The article explains how real-time operational data helps software engineering leaders make strategic decisions by providing immediate insights into team performance, process bottlenecks, and risks. Traditional metrics and outdated data often lead to reactive management, whereas real-time data enables proactive decision-making, optimizing team collaboration, productivity, and product quality. Tools like VZBL integrate data from platforms like Jira and GitHub, using AI and machine learning to enhance decision-making with predictive insights for long-term planning.