There is a growing need for data leadership as businesses navigate economic uncertainty and focus on efficiency in the coming year. Data plays a crucial role in reviewing products, services, and customer relationships to ensure efficiency does not impair them. A well-defined data strategy can help organisations leverage a data-driven approach, identify industry trends, and uncover friction in business models and processes. To succeed, senior leadership teams must embrace data and data leaders should take their place alongside traditional leaders at the top table. Data leaders need to align their work with business priorities and ensure all areas of the organisation know how to work with the data team to garner value from insights generated. Leading businesses are using data to gain a deeper understanding of every element of the organisation, informing investment decisions and creating truly differentiated customer and employee experiences.