that the process of self-love really began.

For a long time, I looked for validation — whether it was for the choices I made or the things I was doing. But I came to realize that no matter how hard I tried, it never felt like enough. I couldn’t make everyone happy, and that started to make me question myself. I thought something must be wrong with me — that maybe I needed to “fix” myself.

But eventually, I understood that the real work was internal. I had to sit with myself, listen to that inner voice, and find peace within. That’s when things began to shift.

I wasn’t broken. I just needed to come home to myself

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Talking with trusted people, doing what I love, and writing down my thoughts — these are the things that really help me.

First, when I’m struggling, I need someone to talk to. Luckily, I have a few close friends who are always there for me. They’re my guides, my trusted people, and what I like to call my therapists. I make sure to open up to them during my downtime because it’s important to share with people I truly trust and can count on. In a world where we all have hundreds or thousands of followers on social media, it’s easy to think anyone has your back — but real support comes from those few you know deeply.

Second, distracting myself by doing what I love — my hobbies, my passions, or joining events — helps me disconnect and forget for a while, but it also helps me grow as a person. That’s what happened to me. When I gave myself permission to follow my intuition and do what I enjoy, I allowed myself to be and to heal.

Lastly, when my mind is full and there’s so much going on inside, I write it all down — my thoughts, my anger, my frustration, and even my successes. Writing helps me clear my head and find direction.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire people for their positivity and kindness.

For example, when someone pushes me to get on the bus or metro, I usually get upset. But I’ve noticed that many others react with kindness instead. They don’t get angry; they just keep going with a smile, sometimes even apologizing — even when it’s not their fault.

These people are strangers to me, but I’ve learned a lot from them. I’ve learned to slow down my reactions, not jump to conclusions, and be kinder. If someone accidentally bumps into us or hits us with their bag, it probably wasn’t on purpose.

So, I try to always choose kindness.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I have a keen eye for people’s talents and skills.

I tend to observe and analyze when I first meet someone. After a few encounters, I’m usually able to recognize what they’re really good at. Sometimes, I even point it out to them and encourage them to take that passion further — maybe turn it into a business or something more meaningful.

When people do what they love, their smile changes — it’s different, more genuine. That’s what I love helping others discover: their true purpose and passion in life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storiesbeyondborderspodcast/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/urmihossain/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@urmihossain
• Other: https://www.amazon.ca/Discovering-Your-Identity-Interracial-Struggle-ebook/dp/B0B75X14G7