Many women of colour spend years doubting themselves in professional spaces. Urmi Hossain shares how embracing your voice, identity, and strengths can help you build lasting confidence at work.
I have the pleasure and honour of mentoring women of colour. Over the last five to seven years, I have also had the opportunity to meet women from different walks of life: some restarting their lives after leaving their home countries, some switching careers, and some others completely pivoting their personal journeys.
However, one thread always stands out in many of these conversations:
“I am always shrinking or belittling myself in my day-to-day work.”
“I am afraid of speaking during meetings.”
“I am waiting to get permission to speak.”
“I am afraid of saying anything because English is not my first language, and I don’t want to make mistakes.”
As women of colour, we often feel in a position of inferiority. This can start with how we are conditioned from an early age. For instance, we are encouraged to avoid conflict or confrontation, to respect authority without questioning it, to be “agreeable” or “the good girl,” or to accept being seen as “junior” even when we are qualified. The list can go on and on.
Having these thoughts is very normal, especially when you are in a room with people who don’t look like you or when you don’t see yourself represented in leadership roles.
As a woman of colour myself, I have learned the following:
Your voice matters just as much as anyone else in the room – Your opinion, your ideas, and your perspective are equally important as anyone else’s, regardless of how long they have been in the company. Even when you feel nervous to speak up or raise your hand, you have to start somewhere. Diversity means different ideas and perspectives. Take small steps and own what you bring to the table.
Learn to question what comes your way – I can’t count how many times I simply nodded when I was told something, without questioning it. Never in my life have I ever challenged anything. But now I understand that we all have a voice and critical thinking skills. It is important to question things, especially when something does not feel right. We are often conditioned to say yes and please everyone.
Your confidence is built by showing up authentically – As women of colour, we often shrink ourselves to fit into what is considered “normal.” But your authenticity is what makes you unique. Do not let anyone belittle you. Instead, show up as your full self and see your diversity as a professional strength.
Don’t be afraid of making mistakes when speaking another language – Your language and accent are part of who you are. Many people would love to speak more than one language. In my experience, even native speakers make mistakes, and most people don’t focus on that. Confidence can be shown in many ways speaking in meetings, writing emails, sharing posts, or contributing ideas. Build momentum and stop overthinking your accent.
Career advancement comes from visibility – The more you speak, share your ideas, and show your work, the more people notice you, remember you, and consider you for opportunities and promotions. It is powerful to see how visibility changes both how you feel and how others perceive you. When you show up confidently, it is also reflected in how co-workers, managers, and mentors see you. Make yourself visible through your ideas, your work, and your contributions.
You don’t need to shrink to take up space or wait for permission to speak. Your only job is to embrace who you are, your diversity, and use your voice in the spaces that were built for you and are waiting for you to step into
Urmi Hossain is a self-published author, speaker, podcast host, and finance professional based in Canada. She holds the CFA and CAIA designations and works in the financial services industry while actively advocating for women’s empowerment, identity, and self-leadership.
Her book, Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth from Interracial Struggle, explores her journey as a third-culture woman navigating her sense of belonging, culture, and self-worth. Urmi also hosts “Stories Beyond Borders,” a podcast that amplifies diverse voices on identity, migration, language, and the meaning of home.
She serves as Co-Chair of Women in Leadership’s Montreal Chapter and is passionate about public speaking, mentorship, and continuous growth.
