Just as fish may not be aware of the water they swim in, we too often overlook the data that surrounds us daily. The problem isn't in wondering about the fish—it's in our lack of awareness about our own environment. We're immersed in data, yet it’s easy to overlook because it doesn’t feel pressing—until it is.

Data is everywhere, and like water to a fish, it's essential, yet invisible. However, unlike the fish, we must be fully aware of it. For some, data represents a golden opportunity for business growth. For others, it can bring life-changing consequences—sometimes unwanted. Companies can sink due to poor data quality, breaches, or costly fines from privacy violations.

How aware is your organization of its data landscape? And how well-equipped are you to discuss the often unseen aspects of it? Mismanagement of data often stems from a communication gap between IT and business teams. Unfortunately, few organizations are truly able to bridge this gap, leading to a dangerous void of unawareness.

Before we drown in data, it’s time to acknowledge the problem, open the lines of communication, and ensure we’re navigating this ocean of information with purpose and precision.

 This license allows reusers to copy and distribute the material in any medium or format in unadapted form only, for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.

CC BY-NC-ND includes the following elements:

• BY – Credit must be given to the creator
• NC – Only noncommercial uses of the work are permitted
• ND – No derivatives or adaptations of the work are permitted