Feeling stuck at work and in life is no fun. Humo(u)r Trainer Vandad Pourbahrami shows us what it means to follow your firefly. Tune in today for practical ways to enjoy this journey we call ‘life’ with daily practices to guide your way.
In this episode, we cover:
- How to turn your situation around if you’re feeling stuck.
- What does Firefly mean?
- Is following your Firefly a conduit for hope?
- How following your Firefly can increase your creative capacity.
- How to recharge your workplace
- The missing piece on workplace right now
- Moving forward without all the answers
- What if you aren’t free to follow your dreams?
- Why do new hires quit?
- Vandad Pourbahrami: “Every finish line is a new starting line”
Do you ever look back on your life and wonder if you’ve followed your own dreams—or someone else’s? Many of us spend our days striving to be the “good” version of ourselves: a good friend, partner, worker, or parent. But in doing so, we sometimes lose sight of our own inner light, our personal firefly. That spark of joy and curiosity that makes life worth living.
Welcome to this week’s episode of Lead with Levity. I’m your host, Dr. Heather Walker, and today we’re diving into the concept of finding your Firefly—a metaphor for the small passions and moments of joy that can lead to greater fulfillment. My guest, Vanda Poor Rahmi, is a speaker, trainer, and humor-at-work expert based in Toronto, Canada. He’s also the author of the recent TEDx talk, Follow Your Firefly. Together, we explore how to reignite your creative capacity and make your work—and life—more meaningful.
The Power of Following Your Firefly
As an overachiever, Vanda understands the societal pressures to stick to the script: study hard, get a good job, buy a house, and start a family. However, after years of chasing external markers of success, he realized he wasn’t finding true joy. Instead, he began to follow his Firefly—a metaphor for the small, seemingly insignificant interests that spark curiosity and delight.
These interests, he discovered, don’t have to lead to grand achievements. Sometimes they’re just a way to recharge or inject a bit of happiness into the day. Vanda explains, “A Firefly could be something as simple as wearing a bow tie to work, writing a joke, or trying a new hobby. It’s about learning to enjoy the little things along the way.”
How to Find Your Firefly
If you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, finding your Firefly can provide the hope and resilience needed to move forward. Here are some practical steps to help you get started:
- Reflect on What Brings You Joy: Think about what you do when you’re procrastinating or relaxing. Are there hobbies, shows, or activities that naturally catch your attention? These could be your Fireflies.
- Take Small Steps: You don’t need to have everything figured out. Just follow the spark and see where it leads. As Vanda puts it, “You only need a little bit of light to take the first step.”
- Collaborate and Connect: If you notice someone pursuing an interesting passion, ask if you can join them. Vanda shared how a simple idea of “bow tie Thursdays” at work became a fun way to build camaraderie and creativity.
- Remove the Pressure: Your Firefly doesn’t have to turn into a career or a major life change. It can simply be a way to bring joy into your day and help you feel more energized for the tasks ahead.
For Leaders: Creating Space for Fireflies in the Workplace
Organizations can also benefit from helping employees find and follow their Fireflies. Here are some ideas for fostering a culture of curiosity and creativity:
- Rethink Onboarding: Tailor onboarding experiences to align with employees’ personalities and passions. This can make new hires feel more connected to the organization and boost long-term engagement.
- Encourage Variety: Provide opportunities for employees to explore different roles or projects within the company. Variety can keep things fresh and help prevent burnout.
- Support Connection: Create spaces for employees to bond over shared interests, whether it’s through team-building exercises, hobby clubs, or casual group activities.
- Model Levity: Leaders who embrace humor and lightness can set the tone for a more relaxed and creative work environment.
At its core, following your Firefly is about finding joy and meaning in the process, even when the destination is unclear. Whether you’re an overachiever, an immigrant in a new country, or someone navigating a tough job, embracing your Fireflies can bring hope, resilience, and a fresh perspective to your life.
As Vanda reminds us, “Every finish line becomes the next starting line. It’s important to step off the treadmill now and then to follow a random light and see where it leads.”
Final Thoughts
What are the Fireflies in your life? Whether it’s a small hobby, a playful idea, or a new skill you’ve always wanted to learn, give yourself permission to explore. It might just lead you to something extraordinary—or at the very least, make your day a little brighter.
Ready to find your Firefly? Let us know in the comments or share your story on social media with the hashtag #FollowYourFirefly.
About Vandad Pourbahrami
When you see a firefly, what do you think of? Vandad’s TEDx talk Follow the Firefly goes through the 3 times Vandad followed just a little bit of light, the psychology behind his decision making, and how those ‘weird’ decisions complimented his analytical side. These 3 fireflies led to unique, unexpected projects, like working as a Humo(u)r Trainer.
Vandad works as a Speaker, Trainer, and, his most recent firefly, a Spanish Travel Tourguide. Vandad graduated from McGill University and the London School of Economics & Political Science, and has many years of experience in the Management Consulting, Comedy & Improv and Travel industries.
TedX Talk
LinkedIn
