A LinkedIn post that went viral for all the wrong reasons has become a cautionary tale about the risks of chasing engagement at any cost.
A woman posted about a “chance encounter” with former DBS CEO Piyush Gupta at a café in Bali. Janney Hujic shared a photo and claimed they discussed her upcoming all-women expedition to Mongolia in support of the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund.
The problem? It wasn’t him.
The real Piyush Gupta commented: “Sorry to disillusion you. That isn’t me!”
But the problems didn’t stop there. The post claimed she was raising funds for the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund through her expedition. However, SG Enable quickly clarified that neither she nor her company were authorized fundraisers for the fund, and that their logo and fundraising messages were being used without permission.
What followed was a social media storm, with users calling it “peak LinkedIn” and the incident becoming a symbol of everything wrong with performative professional networking.
But here’s where it gets interesting. The woman later claimed her social media manager posted this without her permission and demanded S$5,000 to remove it. She alleges she was in Vietnam without internet access when the post went live.
Whether you believe this explanation or not, the damage was already done.
As professionals building our personal brands, this saga offers crucial lessons:
For celebrities, any publicity can be good publicity because visibility keeps them relevant. But for subject matter experts? Different rules apply.
Our businesses are built on trust and credibility. One viral misstep can undo years of reputation building. The LinkedIn comments section was brutal, and that’s the kind of association that follows you.
I understand the pressure. LinkedIn’s algorithm rewards engagement, and it’s tempting to craft posts that guarantee likes and shares. But manufacturing fake encounters with prominent figures crosses a line from creative storytelling into deception.
If the claim about the rogue social media manager is true, it highlights another risk: losing control of your brand narrative. Your online presence is too important to delegate without proper oversight and clear boundaries.
But here’s the harsh reality: blaming your marketing team, social media person, or anyone else won’t matter when your reputation is on the line.
The damage is done. Your name is attached to it. Your reputation takes the hit.
As someone who has managed LinkedIn content for many subject matter experts, I’ve seen how one bad move can have massive ripple effects. The S$5,000 allegedly paid to remove this post? That’s nothing compared to the long-term reputation damage.
Perhaps most damaging was the false association with a legitimate charity. SG Enable had to publicly clarify that she wasn’t an authorised fundraiser and that their logo was being used without permission. This crosses from personal embarrassment into potential legal territory and damages a charity’s reputation.
Be authentically controversial, not dishonestly viral.
Having differing opinions from your peers can actually be beneficial. It sets you apart and draws followers who resonate with your position. These followers are often more loyal because your stance speaks to them personally.
Take calculated risks with your content. Challenge industry norms, share contrarian views, tell personal stories that reveal your expertise. But always stay truthful.
Verify your partnerships and affiliations. If you’re representing or raising funds for an organization, ensure you have proper authorization. One phone call could have prevented this entire mess.
Protect yourself from social media disasters by implementing these safeguards:
Focus on what really matters for your authority. Don’t chase viral moments or manufactured encounters with famous people. Instead:
Remember: Your peers aren’t your clients. Never be afraid of what other professionals in your field will say about your content. They’re not the ones who will hire you or buy your services. Your target audience is looking for expertise and authenticity, not approval from your professional circle.
This LinkedIn saga became a masterclass in how not to build professional credibility. Whether it was intentional deception or a social media mishap, the outcome was the same: damaged reputation and public ridicule.
In our digital age, authenticity isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential for long-term success. Build your authority through genuine expertise and honest storytelling, not manufactured encounters with famous people.
Your reputation is your most valuable professional asset. Guard it carefully.
What’s your take on this LinkedIn saga? How do you balance authentic content with the pressure to create engaging posts?
References:
https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/05/26/linkedin-post-misidentifies-piyush-gupta-sparking-viral-mix-up-and-scrutiny-over-fundraising-claims/
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/linkedin-dbs-ceo-piyush-gupta-social-media-manager-5152041
https://mothership.sg/2025/05/man-not-piyush-gupta/index.html