As a Design Lead during the pandemic in 2020, I encountered one of the most challenging professional experiences of my career. Due to the widespread global crisis, Monsoon Accessorize Ltd was compelled to consider letting go of a significant number of employees in order to avoid falling into bankruptcy, as many other retail brands did during that period.

To save my team while simultaneously exploring cost-cutting measures across all areas of design, print, and art direction, I needed to create a more efficient proposal that focused on only the essential aspects. Collaborating with the COO, I developed a team strategy proposal that not only aimed to reduce costs and reassign some employees within the organization but also emphasized the importance of strategizing around UX and product development rather than the physical aspects of retail, especially in light of store closures. At this point, digital products became the primary revenue source for the business, making it crucial to concentrate all efforts and resources on the digital teams.

This approach not only transformed the company's viewpoint on increasing investments in digital products, but it also altered my vision of my future work style.