CIOs and IT leaders are confronting significant challenges due to budget constraints, labor shortages, and evolving customer expectations, with generative AI (GenAI) emerging as a key solution to these issues. A major hurdle is the underutilization of data, which is crucial for leveraging GenAI to optimize business processes; 69% of executives cite real-time data usage as a challenge, and 60% are dissatisfied with current data insights. Tool sprawl and reliance on legacy systems further complicate matters by creating silos and inefficiencies, hindering cross-functional collaboration and digital transformation. Additionally, manual processes drain resources and slow decision-making, while a lack of operational resilience and cybersecurity threats pose significant risks. To address these issues, many leaders are investing in data tools and AI-driven solutions to improve automation, enhance security, and build a robust data foundation, ultimately aiming to increase efficiency, drive innovation, and boost organizational agility and resilience.