John Garrett
Corporate Culture Speaker, Comedian & MC
Fee Range
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New York , NY
John Garrett
Biography
CPA-Turned-Corporate Comedian on a Mission to Shatter the Stereotype Hi, I'm John and I'm proof that CPA's can be funny. Really funny. I know that when it comes to corporate events, getting serious results doesn't have to be so serious. I also know that a corporate entertainer should partner with you to make sure the entire event is a success, which means making the event about your organization. Not about me. And I know that's exactly what I do. The Speaker John Garrett is a nationally recognized corporate comedian and emcee who draws on his condition as a recovering Big Four CPA to deliver messages that hit home with corporate audiences. This professional member of the National Speakers Association is on a mission to strengthen teams. John's clean, customized performances and observations of everyday Corporate America help teams break down barriers, foster unity, and strengthen bonds. With over 1,900 performances, he consistently gets rave reviews from conference planners and firm leaders alike for his lasting impact on morale and firm culture. Recognizing how consumed people are in their jobs, the hilarity of everyday Corporate America and how humor transforms the morale and camaraderie of those around him, John left his cubicle to perform at corporate events across the country. Since then, John has performed for leading companies ranging from "Big Four" accounting firms to banks to technology companies to professional associations seeking an outside-of-the-box way to engage their audiences. Tracks from his debut album, "Outside the Box," can be heard on several channels on SiriusXM Satellite Radio and Pandora. He's also been heard on The Bob & Tom Radio Network, featured in the New York Times, seen in concert with Train, opened for Louie Anderson at resort casinos and has been invited to perform at several comedy festivals. The Accountant He received his Certified Public Accountant Certificate from the State of Illinois after sending in 6 UPC symbols from his favorite cereal boxes. As a former CPA, Senior Financial Analyst and Business Development Director, John's experience ranges from being an integral team member for his Big Four Firm's largest financial services client to helping launch a startup company. No matter where he went John was that adorably obnoxious guy, too easily distracted from general ledger reports and more interested in amusing his co-workers--a good thing for his colleagues, not so much for his manager. His real world experience makes it very easy for John to relate to corporate audiences. Having been an employee in the audience of many corporate events, John knows how to deliver a presentation your team will be excited to hear. The Person John was born and raised in a military family, so he grew up living in five states and overseas. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a letterman jacket as trombone player in the marching band. John currently lives in Denver and really enjoys ice cream and college football, especially at the same time.
John Garrett
Featured Keynote Programs
Be the Green Apple - Stand Out In Your Career
Shatter the stereotype. No matter where you are in your career, it’s important to differentiate yourself to achieve your goals. 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 clients. Through hilarious stories and extensive research, this keynote encourages everyone to share their passions because they are the very heart of your organization’s culture.
Many people tend to look at accountants and consultants like they look at apples: they’re all the same. They’re all boring, red apples. If you put them all together then you won’t be able to tell one from another. John’s mission is to encourage your team members, and therefore your Firm, to become engaged and to stand out – by giving them permission to have the confidence to be a green apple in the bin of “boring” red apples.
Shatter the stereotype.
Twelve years after leaving the Firm, John was invited to speak at a PwC Town Hall Meeting. A Partner who he never worked with – and John doesn’t ever recall meeting – saw the list of speakers and said, “I know John Garrett! He’s the guy who did comedy at night.”
Twelve years later.
What are you doing now to develop those relationships so coworkers and clients remember you in twelve years?
Why does your culture matter?
Making culture a priority shows that the firm is dedicated to fostering an environment where engagement is the norm. A Psychometrics Engagement Study states that “disengaged employees cost as much as $500B in the US in low productivity.” Adding to the problem, these disengaged employees chase away your best employees and best customers.
While organizations are beginning to understand the importance of employee engagement, according to Gallup, “Engaged employees stand out because they’re relatively rare. Gallup finds only 30% of all U.S. employees are engaged in their jobs.”
If you don’t think this matters, check out how many millions of dollars could go straight to your bottom line by using this Employee Engagement ROI Calculator.
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