AI, although not always explicitly stated, is becoming central to business strategies. As we envision the future, AI's role will only grow. Data leaders need to proactively communicate this reality to senior leadership and secure a seat at the table during strategy discussions. There might be a gap in understanding among senior leaders regarding AI's potential, and it's the data leader's responsibility to bridge this gap and advocate for AI integration.

Product strategy is key to translating capabilities and expertise into tangible customer outcomes. It's about identifying and addressing real problems, focusing on the outcome rather than the output. To achieve this, data leaders must understand and leverage their organization's capabilities, applying them effectively to the market and creating a competitive advantage.

Every data leader must identify:

• Who are your customers?
• What are your capabilities?
• How do you drive value with your capabilities for your customers?

In essence, any business strategy is about how to utilize your strengths to navigate the market and gain an edge, and product strategy plays a crucial role in achieving this goal, especially in the context of data and AI.