Oh No, I’m in Love!

Have you seen Troy Hawke on social media? If not, prepare to fall head over heels like me and millions of others around the world.

Picture this: a man dressed like a 1930s film star. Silk smoking jacket, cravat, an impossibly dashing moustache, loitering outside supermarkets, dishing out ridiculously charming compliments to unsuspecting shoppers.

✨ “I adore your head. Love it. Should be carved in marble.”

✨ “You radiate success! My eyes can barely handle it.”

And people light up. Not just because of the words but how Troy Hawke makes them feel. Seen. Appreciated. Uplifted. Because small moments of connection are powerful.

Think about the CEO who stops to chat with an intern instead of sweeping past in a cloud of self-importance. The colleague who follows up after a tough meeting and says, “That was rough—are you okay?”

Leadership is in the tiny, human moments. Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, is known for sending personal emails to employees recognizing their work—not a company-wide memo, but a direct, intentional message.

Leadership communication can sometimes feel like a blur of flashy roadshows, slick videos, and keynote speeches. But real impact? It’s in the small, daily interactions:

Here’s how you can make those small moments count:

Genuine Compliments – Not just “Great job,” but why it was great.

Radical Listening – Put the phone away. Hold eye contact. Let people feel heard.

Micro-Affirmations – A simple “That was a brilliant insight” or “I noticed how much effort you put in” can shift someone’s entire day.

Follow Up with Heart – A quick “Thinking of you” after a big day can mean everything.

Using Names More Often – A simple “Thanks, Mary” is a small, powerful signal of care.

You don’t need a microphone, a stage, or a cravat (though never say never). You need to show up—fully, genuinely, and like it matters. Because it does.

So, who’s the Troy Hawke in your world? Or better yet, how can you be that person today?

Let’s talk about making communication effortless, natural, and unforgettable, cravats optional.

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash