August Meeting – John Garrett, Attracting and Retaining Engaged Talent

What’s Your “And”?: Create Unique Cultures that Attract and Retain Engaged Talent

Talent is at a premium, so organizations need to differentiate themselves more than ever before. The future professional doesn’t define expertise simply in college degrees and certifications. They have passions outside of work that enhance their ability to develop stronger levels of trust with colleagues and customers. Through hilarious stories and extensive research, this keynote encourages organizations to uncover their people’s passions in order to increase the lifetime value of every employee.

John Garrett — thought provoker, catalyst for change, and award-winning author — is on a mission to create better workplaces. What the two-time Emmy nominee may do best is champion the human side of professionals, consulting with organizations to develop more productive cultures while shining a light on their people’s rich lives outside of work. Delivering inspiring keynotes about his research and recording over 500 podcast episodes of What’s Your “And”? landed him on Accounting Today’s list of the top 100 most influential people in the profession.

John received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a letterman jacket as a trombone player in the marching band. He went on to pass the CPA exam and received his certified public accountant certificate while working at PwC and performing stand-up comedy as a hobby.

Since then, he’s been on stage over 2,000 times and tracks from his debut album, Outside the Box, can be heard on several channels on SiriusXM Satellite Radio and Pandora. He’s also been on The Bob & Tom Show, featured in the New York Times, opened for Louie Anderson at resort casinos, opened for the band Train, and has been invited to perform at several comedy festivals.

John currently lives in Denver and enjoys watching college football, going to concerts, and eating cookie dough ice cream — especially at the same time.