In Episode 3 for Pursuit: The Series, Shelli Varela talks with us about how to find your passion by leading first with curiosity and possibility.

She shares her own story of trying to fit into a mold but realizing her passion was to become a firefighter. Although she was only 108 lbs at the time and didn’t know anything about firefighting, she eventually became her area’s first female firefighter. Once she got in, she struggled to be accepted by the male-dominated profession. She came to realize that her adversity is a gift. Today, she’s a Fire Captain, TED speaker, podcast host, and continues to inspire others to find and pursue their dreams.

Read takeaways and the full interview notes at pursuittheseries.com/episode-3