CIOs and CTOs are prioritizing AI development over data strategy, which is a critical prerequisite for successful AI implementation. They're getting ahead of themselves by separating AI from data strategy, when in fact, AI requires high-quality data built on a well-executed data strategy. Executives need to understand that a strong data foundation is essential for AI success, and that there are no shortcuts. Organizations with a unified data strategy, governed access to high-quality data, and reliable data pipelines are the ones who will excel in AI capabilities.