Episode 123
How Active Listening Transformed a Controls Expert Into a Stronger Leader
What Makes Customer Voices the Key to Stronger Manufacturing Brands
Join host Sannah Vinding for this episode with Charles Johnson, Lead Trainer and Technical Engineer at Lynxspring, Inc., and host of the A Controls Problem Podcast. Charles has built his career around building automation systems and Niagara training, but his biggest lessons didn’t come from technology — they came from leadership.
In this insight-packed conversation, you’ll hear:
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Why Leadership Isn’t About Titles – Learn how Charles leads mixed-skill teams and builds collaboration across technical and non-technical groups.
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The Mistake That Changed Everything – Hear the turning point when Charles realized he wasn’t truly listening — and how active listening reshaped his leadership.
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Building a Learning Culture – Discover how he fosters curiosity, mentorship, and hands-on growth for technicians and engineers.
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Habits That Keep Leaders Sharp – Find out the daily practices Charles uses to stay current and push innovation in a fast-moving industry.
If you want practical, real-world leadership lessons from the front lines of technical training and building automation, this episode is packed with insights you can use right away.
Don’t miss it — subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts!
“One of the biggest shifts in my career was realizing I was hearing people but not truly listening. Once I became an active listener, everything about my leadership changed.”
Key takeaways
Active Listening Changes Everything
Hearing is not the same as listening. When leaders practice active listening, they build trust, uncover real insights, and strengthen collaboration across teams.
Check Your Ego at the Door
True leadership is not about being right. It is about creating space for others, valuing different perspectives, and finding solutions that move everyone forward.
Learning Cultures Drive Growth
Technical skills alone are not enough. A culture that encourages curiosity, questions, and hands-on problem solving accelerates both individual development and organizational success.
“Leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about how you communicate, listen, and help people grow. The way Charles talks about building a learning culture shows exactly why those skills matter.”
“Check your ego at the door. Leadership is not about being right all the time, it is about listening, learning, and finding solutions that bring everyone forward.”
Show Notes
In this episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing podcast, host Sannah Vinding sits down with Charles Johnson, Lead Trainer and Technical Engineer at Lynxspring, Inc. and host of the A Controls Problem podcast.
Charles shares his journey from engineer to trainer and the leadership lessons he’s learned along the way, including the turning point when he realized that active listening could transform not only how he taught but also how he led.
The conversation dives into the challenges of leading mixed-skill teams, building a culture of learning, and fostering collaboration in a technical industry that is constantly evolving. Charles also opens up about the habits that help him stay sharp and the importance of humility in leadership.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
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How active listening can reshape your leadership style
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What it takes to build collaboration across mixed-skill technical teams
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Why checking your ego at the door is essential for growth
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How to foster curiosity and create a culture of learning
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The daily practices that keep leaders sharp in fast-changing industries
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This episode is filled with practical insights for anyone in manufacturing, engineering, or controls who wants to strengthen their leadership impact and build teams that thrive.
Like what you hear?
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Guest
Charles Johnson
Lead Trainer/Technical Engineer at Lynxspring, Inc
Charles Johnson is the Lead Trainer and Technical Engineer at Lynxspring, Inc., where he equips integrators and technicians with practical skills to deliver reliable, scalable building automation solutions. A Niagara Certified Trainer, Charles blends hands-on field experience with clear instruction, helping teams translate complex controls concepts into real-world results.
He’s also the host of the “It’s a Controls Problem” podcast, where he spotlights real voices from the BAS community—discussing best practices, career journeys, and the future of smart buildings and automation. Known for his approachable teaching style and no-nonsense problem solving, Charles is passionate about growing the next generation of controls pros and raising the bar for quality across the industry.
Based in the Charleston, South Carolina area, Charles is active across industry forums and training programs, frequently sharing tools, workflows, and code samples that make everyday controls work faster and more dependable. Whether he’s teaching a Niagara class, building repeatable standards, or recording with industry leaders, Charles brings energy, humility, and a teacher’s mindset to everything he does.
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