Digitalization and big data have accelerated the widespread adoption of quantitative methods in strategic management making it essential for corporations to reinvent their journey towards perfection. This study explores the mediating effect of business models on data-driven strategic management (DDSM) practices to attain organizational excellence based on operational efficiency and competitive advantage. A quantitative analysis using smart PLS4 of 368 respondents at a managerial level from SMEs operating data-driven conducts in Jordan was used to explore the mediating role of adaptive business models. The results suggest that organizations whose business models are flexible and novel tend to realize greater improvements in their performance outcomes under data-driven strategies emphasizing the need to harmonize current business models with data-centric practices. All of these give organizations a reason to take action and, if necessary the adaptation of business models for personal gain through data-driven strategies.