Approachability isn’t about being “nice.” It’s about being present. It’s about building trust before there’s a crisis, creating space for truth to surface, and modeling the kind of leadership that makes growth possible—for your team and for yourself.
In this episode of The Leadership Code, we’re joined by Steve Worthy, Head of Growth at Competitor IQ (CIQ) and founder of The Campus, a leadership development platform redefining how we develop leaders in fast-paced industries like banking and retail. Steve is the mind behind the S.M.I.L.E. Approachability™️ Framework, a modern model that helps leaders foster trust, inspire teams, and expand their impact—without sacrificing performance.
We break down:
Why many leaders think they’re approachable (but aren’t)
What self-awareness and mindful listening really look like in practice
How to lead former peers and manage up without losing credibility
What role empathy and trust play in fostering high-performing, psychologically safe teams
🔍 The S.M.I.L.E. Framework:
Self-Awareness
Mindful Listening
Inspiring Trust
Lead by Example
Effective Empathy
Whether you’re an emerging leader, managing a legacy team, or guiding an organization through growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights for leading with both strength and humility.
Learn more about Steve at www.worthyretail.com/now
