Just as people are the foundation of successful companies, strong data infrastructure and analytic capabilities are the next stratum. This critical layer, if done correctly, empowers teams to develop the right strategies, execute effectively, and recognize when to course correct. Success depends on having the insight to know what data is needed, where to source it, and how to transform and interpret it into actionable intelligence while balancing the cost of investment against the value of results. An effective data strategy focuses on defining the right metrics that drive the key areas of the business, thoughtfully articulating why these are the best metrics to use, and ensuring key insights are not missed or obscured. Additionally, ensuring the right secondary metrics exist so that insights into successes or problems can be easily determined and action can be immediately taken. This strategy allows for an efficient review process that highlights any needed action items.