A LinkedIn connection request escalated into a public confrontation when Carlos Pantoja, CEO of Optima Solutions, sent a threatening message to Ali Schwanke, founder of Simple Strat. Schwanke exposed the exchange by posting a screenshot, which quickly went viral. Pantoja’s message warned Schwanke not to poach his employees, ending sarcastically with ‘With much love.’ Schwanke chose not to censor the names involved, calling the threat ‘unwarranted.’ The post gained significant attention, sparking debates about professional networking etiquette and leadership styles.