In this episode, Clint Padgett sits down with Chris Fenning – communication coach, corporate trainer, and award-winning author of “The First Minute” – to talk about one of the most common (and costly) problems in the workplace: unstructured communication.
Drawing on his background as an engineer and 20+ years of experience across six industries, Chris explains why even competent professionals struggle to communicate and how a simple, practical framework can transform how teams communicate. Clint and Chris discuss the science behind first impressions, the hidden toll of unclear meetings, and why clarity in the first 60 seconds can make or break your message. This is the first part of a two-part conversation.
In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Chris Fenning – communication coach, corporate trainer, and award-winning author of “The First Minute” – they shift from personal communication habits to team and organizational dynamics. Chris shares common red flags that signal a team’s communication is broken (think: camera-off meetings, “FYI” email chains, and vague subject lines) and offers practical strategies to fix them. The two dig into the business cost of unclear messaging, how email templates and meeting invites can be made more effective, and why the best communicators are often the most promotable.
Chris also explains how his GPS method (Goal, Problem, Solution) can make your messages sharper, your meetings shorter, and your updates more impactful. From interview prep to project briefings, these tools are designed to save time and build credibility.