{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/675b3c38619022857c924a42/6818b295f30c20bff73a0ad9?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Ep 12: Laughing Off the Job Title: Identity, Irony and The Art of the &","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/675b3c38619022857c924a42/1746448931972-6246fbe8-393e-4116-97a8-d14beaee39e0.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>What if your career achievements are actually the least memorable thing about you at work?</p><p><br></p><p>In this captivating episode of \"Gen Mess with Tess,\" host Tess Brigham sits down with John Garrett, a former Big Four CPA turned stand-up comedian and award-winning keynote speaker, to dig deep into the messy world of generational workplace dynamics—and why bringing your whole self to work is your biggest asset.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Episode Highlights:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>The Surprising Power of Your “And”:</strong> John reveals how your outside interests—not just your job title—define who you are at work and are what people actually remember years later.</li><li><strong>From CPA to Comedian:</strong> Hear how John’s journey from cubicles to comedy clubs (and back again as a corporate culture guru) taught him lessons every leader should know about authenticity, connection, and communication.</li><li><strong>Authenticity vs. Professionalism:</strong> Why embracing your passions and quirks doesn’t mean sacrificing professionalism—and how leaders can balance both for a thriving workplace.</li><li><strong>Generational Differences, Demystified:</strong> Tess and John dive into whether Gen Z, Millennials, and Boomers really want such different things—or if we’re all just seeking belonging in our own way.</li><li><strong>Actionable Connection:</strong> The show unpacks research, real stories, and simple strategies to build rapport across generational divides and foster a workplace where people want to stick around.</li><li><br></li></ul><p><strong>Continue the Conversation:</strong> Want practical tools, leadership trainings, or just a dose of fun inspiration? Check out John Garrett’s book and resources at <a href=\"https://whatsyourand.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">whatsyourand.com</a> and tune in for more real-talk every week here on \"Gen Mess with Tess.\"</p><p>Remember: The Gen Mess gets cleaned up one authentic conversation at a time. So what’s your “And”—and how will you share it this week?</p><p><br></p><h3>Timestamped Overview</h3><p>00:00 First Comedy Paycheck Surprise</p><p>04:46 Midwest Comedy Opportunities</p><p>07:26 \"Comedy and Identity Merge\"</p><p>10:07 Technical Skills Aren't Enough Anymore</p><p>16:10 \"The Power of Speaking Out Loud\"</p><p>17:29 Conversational Language and Comedy Confidence</p><p>21:28 Ego and Miscommunication Issues</p><p>23:40 Reevaluating Work-Life Balance</p><p>27:48 Redefining Success Across Generations</p><p>30:09 \"Balancing Work and Personal Identity\"</p><p>32:55 COVID's Impact on Mutual Understanding</p><p>38:39 \"Workplace that Values Whole Self\"</p><p>41:19 \"Embracing Imperfection in the Workplace\"</p><p>44:17 Intentional Time Between Work Hours</p><p>48:26 Vetting by Conversation</p><p>49:25 \"Pug Passionate Conversations Thrive\"</p>","author_name":"Tess Brigham"}