Welcome to an insightful conversation with Chloe Maraina, a Business Intelligence expert with a deep passion for crafting compelling visual stories through big data analysis. With her sharp skills in data science and a forward-thinking vision for data management and integration, Chloe is the perfect guide to help us navigate the evolving landscape of data literacy. In this interview, we’ll dive into the essence of data literacy in today’s business world, explore why it’s a critical skill for employees at every level, discuss the challenges of bridging perception gaps within organizations, and uncover practical strategies for fostering a data-driven culture.
How would you define data literacy for someone who’s just starting to explore this concept in a business context?
I’d describe data literacy as the ability to read, interpret, and communicate insights from data in a way that’s meaningful for decision-making. Think of it like traditional literacy—where you read a book to understand a story or message—except here, you’re “reading” numbers, charts, or trends to uncover a narrative or solve a problem. In a business setting, it’s about being comfortable enough with data to ask the right questions and use the answers to guide your work, whether you’re in sales, marketing, or operations.
What makes data literacy different from simply knowing how to use data tools or software?
Knowing how to use tools or software is just one piece of the puzzle—it’s like knowing how to type without understanding the language you’re writing in. Data literacy goes deeper; it’s about grasping the context behind the data, recognizing what it represents, and understanding its limitations. You can be a wizard with a spreadsheet program, but if you don’t know how to interpret a correlation versus causation or spot flaws in the data, you might draw the wrong conclusions. It’s more about critical thinking than technical know-how.
Why do you believe data literacy is essential for employees across all levels of an organization, not just data specialists?
Data touches every part of a business today, from tracking sales performance to understanding customer behavior. If only a handful of experts understand it, you lose the ability to have meaningful conversations across teams. For everyone else, being data-literate means they can spot trends, identify issues, or back up their ideas with evidence, even in small ways. It empowers people to contribute to bigger goals and ensures that decisions—big or small—are grounded in reality, not just gut feelings.
What are some potential risks for a company if most of its workforce lacks data literacy skills?
Without data literacy, you’re flying blind. Employees might misinterpret information, leading to poor decisions that cost time and money. There’s also a risk of missed opportunities—if people don’t know how to dig into data, they can’t uncover insights that could drive innovation. Plus, it creates silos where only a few “data people” hold the keys to understanding, slowing down collaboration and making the organization less agile. Over time, this gap can erode trust in data altogether, which is disastrous in a competitive market.
In your experience, have you noticed a disconnect between how leadership and employees perceive data literacy within a company?
Absolutely, I’ve seen this often. Leadership might assume everyone is on the same page because they’ve rolled out tools or dashboards, but employees on the ground often feel overwhelmed or unsure how to use them effectively. There’s a gap in confidence and sometimes even in expectations—executives might think a quick training is enough, while staff struggle with basic interpretation. It’s not just about access to data; it’s about whether people feel equipped to engage with it meaningfully.
How can organizations get a clearer picture of their team’s actual data literacy levels?
It starts with honest assessment, not assumptions. Companies can run surveys or workshops to gauge comfort levels with data tasks, like interpreting a chart or explaining a metric. I also think one-on-one conversations or focus groups help—let employees share where they feel stuck. Beyond that, looking at how data is actually used in day-to-day work can reveal gaps. Are reports being ignored? Are decisions still based on hunches? Those are red flags that signal a need for better understanding.
What are a few fundamental data literacy skills you think every employee should aim to develop?
At a baseline, everyone should understand simple statistical concepts like averages or medians—those pop up in most business data. Being able to read and interpret visuals, like graphs or charts, is also key because so much information is presented that way. And I’d add critical thinking—knowing how to question where data comes from and what it really means. These skills aren’t just for analysts; they help anyone make sense of the information they encounter daily.
Where should a company begin if they’re new to prioritizing data literacy among their workforce?
Start small and focused. Pick a team or department that’s already curious about data and pilot a training program there. Begin with the basics—how to read a dashboard or spot a trend—and build from that. It’s also crucial to define what data terms mean in your company so everyone speaks the same language. From there, gather feedback and scale up. The goal is to create early wins that show the value of data literacy and get others on board.
How can leadership, such as a Chief Data Officer, champion the push for a data-literate culture?
Leadership sets the tone. A Chief Data Officer or similar role can lead by example, showing how data drives their decisions and sharing those stories across the organization. They can also advocate for resources—training, tools, or time—to make learning accessible. More importantly, they need to foster an environment where experimenting with data isn’t punished, even if it reveals uncomfortable truths. When leaders prioritize data literacy, it signals to everyone that this is a core part of how the business operates.
What does a culture of learning around data look like to you, and how can companies encourage curiosity without fear of failure?
A learning culture around data means people feel safe to ask questions, play with numbers, and even mess up without repercussions. It looks like regular lunch-and-learns where teams share data insights, or open forums to brainstorm what metrics matter. Companies can encourage curiosity by celebrating small discoveries—maybe someone in HR finds a pattern in turnover data—and by providing sandbox environments to test ideas. The key is to frame data as a tool for exploration, not a weapon for blame.
Have you come across creative methods like gamifying data literacy training, and how effective do you find these approaches?
Yes, I’ve seen gamification work wonders in some organizations. Turning data skills into a game—where you earn badges for completing modules or solving real-world problems—makes learning feel less like a chore and more like a challenge. It’s effective because it taps into motivation and recognition; people want to level up from, say, a “data citizen” to a “data builder.” When paired with clear benchmarks or certifications, it also ensures the skills are real, not just for show. It’s a great way to keep engagement high.
What is your forecast for the future of data literacy in businesses over the next decade?
I see data literacy becoming as fundamental as digital literacy is today. In the next decade, businesses won’t just expect employees to use data; they’ll demand a deeper ability to think critically about it as data sources grow more complex. I predict we’ll see more tailored training programs, possibly powered by AI, to meet individual learning needs. Companies that invest in this now will have a serious edge—those who don’t risk falling behind as data becomes the backbone of every industry. It’s not just a skill; it’s a survival tool for the future.
