Stepping into the role of Head of Data requires a significant shift in mindset from being an individual contributor (IC) focused on technical tasks to a leader driving business strategy and impact. Newly promoted data leaders often struggle to detach from hands-on coding and instead need to prioritize strategic decision-making, team delegation, and fostering stakeholder relationships. The success of a data leader is not measured by the volume of technical outputs but by the business impact those outputs have. It is crucial for data leaders to align their efforts with business goals, cultivate supportive stakeholders, and communicate the value of data initiatives in terms that resonate with business needs. This transition involves learning new skills, such as managing relationships and expectations, which are vital for effectively leading a data team and delivering impactful solutions.