On this episode of the Data Storytellers podcast, Pete Williams shares insights from over 25 years in the data industry, discussing his career path to data leadership and lessons learned along the way. Williams reflects on strategies for understanding organizational needs, building relationships, and implementing data strategies that deliver tangible business value. He also offers perspectives on qualities that make an effective data leader, including communication skills, change management experience, and balancing expertise with humility.Connect with us:•Website: https://thedatastorytellers.com/•LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-data-storytellers•Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2N0vZtHZHgod4Tll2LX2xa•YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz9e56lhYUfORiOHMiLlPmA• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-data-storytellers-podcast/id1493766476Chapters:00:00 - Introductions09:09 - Pete Williams' career 17:21 - Current work at Random House21:15 - Understanding organizational needs26:34 - Sales strategies for software vendors31:38 - Separating product and technical roles 37:53 - Prioritizing key stakeholders46:21 - Building trust and credibility52:25 - Creating a data-driven organization59:32 - Organizational roles and data literacy1:07:18 - Data-driven decision making1:14:31 - Qualities of effective data leaders1:21:39 - Leadership qualities in data analysis1:27:38 - Advice for future data leaders