Many companies spend a lot on data technology, but often forget about the importance of data and AI literacy. Without the right skills, even the best platforms can fail to deliver results. Teams need to understand how to work with data and AI to make any strategy successful.

In this episode of Tech Transformed, EM360Tech’s Trisha Pillay chats with Greg Freeman, the founder of Data Literacy Academy about why knowing data and AI matters for anyone building a digital strategy.

Data and AI Literacy

Freeman points out that many data strategies end up as technical documents rather than actionable roadmaps. He explains that organisations often spend heavily on infrastructure, expecting better tools to solve their problems but without employees who understand how to work with data and why it matters, these investments rarely deliver results.

Freeman explains that data strategies often fail because only a small portion of employees less than 20 per cent are truly enthusiastic about data. Most strategies are designed with this minority in mind, creating an echo chamber that leaves the majority behind. As a result, data stays siloed, and business decisions don’t improve. 

The Data Literacy Academy founder stresses that unless organisations engage the 80 per cent of employees who aren’t already invested, their strategies are unlikely to succeed. When the focus is on tools rather than people, adoption falls behind.

Takeaways

  • Data and AI literacy are key to turning strategy into value.
  • Tools alone don’t work; people need confidence and context.
  • Focus on engaging the data-hesitant majority, not just the enthusiasts.
  • Cultural change, not just technical change, is what drives ROI

Chapters

  • 00:00 – Introduction
  • 02:07 – Beyond the Tech Stack
  • 04:41 – Why Strategies Fail
  • 08:41 – Literacy Barriers
  • 12:08 – Success in the Real World
  • 17:17 – Building Lasting Literacy
  • 22:20 – AI Needs Literacy Too
  • 26:33 – Final Takeaways

About Greg Freeman

Greg Freeman is the founder and CEO of Data Literacy Academy, where he works with CDOs, CIOs, and business leaders to drive real cultural change around data. His mission is to help organisations tackle data illiteracy by building confidence and capability from the ground up, especially for employees who feel disengaged or anxious about data.

With a background in sales leadership and tech startups, Greg brings both strategic insight and real-world experience.