How do you prepare leaders for a future shaped by AI? At the United States Military Academy at West Point, the answer starts with purpose and ends with action. Colonel Paul Evangelista, West Point’s Chief Data Officer, shared how his team is building foundational literacy in data, AI, and decision-making across every level of the institution. In this conversation, he outlined what real literacy looks like, why misconceptions still hold people back, and how to create systems that empower, not overwhelm. His insights are directly relevant to CLOs and CDOs working to embed data capabilities into the culture of their own organizations. Below are six key takeaways from the session, built around Evangelista’s own words.
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Start with Purpose
Every effective learning initiative begins with a clear mission. At West Point, that mission guides every curriculum, every policy, and every decision about how to prepare future leaders. Colonel Paul Evangelista, Chief Data Officer at the United States Military Academy, emphasizes that the academy’s learning strategy is rooted in values, not just technology. Training is not delivered in isolation. It is part of a broader system designed to educate, train, and inspire. This foundation shapes how data and AI are introduced across the institution.
“The mission is to develop leaders of character.”
When AI literacy is tied to a higher purpose, it becomes more than a technical requirement. It becomes part of a leader’s toolkit.
Takeaway: Purpose provides the necessary context for long-term impact.
Actionable Insight: Align your AI and data literacy programs with your organization’s mission to strengthen engagement and relevance.
Make AI a Normal Part of Learning
Many institutions struggle with how to integrate AI into learning. West Point is taking a proactive stance by embedding it across the curriculum. Evangelista supports broad exposure to AI tools, encouraging students to use them as part of everyday learning. He emphasizes that shielding learners from AI is not a sustainable approach. Instead, understanding how and when to use it, along with its limitations, should be part of every graduate’s education.
“I want them to use it more. I want it to be part of all of the courses… It shouldn’t be something that we’re afraid of.”
Leaders who are educated on AI will be better prepared to manage risk, leverage opportunities, and make informed choices in future roles.
Takeaway: AI literacy needs to be accessible to everyone, not just technical experts.
Actionable Insight: Integrate AI tools and literacy topics across your organization’s learning experiences, not just in data science or IT programs.
Clarify What AI Can and Cannot Do
Misconceptions about AI often hinder adoption. One of the most common myths is that AI can do anything if it is used by the right person. Evangelista points out that this creates unrealistic expectations and misinformed decisions. AI tools can be powerful, but they are not magical. Some things they do well, and some things they do not.
“A common misconception is it’s almost like a magic wand that you can wave, and if you’re talented and waving that wand, you can make it do just about anything.”
Leaders need clarity about AI’s capabilities in order to use it effectively and responsibly. Removing the hype creates space for more grounded conversations.
Takeaway: Realistic expectations support better decision-making.
Actionable Insight: Use education to explain both the strengths and the limitations of AI tools to stakeholders across the business.
Move from Imagination to Informed Risk
When people do not understand how AI works, they tend to fill in the gaps with worst-case scenarios. This leads to fear-based thinking rather than thoughtful evaluation of real risks. Evangelista compares this dynamic to a child imagining a monster under the bed. He argues that the solution is not to dismiss those fears, but to provide education and dialogue around actual consequences. Risk must be defined before it can be managed.
“We’re allowing too many leaders and other individuals to use their imagination to come up with the different potential harms that this technology could create.”
Once risks are clearly understood, organizations are better equipped to mitigate them and to make informed decisions about when and how to apply AI.
Takeaway: Literacy is the antidote to fear and misinformation.
Actionable Insight: Create a shared language for risk by hosting structured conversations that include both technical experts and business leaders.
Focus on Decisions, Not Just Data
Data on its own does not drive value. It only matters when it supports action. Evangelista advocates for a shift in focus, from data literacy alone to decision literacy. He argues that data teams should frame their work around the decisions that matter to leadership. This shift makes data more relevant and useful, while helping non-technical decision-makers become more engaged in the process.
“Data only matters because it helps you make better decisions. That’s really what it’s all about.”
Understanding which decisions are most strategic and identifying the data that supports them leads to greater alignment between analytics and business outcomes.
Takeaway: Decision literacy ensures that data gets used effectively.
Actionable Insight: Start every data literacy initiative by identifying the top five decisions your organization needs to make and align training to those.
Empower People to Use Data Independently
Evangelista believes in creating systems that support both access and autonomy. While it is sometimes necessary to deliver insights directly, long-term success comes when people can explore and analyze data on their own. His team focuses on helping leaders build the skills and confidence to navigate data tools and make sense of available information. This model supports the vision of true data democratization.
“I am happy to give you fish so that you can eat and thrive. But really, what I would like is, I’d like you to learn how to fish on your own.”
Equipping teams to work with data independently reduces bottlenecks and improves the overall agility of the organization.
Takeaway: True data literacy results in self-sufficiency.
Actionable Insight: Develop learning paths that move learners from passive recipients to active users of data tools within their roles.
Watch the Full Webinar
Colonel Paul Evangelista shares how West Point is building mission-ready teams through AI, data, and decision literacy. If you are leading a transformation in a high-stakes organization, this conversation offers practical guidance grounded in decades of public service and data leadership. Watch the replay.
FAQ: From Data to Decisions – Building AI, Data, and Decision Literacy at Every Level
Data literacy is the ability to read, understand, and work with data in a meaningful way. At West Point, data literacy is not just about numbers, it’s about giving leaders the skills to interpret information so they can make better, faster, and more accurate decisions. Without this foundation, organizations risk making choices based on guesswork instead of evidence.
