

Neccessary? No. You showed that by coding this with your main python environment. Important? Yes. Using a project specific virtual python environment allows you to only use the modules needed and protects your main environment from malware packages and incompatible packages that could not play well with your OS and other projects you are working on.
For what it’s worth, I’ve got similar experience, and I’ve seen what OP is talking about. CEO rolling in twice a year to make arbitrary decisions that overrides Product. Product fighing amongst themselves as to what the CEO actually meant. Anyone questioning any of the above is let go for not being a team player.