Jeannie and Adam discuss the Green Apple concept and how personal interests make us better professionals with Green Apple podcast host and CPA turned comedian, John Garrett.John Garrett, the Green Apple concept, and… Furbies!? Okay, maybe Furbies don’t have a whole lot to do with this podcast, but they make some of us happier and more interesting, and that’s the point!We’re often told to keep personal interests out of the workplace. In fact, this idea is so ingrained into our culture that most of us don’t even need to be told. So as we strive for success, we focus more and more on our jobs and less on the things that make us happy as people.“You weren’t this shell of yourself when you were 20-22 years old. What happened!?” -John GarrettWhile this may demonstrate a dedication to our jobs and our professions, letting go of our hobbies and interests, or just leaving them out of our professional lives, actually works against us. That’s why we’re delighted to welcome fellow podcaster, Recovering CPA and comedian John Garrett to the show.“It’s a shame that #professionalism doesn’t let us bring all our skillsets to the office.” -John GarrettJohn explains how staying in touch with the things we feel passionate about personally not only makes us happier people but makes us better professionals too!In this enlightening and fun episode, we dig into the Green Apple concept and why keeping a sense of self is important both inside and outside of the workplace. Filled with anecdotes and a bit of neuroscience, John brings real-world inspiration to this interview, so you and your team can be happier and more successful all around.“Their expertise is not just their college degree and their certifications.” -John GarrettListen in to learn about the Green Apple concept, and you’ll leave with great ideas about how to reconnect with and celebrate the things that make you and your team interesting.Don’t leave out this vital ingredient for being more successful at work, leaving a lasting impression, creating better relationships, and just living better all around.Interview Highlights What is the Green Apple concept, and why is it important? [3:25]How do personal interests impact the employee and customer experiences? [6:00]How does professionalism work against us over time? Better yet, how can we do better? [9:00]John shares expert advice for leaders to help employees leverage their individuality to avoid burnout at work. [15:00]Most cultures don’t actively support sharing of personal interests, so what should you do? [21:00]Bonus: How can a Furby collection save your company $150K? [22:30]About our guest John Garrett, “The Recovering CPA,” is on a mission to help firms develop a culture where professionalism doesn’t suffocate your personality. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with an accounting degree before starting at PwC and earning his CPA. He then became a professionally-touring comedian, has a comedy album on SiriusXM, is an Emmy-nominated writer, hosts The Green Apple Podcast and most importantly, really enjoys ice cream and college football, especially at the same time. He also has a book coming out in the fall of 2018.Connect with JohnLinkedInTwitterFacebookYouTubeGreen Apple PodcastWebsiteRelated Content 360Connext® post, What’s Your Culture Code?Customers That Stick® post, Why Self-Confidence Matters in Customer ServiceEpisode 304: Arnie Malham, Innovating CultureEpisode 223: Mo Gawdat, Engineering HappinessWe’re on C-Suite Radio! Check it out for more great podcastsSponsor message:Start creating a successful CX strategy Are you ready to build a customer experience strategy on a solid foundation for the long term? We’re shattering the top 5 CX strategy myths in our latest evergreen webinar.You will learn: How to avoid the 5 so-called “Customer Experience Strategies” that aren’t strategies at allWhat drives a winning customer experience strategy and examples of companies that “get it”How to create a foundation for a customer experience strategy that works for the long termJoin Jeannie at a time that works for you for some serious mythbusting and a head start on creating a customer experience strategy that works! Sign Me Up!    Take care of yourself and take care of your customers.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices