Jordan Morrow stands as a top global authority on data and AI, widely recognized as the creator of the data literacy movement. He’s written five best-selling books on data and AI skills, delivered a TEDx talk, and earned the title “Godfather of Data Literacy”—though he’s a bit uncomfortable with that nickname.
“I didn’t coin that name myself,” he clarifies right away.
Once he begins speaking though, that minor detail quickly fades. Morrow breaks down data literacy in simple terms, framing it as a core skill for functioning effectively as “humans in the age of AI.”
Much of his experience in data literacy comes from his years at Qlik, where he worked closely with government agencies to build out data and AI strategies and tools. He stresses that for public sector organizations, successful AI rollout depends heavily on a workforce that truly understands data.
Morrow will take the stage at the Qlik 2026 Public Sector Summit on May 19 in Washington, D.C., where he’ll cut through the AI buzz, assess the current state of AI in government, and share actionable steps to help agencies, teams, and their missions thrive.
In the meantime, here’s a preview of three essential pillars for succeeding with AI through data literacy. Spoiler alert: it all comes down to people.
Follow the “Three Cs”
“Making smarter public sector decisions now more than ever relies on the ability to read, interpret, and analyze data,” Morrow explains. “That’s why I’ve developed what I call the Three Cs of data and AI literacy—and in government, they’re arguably the most critical skills anyone can cultivate.”
Be curious. Be creative. Think critically. These are Morrow’s Three Cs, and they form a powerful mindset for public sector professionals. With access to vast amounts of data, these principles help shape better policies, smarter decisions, and innovative tools that enhance how teams work.
They also encourage public sector users to craft compelling stories around data—a practice that may feel new or unfamiliar, but one that complements critical thinking and curiosity to truly leverage data and AI as transformative forces.
“There’s a fantastic book by David McRaney titled *How Minds Change*,” Morrow notes. “You quickly learn that data alone rarely changes someone’s mind—even when it’s right in front of them. It’s stories and narratives that shift perspectives, but those stories need solid data behind them.”
Lean Into the Unknown
Amid the whirlwind of AI enthusiasm, there’s plenty of negativity: fear, burnout, unease, doubt. Even Morrow admits he sometimes feels it. But he stays focused on the upside—a hallmark of his approach.
A major reason AI feels overwhelming to so many is simply not understanding it. Yet Morrow points out that everyone already possesses some level of data literacy; the key is recognizing it, strengthening it, and putting it to use. As he sees it, this is just part of the modern human experience.
“This isn’t humans versus AI. It’s about designing intelligence to drive better decisions,” he says. “I actually have a formula: Engineered Intelligence = Data + AI + IQ + EQ. Two parts technology, two parts human. And the most crucial element? Emotional intelligence. Because 90% to 99% of people aren’t AI specialists—so how do we grow alongside AI instead of being replaced by it? It takes effort, but once people engage, they gain confidence fast.”
That comfort with data literacy—and the drive to keep improving it—is especially vital in the public sector, where staff can unlock transformative impact using the data they already have. But operating in such a highly regulated space demands strong data literacy, ideally nurtured through targeted training programs for employees.
Everyone’s Invited—But Participation Requires Effort
The same AI frenzy that fuels dystopian fears also spawns promises of quick fixes for everything. The truth sits somewhere in between. That means generative AI isn’t a magic solution; sometimes a basic spreadsheet is the smarter choice.
So how do you know which tool fits the problem? Start by seeing everything in the AI and data world as a piece of a larger puzzle—“because ultimately, all those pieces come together to form the full picture,” Morrow says.
Learning to identify the pieces and assemble the puzzle takes real effort—and demands grounding in practical reality. But it’s also an inclusive journey; anyone can join in.
“Everyone has a seat at this table,” Morrow emphasizes. “But let me be clear: just because you’re sitting there doesn’t mean the food jumps into your mouth. You’ve got to take initiative. That means setting aside 15 to 20 minutes a day to actually use AI, read about it, explore how it can boost your work, and start building your own engineered intelligence. Just dedicate time to learning it. The mindset shift is: ‘I can do this, and I belong here.’ Every public sector worker needs to believe that.”
Want more insights from Jordan Morrow? Sign up for Qlik’s 2026 Public Sector Summit.
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