Am I a "bad" product designer for not doing any research/testing?

I've been trying to get a new job for over a month now and the lack of good news after I do my portfolio presentations has me really questioning my process. I'm currently a senior level designer at a fintech startup working on one of their key products. Because of its importance, a lot of the roadmap has already been laid out so there isn't much need to conduct research.
On the opposite end, I'm also not doing any true user testing. Since I've started working there two years ago, user testing hasn't been a part of the design process and our design leadership hasn't really pushed to change that (I know me taking initiative on this front would make a great story in interviews but I've been focused on being proactive in other areas). Lastly, the work I'm doing won't be built till next year so I can't even A/B test or iterate based on usage data.
The way I see it, I'm still employing product design skills as I figure out how different features fit together within the larger product, establish the flow of a user completing a task, and generally transforming a vague idea into a real experience. Plus, I'm constantly presenting my work to a cross-functional team and occasionally C-suite level executives so I'm getting some feedback to iterate.
I don't know how to frame my situation in the best light anymore and feel like I'm just making excuses whenever the interview asks me about research and testing.