Do You Talk About Bruno?

Bruno from Encanto

Have you seen the Disney Film “Encanto?” If so, you’ll be familiar with the hit song, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.”

The video below showcases this catchy tune. It was one of the #1 songs within six weeks of its debut.

This fantasy film was enthralling to watch.

Maybe you don’t have a “Bruno,” or a “Grandma Alma,” in your family . . .  but most people can relate to a dysfunctional and loving family.

So . . . What does Bruno represent?

Do you see a rebel? Or perhaps someone out of touch with reality?

Both of these descriptions seem accurate – at first.

As the story moves along, however, Bruno is revealed as a sensitive visionary. He’s able to see what’s really happening behind the scenes.

And it scares him.

No one wants to believe him. He always has bad news.

It seems safer to trust Abuela Alma, who has been directing the family all these years.

It takes a strong character, Mirabel, to peek behind the tapestry of her family’s life. She finds Bruno. She bravely figures out what his vision of her means.

Not ‘talking about Bruno” has some interesting marketing implications:

  • For example, what are you avoiding, even though deep down you know it has to be faced?
  • Maybe your latest ad campaign hasn’t gone as well as you wanted. And you need to figure out why.
  • Or perhaps your sales and marketing departments aren’t on the same page.

Whatever it is, it can be scary to expose the cracks. It reveals vulnerabilities you don’t want to face.

The story of Encanto has a happy ending.

It’s a modern-day fairy tale.

And “not talking about Bruno” drives the plot forward.

However, not talking about things in business drives a wedge of discomfort in the workplace.   

Eventually, the cracks need to be fixed, not just glossed over.

What are you waiting for?

Be brave – like Mirable and Bruno.

Take some time to think about what’s right with your company. And what’s not working in your situation.

It’s hard to be fully present and do your best work when Bruno lurks in the shadows.