Latest news with #Hujic
New Paper
08-06-2025
- Business
- New Paper
Oversharing, AI posts and other faux pas: Why you're using LinkedIn wrong
A widely circulated meme mocking LinkedIn entries goes like this: "When I was a little girl, I always dreamed of growing up to satisfy user needs in a way that meets business goals for transformative outcomes." While the post is satirical, its virality hints at how it captures the unique - and often cringeworthy - way that people write on LinkedIn. The professional networking platform, which launched in 2003, is where humble-bragging routinely meets oversharing. Users find ways to draw leadership life lessons from the most mundane of daily activities, such as conversations with a taxi driver or doing a presentation. Such oversharing is not without consequences. In May, Singaporean LinkedIn user Janney Hujic, who runs tour agency Elysian Expeditions, posted about a life lesson learnt from meeting former DBS Group chief executive Piyush Gupta - only for Mr Gupta to later comment: "Sorry to disillusion you. That isn't me!" If not for the mistaken identity, Ms Hujic's post would probably have gone unnoticed on the platform. LinkedIn has over one billion users worldwide - more than four million of whom are based in Singapore - all plugging their own professional and personal pursuits. Many of the initial comments lauded her for writing about this fortuitous "chance encounter". Even after Mr Gupta weighed in to dispute the account, some commenters suggested that the post, left up for a week, could draw attention to Ms Hujic's tour company. But at the end of May, her LinkedIn account was gone. What is the line between authenticity and misreading the room? Between clout-chasing and networking? Being vulnerable and oversharing? The Straits Times spoke to recruiters, public relations experts and LinkedIn's "top voices" to find out why you are likely using LinkedIn wrong. Here are five questions to ask before you post. 1. Is it cringe or 'context collapse'? When you post on LinkedIn, for whom should you be writing? Your future boss? A potential recruiter or hiring manager? Your current colleagues? Perhaps your old schoolmates or industry acquaintances? While you might imagine a particular audience, the answer is really: "All of the above." Internet researchers have coined the term "context collapse" to refer to how social media creates a form of communication that collapses many distinct social contexts into one. Offline, it is an easy feat to change your tone and language when schmoozing with your boss, sharing workplace gossip with a confidant or impressing a recruiter. Online, these contexts are flattened into a single feed that all of these potential audiences - and your mum and mother-in-law - can access. This partly explains why many LinkedIn posts feel "cringe". Users often post to impress future hiring managers or build a specific follower base, which is perhaps an expectation that current colleagues or general audiences might not share. It also explains why certain posts land their creators in hot water. Posts on LinkedIn are visible not only to one's target audience, but also to the public. PHOTO: LINKEDINLUNATICS Ms Bethany Bloch, managing editor at public relations firm Mutant Communications, says leaders need to be mindful of the opinions they share, as well as prevailing public sentiment. "We saw what happened with the now former vice-president of the Law Society of Singapore, which is a classic example of oversharing that led to a PR crisis for them and a personal crisis for him," she says, referring to Mr Chia Boon Teck, who resigned from his position after he penned a LinkedIn post in March which was seen as casting blame on a rape survivor. Mr Chia likely expected his post to stay within a small circle of friends in the legal fraternity. However, context collapse meant that strangers - including those on Facebook and Instagram - who held divergent viewpoints became his audience, judge and jury. Recruitment experts speaking to ST affirm the importance of being wary about one's LinkedIn activity, noting that it is now common practice for recruiters to look through a candidate's posts to assess his or her personality and values, and identify potential red flags. 2. Are you authentic enough? Nearly all experts speaking to ST identified "authenticity" as an important trait to project on LinkedIn, but it is an amorphous concept that defies definition. "Beyond qualifications, cultural and personality fit are critical factors in the hiring process," says Ms Jaya Dass, Asia-Pacific managing director at human resources firm Randstad Enterprise, who notes that she sees inappropriate jokes and personal rants as red flags. On the other hand, insightful content about personal takeaways - instead of merely posting often - and posts showing appreciation for colleagues are her green flags. Content that drives the most engagement on LinkedIn includes business news - earnings, mergers and organisational changes - as well as career advice and industry trend perspectives, says Ms Serla Rusli, a LinkedIn career expert and senior editor at LinkedIn News. Who is posting matters. She notes that more business leaders are using LinkedIn to explain the how and why behind major professional decisions, citing a 52 per cent increase in posts from chief executives over the past two years. These average eight times more impressions and four times more engagement than posts from others. There has been a 52 per cent increase in posts from chief executives in recent years, though engagement may not always be positive. PHOTO: LINKEDINLUNATICS Sharing videos is another approach to consider. Ms Rusli notes that video is a fast-growing format on LinkedIn, with time spent watching videos up by 36 per cent as at April. Ms Christel Goh, chief executive of local public relations agency Grow Public Relations, warns against overusing personal stories, a common trope on LinkedIn. "There's a fine line between meaningful sharing and oversharing. When every moment becomes a 'teachable lesson', it can feel forced, cringey or overly dramatic," she adds. An overemphasis on achievements, using the platform to shame and blame others, and an excessive dependence on artificial intelligence (AI) to generate content are other common mistakes on the platform. LinkedIn users' frequent overemphasis on achievements and "teachable" moments is often satirised. PHOTO: LINKEDINLUNATICS "LinkedIn is a professional networking space, and because of its nature, many users feel compelled to present a highly polished, positive image of themselves," Ms Goh says. "While this might seem appropriate for a professional platform, the overly curated and idealised tone can come across as unrealistic. People don't typically communicate in such a polished manner in everyday life." The key is setting editorial guidelines for yourself, says Dr Juliana Chan, a LinkedIn Top Voice with more than 100,000 followers, and former Massachusetts Institute of Technology scientist-turned-branding-coach who prides herself on speaking "fluent LinkedInese". "'Does this story serve my professional audience? Does it add value or context to my expertise and job as a branding coach?' If yes, I'll share it authentically. If it's just unnecessary personal drama or random life updates, it stays private," she says. She points to a post she made in November about her father's death in 2024 because she had written about him on LinkedIn in the past. She sees this as professionally relevant context because it "helped people see that I am only human and not some digital avatar". The challenge lies in where to draw these lines. What constitutes oversharing versus insight? Bluntness versus offence? The inherent risk of using LinkedIn as a platform is that not everyone agrees on boundaries. Unfortunately, any misjudgments are linked to your employer and a detailed resume. For another LinkedIn Top Voice and founder of career development organisation The Mindgem, Ms Ratna Juita, the answer lies in understanding that you cannot please everyone. "In today's attention economy, appealing to everybody means appealing to nobody," she says. "Embrace strategic polarisation. Take clear stands on industry issues, share your unique perspectives and don't be afraid to repel the wrong audience while attracting the right one." 3. How are you using your connections? One of LinkedIn's most important functions is the ability to connect with others. But this, too, can be a potential source of networking faux pas. Ms Yeo Sha-En, a professional speaker and LinkedIn Top Voice, considers immediately asking for something upon reaching out to be a networking red flag. "In the case of networking or mentorship, this is equivalent to meeting someone for the first time and expecting him or her to give you something," she says. "People need time to get to know you before they can mentor you." Similarly, Dr Chan thinks it is a common networking mistake to send connection requests without adding a custom note. "If I receive 100 connection requests, often only two to three of them have a thoughtfully written custom note attached to it," she says. "Every single time, I consider these requests first." Ms Juita says: "Strategic networking isn't about collecting contacts. It's about building a community of mutual support and shared professional growth." She highlights the importance of finding ways to turn online connections into offline ones and setting healthy boundaries on what you should share. Being retrenched in 2018, she adds, taught her a hard lesson on the importance of establishing a personal brand that extends beyond a single company or employer. "The traditional employment contract where loyalty guaranteed job security no longer exists," she says. "Companies restructure, industries evolve and even the most dedicated employees can find themselves unexpectedly looking for new opportunities. "When that happens, your LinkedIn network isn't just helpful, but it can also be your lifeline." 4. Is sharing your layoff a good idea? Posting about being #opentowork or a recent layoff has become a common LinkedIn trope, but is sharing such news online a good idea? Nearly all recruitment experts who spoke to ST say being open about a layoff is a useful way to put yourself on the radar of recruiters - and get some much-needed support from others. "From a recruiter's perspective, layoffs are rarely seen as a negative mark, especially given today's economic climate," says Ms Kris Tan, an associate partner at recruitment firm Page Executive. "Authenticity is a valued quality in candidates, and many employers appreciate when individuals are transparent about their job search efforts." Recruiters say it often comes down to discoverability. "Recruiters monitor these posts, and such announcements can increase visibility and encourage referrals," says Ms Ilse Clement, senior consultant for human resources and business support at recruitment agency Robert Walters Singapore. "Be tactful and forward-looking. Frame it as a transition rather than a setback," she adds. Ms Clement also notes that active LinkedIn users who post regularly and engage with others are more likely to appear in search results due to the platform's algorithm. As recruiters use keywords to find candidates, it is important that your profile includes relevant industry terms, skills and certifications. Candidates can also use LinkedIn's built-in "Open to Work" feature to discreetly signal to recruiters that they are open to opportunities. Not everyone agrees with this approach. Dr Leon Qiu, a PhD graduate from the Singapore Management University and prolific LinkedIn poster, believes that signalling you are #opentowork - using the platform's built-in profile frame - can be "self-sabotage". "It hurts your chances and negotiating power. It signals to the job market you are of poorer labour quality," he says. "Conversely, if you are open to hire, you have greater power and are perceived to be more capable. But it's just my hypothesis." 5. Falling for the 'thought leadership' trap? Considering the effort required and the many reputational risks, why post on LinkedIn at all? The answer usually revolves around "thought leadership", one of LinkedIn's most persistent buzzwords. The term refers to establishing oneself as an authority in a field. Advocates see it as genuine expertise that influences industries and drives change. Sceptics argue it is little more than dressed-up self-promotion, recycled ideas and meaningless business jargon. The desire for "thought leadership" has created a lucrative industry around it, where it has become common practice for public relations agencies to sell thought leadership as a service - meaning the creation of op-eds and, at times, LinkedIn posts for a tidy sum. Ms Charu Srivastava, co-founder of communications consultancy firm TriOn & Co, says her firm works with clients on LinkedIn strategy and thought leadership content development. "The main reason they come to us is to ensure quality, authenticity and a consistency of LinkedIn engagement," she says. "The clients have full oversight of the content, and we incorporate their personal voice and nuances in the content development process. This provides our clients with the balance of strategy and guidance with full ownership of their profiles." But AI also adds a new dimension to this, with many users turning to generative AI tools like ChatGPT to create posts and insights. Nearly all experts ST spoke to highlighted mindlessly using AI without supervision to create a flood of generic content as a flaming red flag. "One of the biggest mistakes is posting content just for the sake of it," says Ms Srivastava. "There is more of this happening on LinkedIn these days, due to the increasing use of GenAI to create content." "There is a running joke about how people post about the most mundane professional developments with a 'LinkedIn flair'," she adds, noting that many users inflate achievements, and conflate their personal and professional lives. Recognising the reality that many posts are not written by users themselves - the platform has even introduced a feature to use AI-generated responses as comments - is key to understanding that not all engagement on the platform is meaningful. As such, the quest for engagement on the platform can sometimes be a performative trap, reinforcing that virality is far from the equivalent of becoming a thought leader. This is especially true for those who create generic listicles and inspirational quotes without a clear point of view, say experts. Dr Chan says "not everyone needs to build an audience on LinkedIn". For entrepreneurs, consultants and executive coaches - as well as those seeking speaking opportunities or board positions, or being headhunted - active engagement makes sense. For others, it may not. Her advice: Focus on "signature content" that stems from your unique experience and cannot be replicated by others. "Likes on LinkedIn don't pay the bills," she says. "It is more financially productive to attract people who want to collaborate with you. Every post should increase your 'surface area of luck' if done correctly."
Straits Times
07-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Oversharing, AI posts and other faux pas: Why you're using LinkedIn wrong
Be mindful of the pitfalls of posting on LinkedIn, or it could lead to cringeworthy content. PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO Oversharing, AI posts and other faux pas: Why you're using LinkedIn wrong SINGAPORE – A widely circulated meme mocking LinkedIn entries goes like this: 'When I was a little girl, I always dreamed of growing up to satisfy user needs in a way that meets business goals for transformative outcomes.' While the post is satirical, its virality hints at how it captures the unique – and often cringeworthy – way that people write on LinkedIn. The professional networking platform, which launched in 2003, is where humble-bragging routinely meets oversharing . U sers find ways to draw leadership life lesson s from the most mundane of daily activities, such as conversations with a taxi driver or doing a presentation. Such oversharing is not without consequences. In May, Singaporean LinkedIn user Janney Hujic, who runs tour agency Elysian Expeditions, posted about a life lesson learnt from meeting former DBS Group chief executive Piyush Gupta – only for Mr Gupta to later comment: 'Sorry to disillusion you. That isn't me!' I f not for the mistaken identity, Ms Hujic's post would probably have gone unnoticed on the platform. LinkedIn has over one billion users worldwide – more than four million of whom are based in Singapore – all plugging their own professional and personal pursuits. Many of the initial comments lauded her for writing about this fortuitous 'chance encounter'. Even after Mr Gupta weighed in to dispute the account , some commenters suggested that the post , left up for a week, could draw attention to Ms Hujic's tour company. But at the end of May, her LinkedIn account was gone. What is the line between authenticity and misreading the room? Between clout-chasing and networking? Being vulnerable and oversharing? The Straits Times spoke to recruiters, public relations experts and LinkedIn's 'top voices' to find out why you are likely using LinkedIn wrong. Here are five questions to ask before you post. 1. Is it cringe or 'context collapse'? When you post on LinkedIn, for whom should you be writing ? Y our future boss? A potential recruiter or hiring manager? Your current colleagues? Perhaps your old schoolmates or industry acquaintances? While you might imagine a particular audience, the answer is really: 'All of the above.' Internet researchers have coined the term 'context collapse' to refer to how social media creates a form of communication that collapses many distinct social contexts into one. Offline, it is an easy feat to change your tone and language when schmoozing with your boss, sharing workplace gossip with a confidant or impressing a recruiter. Online, these contexts are flattened into a single feed that all of these potential audiences – and your mum and mother-in-law – can access. This partly explains why many LinkedIn posts feel 'cringe'. Users often post to impress future hiring managers or build a specific follower base, which is perhaps an expectation that current colleagues or general audiences might not share. It also explains why certain posts land their creators in hot water. Posts on LinkedIn are visible not only to one's target audience, but also to the public. PHOTO: LINKEDINLUNATICS Ms Bethany Bloch, managing editor at public relations firm Mutant Communications, says leaders need to be mindful of the opinions they share, as well as prevailing public sentiment. 'We saw what happened with the now former vice-president of the Law Society of Singapore , which is a classic example of oversharing that led to a PR crisis for them and a personal crisis for him ,' she says, referring to Mr Chia Boon Teck, who resigned from his position after he penned a LinkedIn post in March which was seen as casting blame on a rape survivor. Mr Chia likely expected his post to stay within a small circle of friends in the legal fraternity. However, context collapse meant that strangers – including those on Facebook and Instagram – who held divergent viewpoints became his audience, judge and jury. Recruitment experts speaking to ST affirm the importance of being wary about one's LinkedIn activity, noting that it is now common practice for recruiters to look through a candidate's posts to assess his or her personality and values , and identify potential red flags . 2. Are you authentic enough? Nearly all experts speaking to ST identified 'authenticity' as an important trait to project on LinkedIn , but it is an amorphous concept that defies definition. 'Beyond qualifications, cultural and personality fit are critical factors in the hiring process,' says Ms Jaya Dass, Asia-Pacific managing director at human resources firm Randstad Enterprise, who notes that she sees inappropriate jokes and personal rants as red flags. On the other hand, insightful content about personal takeaways – instead of merely posting often – and posts showing appreciation for colleagues are her green flags. Content that drives the most engagement on LinkedIn includes business news – earnings, mergers and organisational changes – as well as career advice and industry trend perspectives, says Ms Serla Rusli, a LinkedIn career expert and senior editor at LinkedIn News. Who is posting matters. She notes that more business leaders are using LinkedIn to explain the how and why behind major professional decisions, citing a 52 per cent increase in posts from chief executives over the past two years. These average eight times more impressions and four times more engagement than posts from others. There has been a 52 per cent increase in posts from chief executives in recent years, though engagement may not always be positive. PHOTO: LINKEDINLUNATICS Sharing videos is another approach to consider. Ms Rusli notes that video is a fast-growing format on LinkedIn, with time spent watching videos up by 36 per cent as at April. Ms Christel Goh, chief executive of local public relations agency Grow Public Relations, warns against overusing personal stories , a common trope on LinkedIn. 'There's a fine line between meaningful sharing and oversharing. When every moment becomes a 'teachable lesson', it can feel forced, cringey or overly dramatic,' she adds. An overemphasis on achievements, using the platform to shame and blame others, and an excessive dependence on artificial intelligence (AI) to generate content are other common mistakes on the platform . LinkedIn users' frequent overemphasis on achievements and 'teachable' moments is often satirised. PHOTO: LINKEDINLUNATICS 'LinkedIn is a professional networking space, and because of its nature, many users feel compelled to present a highly polished, positive image of themselves,' Ms Goh says. 'While this might seem appropriate for a professional platform, the overly curated and idealised tone can come across as unrealistic. People don't typically communicate in such a polished manner in everyday life. ' The key is setting editorial guidelines for yourself, says Dr Juliana Chan, a LinkedIn Top Voice with more than 100,000 followers, and former Massachusetts Institute of Technology scientist-turned-branding-coach who prides herself on speaking 'fluent LinkedInese' . ''Does this story serve my professional audience? Does it add value or context to my expertise and job as a branding coach?' If yes, I'll share it authentically. If it's just unnecessary personal drama or random life updates, it stays private,' she says. She points to a post she made in November about her father's death in 2024 because she had written about him on LinkedIn in the past. She sees this as professionally relevant context because it 'helped people see that I am only human and not some digital avatar'. The challenge lies in where to draw these lines. What constitutes oversharing versus insight? Bluntness versus offence? The inherent risk of using LinkedIn as a platform is that not everyone agrees on boundaries. Unfortunately, any misjudgments are linked to your employer and a detailed resume. For another LinkedIn Top Voice and founder of career development organisation The Mindgem, Ms Ratna Juita, the answer lies in understanding that you cannot please everyone. 'In today's attention economy, appealing to everybody means appealing to nobody,' she says. ' Embrace strategic polarisation. Take clear stands on industry issues, share your unique perspectives and don't be afraid to repel the wrong audience while attracting the right one.' 3. How are you using your connections? One of LinkedIn's most important functions is the ability to connect with others. But this, too, can be a potential source of networking faux pas. Ms Yeo Sha-En, a professional speaker and LinkedIn Top Voice, considers immediately asking for something upon reaching out to be a networking red flag. 'In the case of networking or mentorship, this is equivalent to meeting someone for the first time and expecting him or her to give you something,' she says. 'People need time to get to know you before they can mentor you.' Similarly, Dr Chan thinks it is a common networking mistake to send connection requests without adding a custom note. 'If I receive 100 connection requests, often only two to three of them have a thoughtfully written custom note attached to it,' she says. ' Every single time, I consider these requests first.' Ms Juita says: 'Strategic networking isn't about collecting contacts. It's about building a community of mutual support and shared professional growth.' She highlights the importance of finding ways to turn online connections into offline ones and setting healthy boundaries on what you should share . Being retrenched in 2018, she adds, taught her a hard lesson on the importance of establishing a personal brand that extends beyond a single company or employer . 'The traditional employment contract where loyalty guaranteed job security no longer exists,' she says. 'Companies restructure, industries evolve and even the most dedicated employees can find themselves unexpectedly looking for new opportunities. 'When that happens, your LinkedIn network isn't just helpful, but it can also be your lifeline.' 4. Is sharing your layoff a good idea? Posting about being #opentowork or a recent layoff has become a common LinkedIn trope, but is sharing such news online a good idea? Nearly all recruitment experts who spoke to ST say being open about a layoff is a useful way to put yourself on the radar of recruiters – and get some much-needed support from others . 'From a recruiter's perspective, layoffs are rarely seen as a negative mark, especially given today's economic climate,' says Ms Kris Tan, an associate partner at recruitment firm Page Executive. 'Authenticity is a valued quality in candidates, and many employers appreciate when individuals are transparent about their job search efforts.' Recruiters say it often comes down to discoverability. 'Recruiters monitor these posts, and such announcements can increase visibility and encourage referrals,' says Ms Ilse Clement, senior consultant for human resources and business support at recruitment agency Robert Walters Singapore. ' Be tactful and forward-looking. Frame it as a transition rather than a setback,' she adds. Ms Clement also notes that active LinkedIn users who post regularly and engage with others are more likely to appear in search results due to the platform's algorithm. As recruiters use keywords to find candidates, it is important that your profile includes relevant industry terms, skills and certifications. Candidates can also use LinkedIn's built-in 'Open to Work' feature to discreetly signal to recruiters that they are open to opportunities. Not everyone agrees with this approach. Dr Leon Qiu, a PhD graduate from the Singapore Management University and prolific LinkedIn poster , believes that signalling you are #opentowork – using the platform's built-in profile frame – can be 'self-sabotage '. 'It hurts your chances and negotiating power. It signals to the job market you are of poorer labour quality,' he says. ' Conversely, if you are open to hire, you have greater power and are perceived to be more capable. But it's just my hypothesis.' 5. Falling for the 'thought leadership' trap? Considering the effort required and the many reputational risks, why post on LinkedIn at all? The answer usually revolves around 'thought leadership', one of LinkedIn's most persistent buzzwords. The term refers to establishing oneself as an authority in a field. Advocates see it as genuine expertise that influences industries and drives change. Sceptics argue it is little more than dressed-up self-promotion, recycled ideas and meaningless business jargon. The desire for 'thought leadership' has created a lucrative industry around it , where it has become common practice for public relations agencies to sell thought leadership as a service – meaning the creation of op-eds and, at times, LinkedIn posts for a tidy sum . Ms Charu Srivastava, co-founder of communications consultancy firm TriOn & Co, says her firm works with clients on LinkedIn strategy and thought leadership content development. 'The main reason they come to us is to ensure quality, authenticity and a consistency of LinkedIn engagement,' she says. 'The clients have full oversight of the content, and we incorporate their personal voice and nuances in the content development process. This provides our clients with the balance of strategy and guidance with full ownership of their profiles.' But AI also adds a new dimension to this , with many users turning to generative AI tools like ChatGPT to create posts and insights. Nearly all experts ST spoke to highlighted mindlessly using AI without supervision to create a flood of generic content as a flaming red flag. 'One of the biggest mistakes is posting content just for the sake of it,' says Ms Srivastava. 'There is more of this happening on LinkedIn these days, due to the increasing use of GenAI to create content.' 'There is a running joke about how people post about the most mundane professional developments with a 'LinkedIn flair',' she adds, noting that many users inflate achievements, and conflate their personal and professional lives. Recognising the reality that many posts are not written by users themselves – the platform has even introduced a feature to use AI-generated responses as comments – is key to understanding that not all engagement on the platform is meaningful. As such, the quest for engagement on the platform can sometimes be a performative trap, reinforcing that virality is far from the equivalent of becoming a thought leader. This is especially true for those who create generic listicles and inspirational quotes without a clear point of view, say experts. Dr Chan says 'not everyone needs to build an audience on LinkedIn'. For entrepreneurs, consultants and executive coaches – as well as those seeking speaking opportunities or board positions, or being headhunted – active engagement makes sense. For others, it may not. Her advice: Focus on 'signature content' that stems from your unique experience and cannot be replicated by others . 'Likes on LinkedIn don't pay the bills,' she says. 'It is more financially productive to attract people who want to collaborate with you. Every post should increase your 'surface area of luck' if done correctly.' Check out the Headstart chatbot for answers to your questions on careers and work trends.
Straits Times
05-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Chasing clout on LinkedIn: Treading the fine line between being real and self-serving
Can we be real when it comes to celebrating professional milestones and branding ourselves? The Usual Place Podcast Chasing clout on LinkedIn: Treading the fine line between being real and self-serving A recent viral post on LinkedIn - the professional networking social media platform - has cast the spotlight on how some users have pushed content about their jobs and professional endeavours into something more self-serving and performative. Just a couple of weeks ago, Ms Janney Hujic shared about what she claimed was a 'chance encounter' with former DBS CEO Piyush Gupta in a cafe in Bali. She praised his 'quiet conviction' and how he had shared wise words for her upcoming all-women's expedition in Mongolia. It read like a cool connection moment, until it turned out to be fake. Mr Gupta, whom she tagged, commented on the post to clarify that she was mistaken. He wrote: 'Sorry to disillusion you. That isn't me!' While the whole episode took a darker turn later on - with Ms Hujic claiming it was a blackmail post for money by her freelance social media manager in the Philippines - it also sparked a conversation about humble bragging, toxic positivity or exaggerating professional interactions in the quest to stand out on a platform like LinkedIn's. In this episode of The Usual Place, Ms Crystal Lim-Lange - co-founder of Forest Wolf, a leadership consultancy that specialises in leadership transformation and personal growth - dropped by to talk about how we can be real when it comes to celebrating professional milestones and branding ourselves. Talking about the viral post, Ms Lim-Lange, who is also a two-time LinkedIn Top Voice, said: 'We are all dealing with human beings, and there are many reasons why people can show up on social media in a certain way. We don't know the full story.' The post by Ms Hujic has since been deleted. Our podcast conversation turned to the importance of career visibility, how this incident highlighted the temptation to appear connected or successful, and how to avoid being performative. On the matter of showing up authentically, the entrepreneur, who also hosts a podcast called Comfort And Growth with Crystal Lim-Lange, said: 'Don't say something because you want to say something. Say something because you have something to say.' I also wanted to know how someone in Ms Hujic's position can make a comeback after a professional gaffe? Ms Lim-Lange said: 'You can't go wrong if you are doing your best and it's can hold that against you to some extent, because what else can we do other than our best?' Highlights (click/tap above): 2:12 Many reasons why people show up differently on social media 4:05 Casual racism behind the viral LinkedIn post? Why we need to be conscious of what we say 8:16 Career visibility is important, but when does it become self-serving or a humblebrag? 12:25 What this incident highlights about the temptation to appear connected or successful 13:59 Ms Lim-Lange's checklist for her LinkedIn posts: Is it educational, entertaining or inspirational? 15:30 When to shine the spotlight on your professional journey 17:16 Future jobs will require 'high touch and trust' 18:58 'If you are just a warm body, then you are replaceable.': A lesson learnt from her investing banking days 20:20 What does building career visibility entail? 25:05 'In order to be visible... you need to create value.': Ms Lim-Lange 28:17 How can I be real on a professional networking social media platform like LinkedIn? 30:39 Record and share insights from your work, avoid being performative to sell yourself 36:07 How do we recover from a professional gaffe? 38:21 'Authenticity is the ultimate cure-all.': Ms Lim-Lange's take on why doubling-down doesn't work 42:53 The difference between reacting and responding Ms Lim-Lange's podcast is available on Spotify and YouTube. Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@ Read Natasha's articles: Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: Filmed by ST Video: Joel Chng and T Kumar Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Natasha Liew ST Podcasts' executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube: Feedback to: podcast@ --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: ST Podcasts website: ST Podcasts YouTube: --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: Google Play: Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Online Citizen
26-05-2025
- Business
- Online Citizen
LinkedIn post misidentifies Piyush Gupta, sparking viral mix-up and scrutiny over fundraising claims
SINGAPORE: A Singaporean woman, Janney Hujic, has gone viral for all the wrong reasons after a LinkedIn post about a 'chance encounter' with former DBS CEO Piyush Gupta turned out to be a case of mistaken identity — and possibly more. In a now-deleted LinkedIn post published on 19 May, Hujic claimed she had run into Gupta at a café in Bali, writing: 'I glanced across the room and thought, that looks an awful lot like Piyush. Curious, I walked over — and sure enough, it was him.' She described the encounter as memorable and inspiring, and posted a photo of herself with a man in a floral shirt, appearing relaxed and friendly. 'No entourage. No airs. Just quiet conviction,' she wrote, praising what she believed was Gupta's humility. However, the post quickly unraveled when Gupta himself responded in the comments: 'Sorry to disillusion you. That isn't me!' His reply garnered over 2,000 likes — more than the original post — and sparked a social media frenzy. The man in the photo was later identified as Kumar H Subramaniam, a 58-year-old Singaporean living and working in Bali. In an interview with Mothership, Kumar said he told Hujic and her companion right away that he was not Gupta. He also revealed he had been mistaken for Gupta before, but this was the first time it had gone viral internationally. 'I don't know why she still went ahead and posted the photo and tagged Gupta after I told her I wasn't him,' said Kumar. Hujic had written in her post that the two spoke briefly about her travel startup. She recalled how 'his eyes lit up' when she described her women's expedition project and fundraising goals. She also admired his 'humility and presence.' Social media reactions were mixed. Some users mocked the mistaken identity, calling it a blatant ploy for attention: 'They look nothing alike!' Others were more sympathetic: 'The similarity is impeccable.' The situation was widely described as 'peak LinkedIn', referring to the platform's reputation for overly polished and performative storytelling. Post Allegedly Made Without Consent, Manager Demanded S$5,000 According to 8World News on 24 May, Hujic later claimed the LinkedIn post was not written or approved by her, but was instead uploaded by her freelance social media manager — who then demanded S$5,000 to take it down. Screenshots shared with 8World showed the manager purportedly stating: 'Post has over 6k engagement. Pay me 5k SGD and I take down.' Hujic alleged the same manager, who is reportedly based in the Philippines, also changed the login details for both her LinkedIn and Instagram accounts. She told 8World that a message from the manager read: 'When I get paid I give you back access.' The manager had originally been hired in March on a freelance basis, recommended by a friend, and was being paid S$1 per like on posts. Hujic was on a cave expedition in Vietnam with no internet access when the viral post was published. By the time she returned online on 24 May, she said she was locked out of her social media platforms. Although her partner has since transferred an undisclosed sum to the manager, Hujic stated that she still does not have access to her accounts. Who is Janney Hujic? Hujic gained attention after she posted a photo taken in Bali with a man she claimed was Piyush Gupta. She tagged the former banking executive in a post that described a brief inspirational exchange, relating it to her upcoming all-women expedition to Mongolia in support of the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund (GCTEF). As the controversy escalated, Hujic did not immediately respond to media inquiries about the post's origin. However, an update posted to her LinkedIn account on 22 May — seemingly written by her team — stated that she was currently away on an expedition in Vietnam without internet access and would only return on 25 May. 'Be assured that she tagged Piyush with the hope that he would respond to her post, fully thinking that she had spoken with him,' the update read. 'Yes, GPT might have been used to improve the wording, as this was a once-in-a-lifetime encounter for her. But at no point was there any intention to deceive anyone. Please hold your thoughts until she has put her side of the story.' The statement added that Hujic would personally address the situation upon her return on Sunday. Questions Over Fundraising Efforts The controversy has also drawn scrutiny toward Hujic's claimed fundraising efforts for the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund (GCTEF) – a community fund that aims to provide people with disabilities the opportunities to actively contribute to society. In a statement issued 23 May, the organisation clarified that neither Hujic nor her company, Elysian Expeditions, had been authorized to raise funds on its behalf. 'We reached out to Ms Hujic on 21 May 2025 to seek clarifications about the fundraising campaign and to date, we have not received a response from her or Elysian Expeditions.' said the GCTEF. 'We would like to inform the public that Ms Hujic and Elysian Expeditions are not authorised fundraising partners of SG Enable, and we have not endorsed their fundraising campaign. The GCTEF logo and fundraising messages on their website are used without our knowledge and permission.' Hujic told 8World News she had submitted an application for fundraising approval but had not seen the email from GCTEF until recently due to being offline. She said she has since responded and intends to clarify the nature of the expedition and its connection to her company.
NDTV
26-05-2025
- NDTV
Woman Blames Manager For Viral LinkedIn Post Misidentifying DBS Bank's Ex-CEO
A Singapore woman, who in a LinkedIn post identified a stranger as former DBS Bank CEO Piyush Gupta, has now broken her silence over the viral claim. This came after Mr Gupta clarified he wasn't in the picture. "Sorry to disillusion you. That isn't me!" he wrote in the comments section of the post. In an interview with 8World News, Janney Hujic, a Singapore resident, claimed her freelance social media manager posted it without her consent to gain traffic. She alleged that the manager, based in the Philippines, even blackmailed her for S$5,000 (approx. Rs 3.08 lakhs) based on the number of likes. Ms Hujic added the freelancer was paid one dollar for every like her posts received. Narrating the incident, Ms Hujic said her manager, whom she hired in March to manage her Instagram and LinkedIn, posted the story without her permission when she was on a cave trip to Vietnam with no internet connection. When she came into the network zone area, she found the freelancer had changed her LinkedIn password and she couldn't log back in, according to a report in Mothership. She even shared the screenshot of the blackmailed message, which was accessed by Mothership, that read, "Post has over 6k engagement. Pay me 5k SGD and I take down. Profile now is down. I changed access and all. When I get paid I give you back access." Ms Hujic said that on her trip, she approached the man, identified as Kumar H Subramaniam, who resembled Mr Gupta. She clicked a picture and shared it as a joke among her friends in a group, which also included her freelance social media manager. When she regained access to the internet on May 24, she found that she was being heavily trolled online. By then, her freelance social media manager had logged her out of her LinkedIn account. Speaking with Mothership, Mr Kumar, the man in the picture, said he was having lunch with a colleague at a cafe in Bali when he was approached. She showed him a picture and asked if he was Mr Gupta. "She and her guy mentioned that they had worked at DBS before and we joked about her pranking her friends that she had bumped into Mr Gupta by chance in public while on their holiday here," he said. "I never, at any point, said that I was indeed Mr Gupta. I never agreed for my picture to promote any business or social ventures on anyone," he said.
