At the recent Canva Create conference, older managers eager to stay ahead of workplace trends may have missed the mark with a musical performance that has gone viral for all the wrong reasons. Attendees who paid $175 to attend the event or watched the live stream globally were treated to a performance featuring a rapper and six backup dancers that has been described as “cringe” by viewers.
The performance, which some have likened to an Off-Broadway parody of Hamilton, has received backlash on social media, with many criticizing the awkward cadence and lyrics of the song. Tweets from attendees expressing their disappointment and disbelief at the performance have been circulating online, with some even jokingly canceling their Canva subscriptions in response.
This incident is not the first time a company event has faced criticism for being “cringe-worthy.” Earlier in the month, Google’s I/O Event also faced backlash for a musician’s performance. Despite the negative feedback, Canva has not yet responded to requests for comment on the situation.
As older generations in leadership roles continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of workplace trends, it serves as a reminder that staying relevant and engaging with younger generations requires a delicate balance of authenticity and innovation. In this case, it seems that Canva missed the mark, leaving attendees and viewers cringing at the musical performance.