Grossly Competent

Grossly Competent

By Steve Counsell and Patrick AleshireBusinessEducationCareers
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Grossly Competent episodes

  • The Confidence Paradox

    We're confident that you won't regret clicking this link!

    In this episode of Grossly Competent, hosts Steve and Patrick dissect the phenomenon referred to as The Confidence Paradox, which highlights that experience creates confidence but the very act of doing needs confidence. And of course, the boys figure out a way to relate this into the professional landscape and L&D and stuff, so there's that.

    Talk about a mind-Duck. (That's just for you, Apple Podcasts. - Steve)

    But before they try to sound smart, Patrick unveils an interesting InMail he received from a Dramatic connection and Steve provides insight into his foolproof method for negating the LinkedIn Pitchslap... by fighting fire with fire.

    Like what you hear and want to learn more? Here are some links:

    • The Confidence Paradox
    • For non-Apple Podcasts listeners, acknowledge the 'E'!

    Come for the chat, stay for the laughs, and run from our faces: we're Grossly Competent!

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    50 min
  • Pitches Get Stitches

    Now this is a pitch that won't result in a stitch!

    In this episode of Grossly Competent, hosts Steve and Patrick delve into one of their favorite subjects they love to hate: LinkedInfluencers!

    That's right folks - the boys are back at it for another round against the corporate faux-fluencers as they attempt to psychologically analyze why this type of mentality is so pervasive in the professional atmosphere. Is it because someone didn't hug them enough? Or is it because they find connecting with people must involve a 'pitchslap'? Or perhaps it's a fear of being truly authentic?

    Tune in to find out what the boys discover might be the root of it all!

    Here are some links to some stuff Steve and Patrick mention:

    • Children of the Self-Absorbed by Nina W. Brown, EdD, LPC
    • Tech Neck
    • Dunning-Kruger Effect - How 93% of all American Drivers rank in the top 50%...
    • Happy Birthday, Sir David Attenborough!
    • Spencer Jones - Jonesin' For: Live your Life to the Max

    Come for the chat, stay for the laughs, and run from our faces: we're Grossly Competent!

    Send us Fan Mail

    Grow Potential With Humata Consulting
    Empowering Company Success through Customized Learning and Development Solutions

    Hang out with Zero Proof Pass
    Mindful Drinking Starts Here - Hang out without the Hangover.

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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    1 hr 1 min
  • We Disrupt(HR) This Regularly Scheduled Program

    We Disrupt(HR) this program for a very important message.

    In this episoide of Grossly Competent, hosts Steve and Patrick get back into the groove of things by doing what they do best: fumbling over intros and talking Aruba. But after that, good listener, the boys (scuba) dive into discussing the recent DisruptHR event that took place in Milwaukee, WI. Patrick discusses his perspective of the event being an audience member while Steve offers a glimpse into being a public speaker, how it feels knowing you are going to say something that 250 people aren't going to like, and reveals some behind-the-scenes info you won't want to miss!

    Interested in DisruptHR and want to learn more? Here are some helpful links:

    • DisruptHR website
    • The DisruptHR-Milwaukee Lineup
    • A Sight for Sore Eyes

    Go check out some of our favorite speakers of the night:

    • Jen Marr
    • Dr. Thekla B. Ross
    • Dana Echert
    • Maria Nicholas-Groves
    • Kylene Zenk

    And, of course, Aruba-related goods:

    • An honest glimpse into Aruba
    • The Antilla Wreck

    Come for the chat, stay for the laughs, and run from our faces: we're Grossly Competent!

    Send us Fan Mail

    Grow Potential With Humata Consulting
    Empowering Company Success through Customized Learning and Development Solutions

    Hang out with Zero Proof Pass
    Mindful Drinking Starts Here - Hang out without the Hangover.

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show

    1 hr 18 min
  • They Came for the Chat: Sara Valentine Interview!

    In this episode of Grossly Competent, hosts Steve and Patrick welcome HEART Leadership creator Sarah Valentine! Through her incredible story and lack of buzzword enthusiasm, Sara takes us on a journey to being open to possibilities and what it means to be fully and truly authentic. We dare you to not be inspired by the work Sara is doing with Give Kids the World by the end of this must-listen episode.

    Want to connect with Sara?

    • LinkedIn
    • Podcast - Heart Leadership 
    • Give Kids the World

    Here's some other stuff you might like too (based on the conversation):

    • Brene Brown - Empathy & Vulnerability 

    Come for the chat, stay for the laughs, and run from our faces: we're Grossly Competent!

    Send us Fan Mail

    Grow Potential With Humata Consulting
    Empowering Company Success through Customized Learning and Development Solutions

    Hang out with Zero Proof Pass
    Mindful Drinking Starts Here - Hang out without the Hangover.

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show

    1 hr 9 min
  • This Episode Should Have Been An Email

    We should probably have a meeting about your support of the show.

    In this episode of Grossly Competent, hosts Steve and Patrick decide to tackle the everflowing state of meetings inundating our calendars and inboxes. When is it right to host a meeting and when is it best to just make a memo? Each brings their ideas and data to the table to decide once and for all: How many meetings do we all have that should just be emails!?

    But before all that jazz, Steve and Patrick share some of their recent successes implementing *gasp* some of their own advice. Yes, it's as ridiculous as it sounds. No, Patrick does not get locked in a small room again (sadly).

    Here are some links to dive into if you're into that kinda thing:

    • Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention and How to Deeply Think Again by Johann Hari
    • Jen Marr - All-Around Amazingly Nice Person
    • Jen Marr's Books - Showing Up and Lifting Up

    Come for the chat, stay for the laughs, and run from our faces: we're Grossly Competent!

    Send us Fan Mail

    Support the show

    51 min
  • Building Presentation(s) Competently

    In this episode of Grossly Competent, hosts Steve and Patrick are back in full force after a small hiatus to enjoy the finer things of Spring Break and professional webinars. Speaking of which, Patrick provides a fantastic overview of some solid 'Do's and Don'ts' of Professional Presentations, thanks to friend of the show* Gregory Tall. Learn tricks of the trade, avoid faux pas, and immerse yourself in the methods of building a proper presentation that is sure to wow your audience.

    Before that, Steve gives his unprompted review of the trending chain Buc-ee's and which involves some serious hot sauce recommendations. Patrick fumbles over his words like a madman, learns how to speak like Jason Statham, and provides a burn so brutal that Steve is still recovering in the school Nurse's Office.

    (*We like him and he is friendly, therefore he is a friend to the show. Semantics, I know. - Steve)

    Here are some links to dive into:

    • Gregory Tall - the man, the myth, the legend
    • Kevin Pollack demonstrates how to speak Statham (NSFW)
    • Buc-ee's (in case you've been living under a rock)
    • Kwik Trip, for the uninitiated

    Come for the chat, stay for the laughs, and run from our faces: we're Grossly Competent!

    Send us Fan Mail

    Grow Potential With Humata Consulting
    Empowering Company Success through Customized Learning and Development Solutions

    Hang out with Zero Proof Pass
    Mindful Drinking Starts Here - Hang out without the Hangover.

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show

    1 hr 5 min
  • Vacation, All Ugly Club Ever Wanted

    "It's very interesting...but I'm not interested." 

    In this episode of Grossly Competent, hosts Steve and Patrick trade their usual “grossly competent” professional advice for something a little lighter—vacations, travel, and what it really means to unplug. From Door County, WI charm to Florida Keys serenity, they break down what makes a great getaway. Spoiler: it’s less about luxury and more about slowing down, good food, and not being trapped in a tourist t-shirt vortex. Along the way, they debate hotels vs. Airbnbs, confess their mutual distrust of hostels, and firmly agree that camping is… not it.

    Before that, Steve makes it all about himself by announcing an upcoming speaking gig at DisruptHR (and giving Patrick full credit for his elite editing skills) while Patrick discusses the finer points of his time with the ATD (Association for Talent Development).

    Here are some links you might like:

    • Kayla with NAPS Chicago 
    • The Go-Go's Vacation 
    • DisruptHR 
    • Assocaition for Talent Development (ATD)

    Come for the chat, stay for the laughs, and run from our faces: we're Grossly Competent!


    Send us Fan Mail

    Grow Potential With Humata Consulting
    Empowering Company Success through Customized Learning and Development Solutions

    Hang out with Zero Proof Pass
    Mindful Drinking Starts Here - Hang out without the Hangover.

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show

    57 min
  • Inadvertent Therapy with L&D

    ... and how does that make you... feel?

    In this episode of Grossly Competent, hosts Steve and Patrick discuss the secret job responsibility of all Learning and Development professionals: that of built-in therapist. Is it a consequence of being a support position in the work environment? Or are they looking for an advocate? Is it because they are affiliated with HR? Or not really HR?

    Find out what the boys think in this episode!

    But first, Patrick talks about all things March Madness while Steve describes his wish of seeing Sebastian Janikowski kick a field goal with stipulations. And if that's not enough, the boys sprinkle in a few stories - some told and others teased - of almost becoming a Tolkein character and another about the dangers of sitting on escalators.

    Here are some random links based on the content you might find fascinating:

    • Did you know that professional Golf used to put the fate of the world in the public's hands!
    • Why Sebastian Janikowski making wishes come true (NSFW - Language)
    • An absolute banger: Frodo of the Nine Fingers
    • Escalators are basically Satan's plaything

    Come for the chat, stay for the laughs, and run from our faces: we're Grossly Competent!





    Send us Fan Mail

    Grow Potential With Humata Consulting
    Empowering Company Success through Customized Learning and Development Solutions

    Hang out with Zero Proof Pass
    Mindful Drinking Starts Here - Hang out without the Hangover.

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show

    1 hr
  • Let's Circle Back on Worn-Out Work Tropes

    In this episode of Grossly Competent, hosts Steve and Patrick taking an in-depth look at Worn-Out Work Tropes. Y'know, those tired old phrases and ideals that get tossed around the workplace that have lost all purpose and meaning like trying to play a cassette tape on a smart speaker. What do they actually say about your organization and why do they keep getting used?

    Listen in and find out!

    But first, Patrick continues to regale us with his newfound and continuous fame while Steve panders to potential event organizers in an attempt to get Grossly Competent LIVE and on the road.

    Come for the chat, stay for the laughs, and run from our faces: we're Grossly Competent!

    Send us Fan Mail

    Grow Potential With Humata Consulting
    Empowering Company Success through Customized Learning and Development Solutions

    Hang out with Zero Proof Pass
    Mindful Drinking Starts Here - Hang out without the Hangover.

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show

    51 min
  • Flying Into the Invisible Curriculum

    In this episode of Grossly Competent, hosts Steve and Patrick dive into the psychological world of Invisible Curriculums as they present themeslves in professional environments. What are they? How do they come into being? What do they mean? And what type of effect do they have on the growth of employees and the company overall? Join the boys while they dissect this topic to give you a better understanding of your own professional environments.

    Speaking of environments, Patrick shares his newfound respect of mosh pits and spares no expense slowly and carefully chirping at Steve into explaining why this episode was recorded off-schedule. And it's definitely 'for the birds'.

    Interested in some of the topics covered? Here are some links for ya!

    • Avatar and their toe-tapping song 'Hail the Apocalypse'
    • The Doorway Effect or Location Updating Effect
    • The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
    • Navigating the Hidden Curriculum - Notre Dame Learning
    • Julie Menden - Executive Forum extraordinaire
    • Sara Valentine - HEART LEadership Podcast (Say hi from Steve and Patrick!)

    Come for the chat, stay for the laughs, and run from our faces: we're Grossly Competent!

    Send us Fan Mail

    Grow Potential With Humata Consulting
    Empowering Company Success through Customized Learning and Development Solutions

    Hang out with Zero Proof Pass
    Mindful Drinking Starts Here - Hang out without the Hangover.

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show

    1 hr 4 min

About Grossly Competent

From the publisher's feed

Join Steve Counsell and Patrick Aleshire, your faithful - yet hideous - hosts as they share their love of Learning, Adulting, and all that is absurd in their world. If you like…