Simple Strat Founder Shares Threatening LinkedIn Message from Rival CEO

Ali Schwanke, founder of marketing company Simple Strat, recently shared a screenshot of a threatening message she received on LinkedIn from Carlos Pantoja, CEO of rival firm Optima Solutions. The message, which has sparked a strong reaction online, warns Schwanke not to "poach" employees from Optima Solutions, stating, "Your first and only warning is do not try to poach my employees or you will have no employees yourself."

This incident highlights the blurred lines between professional communication and intimidation on social media platforms, which can have significant implications for business relationships andemployee rights. As more professionals turn to social media for networking and communication, establishing clear guidelines for appropriate behavior becomes crucial to maintaining a respectful and professional online environment.

Schwanke shared the screenshot on May 1, 2024, with the caption, "Instead of being pitch slapped, now LinkedIn comes with threats. WTF is this." The post quickly went viral, garnering over 3 million views and 15,000 likes. Many users praised Schwanke for not blurring Pantoja's identity, with one user commenting, "Thank you for not blurring his name and face. He deserves the 'attention' from this."

The incident has sparked a lively debate about the ethics of poaching employees and the boundaries of professional communication on LinkedIn. Some users expressed support for Schwanke, with one writing, "Well if they are threatened then you're doing something great. My passive aggressive side of me wants to reply with 'Come at me bro' or 'hey your insecurity is showing, might want to tuck that back in'."

However, otherspointed out that Pantoja's message could be seen as a prudent warning against tortious interference. One user stated,"Demanding you don't commit tortious interference seems like a prudent thing for him to do. Additionally, you posting it just gave him significant evidence that you committed such violations with reckless disregard and that if you do it again, you knew there was a contract. Good work."

Why this matters: In a follow-up post, Schwanke mentioned that she had never heard of Pantoja or Optima Solutions before receiving the message. The incident highlights the complex ethics of poaching in business, with some considering it a legitimate way to attract talent and others viewing it as sabotage.

In 2015, four tech companies (Apple, Google, Intel, and Adobe) agreed to pay a $415 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit alleging they blocked career advancement by entering an undisclosed "no-poaching" agreement. The case brought attention to the issue of poaching and its impact onemployees' career opportunities.

The story continues to unfold, raising important questions about the role of social media platforms like LinkedIn in facilitating professional interactions and the potential for misuse. With more business leaders turning to these platforms to connect and communicate, establishing clear guidelines for appropriate behavior and promoting a culture of respect and professionalism becomes increasingly essential.

Key Takeaways

• Ali Schwanke, founder of Simple Strat, received a threatening message on LinkedIn from rival CEO Carlos Pantoja.
• Pantoja warned Schwanke not to "poach" employees from Optima Solutions, threatening retaliation.
• The incident sparked a debate on the ethics of poaching employees and professional communication on LinkedIn.
• The case highlights the blurred lines between professional communication and intimidation on social media.
• The incident raises questions about the role of social media in facilitating professional interactions and promoting respect.