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Over the past eight years, I’ve worked in the design industry across different roles — each one offering its challenges and lessons. What shaped me the most wasn’t just the work itself, but the people I’ve had the chance to work alongside. From learning under experienced mentors to later becoming one myself, I’ve seen how leadership can inspire real change. My journey included mentoring designers who now shape big brands, leading panel discussions, and managing creative teams at a high level. These experiences taught me how powerful a thoughtful and people-focused management style can be.

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A Company Once Known for Trust

Netflix once stood out from other companies for how it treated its employees. One of its most admired policies was its unlimited parental leave — very rare then. The message was clear: trust your people, and they’ll do great work. That kind of culture was part of why top talent wanted to join.

But things changed when leadership did. Since 2023, under new management, Netflix has slowly stepped away from its people-first approach. The unlimited leave policy? Quietly limited. Remote flexibility? Slowly disappearing. These changes weren’t made because the policies failed — but because the new leadership didn’t fully understand the culture that made Netflix special in the first place.

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The Broader Shift in Work Culture

Netflix isn’t alone. Many companies are rolling back flexible work options and other benefits that worked well during the pandemic. The reason isn’t performance — because in many cases, productivity went up. The reason is control. Some managers feel more comfortable when everyone is at a desk under the same roof, even if that’s not what works best for the team.

This way of thinking ignores how work has evolved. People now expect to be trusted and supported — not micromanaged. When companies treat employees like they can’t be trusted, it creates stress and lowers morale. On the other hand, when teams are empowered, they often exceed expectations.

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Why Leadership Still Matters

This situation shows that leadership matters — not just for profit but for people. A strong leader knows how to balance goals with empathy. I’ve seen this firsthand while managing projects and guiding teams. In every team I’ve led or mentored, I’ve seen how far people can go when they feel seen, trusted, and heard.

Being part of discussions and panels where these topics are debated has shown me that many people are searching for the same thing: purpose, respect, and real collaboration. And when leadership gets that right, the results speak for themselves.

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Looking Forward with Purpose

Sharing my experience through this article isn’t just about looking back — it’s about moving forward with intention. After years of working closely with talented professionals and guiding teams through complex projects, I’ve seen how vital good leadership is.

Culture isn’t a slogan on the wall. It’s built day by day through the choices we make, the way we treat people, and the trust we offer. As companies continue to evolve, I believe those that keep people at the center of their culture will always be the ones that truly stand out.

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Aram Andreasyan
Industry Leader, Design Expert

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