Trust.

All companies are now data companies.

In the post-COVID-19 business environment, few deny that their organizations are data-driven. Data now plays a role in nearly every aspect of a company’s operations – from bringing skilled employees on board to marketing and advertising campaigns to day-to-day functioning. Recent leaps forward in generative artificial intelligence (AI) will only speed up the ways in which businesses become data-driven.

Because they need data to grow and innovate, today’s companies need more than a savvy chief information officer and a solid IT team. All company executives must act as “data leaders.” They must thoroughly understand not only how to use data to achieve organizational goals but also how to make their companies good data stewards. In a previous generation that underwent rapid technological transformations, the motto was, “Move fast and break things.” The key word for the new generation might be “trust.” Data leaders need strategic plans to gain and retain the trust of their customers, clients and colleagues. Companies that employ wise data practices will earn trust and...