When times are tough, I stay hands-on with the team, ensuring everyone’s aligned with our vision. We run quick experiments, adapt fast, and stay open to fresh ideas. I keep communication transparent and support bold moves, while smartly managing resources to fuel innovation, even in uncertain times.

Innovation during uncertainty is essential, and I believe it starts with fostering a culture of open communication. Encouraging team members to share ideas freely creates a safe space for creativity. Flexibility is also key—adapting strategies and embracing unconventional solutions can lead to breakthroughs. I see failure as a learning tool rather than a setback, which helps maintain momentum. Investing in skill development keeps the team motivated and ready for change. Most importantly, recognizing small wins boosts morale, reinforcing a mindset of progress. Even in tough times, staying open-minded and forward-thinking ensures long-term success.

Innovation isn’t a checklist – it’s a heartbeat. And in uncertain times, only brands with a pulse survive. Open dialogue without purpose is just noise. While fostering dialogue is critical to flattening hierarchies and creating space for creativity — broadening perspectives that often narrow into rigid focal points in daily routines — this openness requires strategy and direction. Otherwise, it risks becoming another unproductive circle of talk, devoid of real change or innovation. This is where design thinking offers tools — through games and rituals — that enable productive, structured creative development.

Focus on rapid, low-risk experiments. Prioritize small, iterative tests over large, costly projects. Encourage cross-functional collaboration and empower teams to solve immediate problems. This fosters agility and keeps innovation practical and relevant to current needs.