The LinkedIn post went viral… but for the wrong reason.
What was meant to be a touching LinkedIn post about leadership and serendipity quickly turned into a viral “oops” moment, all because it involved the wrong man.
Janney Hujic, founder of a retreat and coaching business, shared a heartfelt post describing a supposed chance encounter with Piyush Gupta, the former CEO of DBS Bank, at a café in Bali. She recounted how she recognised him, approached him, and was inspired by his humility and calm presence. They even took a photo together.
She wrote about his “quiet conviction,” praised his legacy at DBS, and reflected on how leaders inspire not just with their words but how they “show up in the world.”
But the plot twist? The real Piyush Gupta himself saw the post and commented.
“Sorry to disillusion you. That isn’t me!”
Cue 1,000+ reactions and a flood of secondhand embarrassment.
To her credit, Janney responded graciously, saying:
“Oh gosh, I’ve seen you when I was at DBS — couldn’t tell the 2 apart. Kudos to him. In his defense he had your charms right on and he said all the right things.”
The post has since gained traction on LinkedIn, with many amused by the wholesome mix-up.
Some praised Gupta’s classy reply, while others jokingly reminded users to fact-check, especially before publishing a public tribute to someone.
Moral of the story? Always confirm before you post… or risk going viral for all the wrong reasons.
You may read her post in full text below:
A Chance Encounter with the Ex-CEO of DBS — In the Last Place I Expected
– to meet one of Asia’s most respected CEOs in a quiet café tucked away in Bali, Indonesia.
I glanced across the room and thought, That looks an awful lot like Piyush.
Curious, I walked over — and sure enough, it was him.
Piyush Gupta, the former CEO of DBS Bank. Casual. Composed. Entirely unassuming.
What struck me wasn’t just the legendary career — transforming DBS into a global digital banking leader — but the humility and presence with which he carried himself.
No entourage. No airs. Just quiet conviction.
We spoke for a few minutes.
I shared my mission: to empower women through transformative travel — the kind that challenges, heals, and unlocks potential. I told him how deeply retreats and expeditions have changed me, and how I now create those experiences for others.
His eyes lit up. He spoke of the need for rest and renewal — how something as simple as a beach walk with loved ones or a rugged mountain trek can offer perspective, clarity, and strength. Over his 40+ year career, he’s seen how these experiences fuel women’s personal and professional growth.
Then came the part that truly humbled me.
I told him about our upcoming all-women expedition in Mongolia — 105km across a frozen lake, in support of the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund. He smiled and said, “What an incredible opportunity — for women of any age — to step outside the office and into something truly meaningful.”
That brief moment reminded me:
The best leaders don’t just inspire with their words — they lead by how they show up in the world.
