Beyond Training: How to Prove L&D Isn’t Just Overhead: Dr. Keith Keating

Many organizations see learning and development (L&D) as a cost center rather than a strategic driver of value, but what if that mindset is costing them far more than they realize? In this episode, Dr. Keith Keating explains why we’re moving from a “knowledge economy” to a “value economy,” where it’s not what we know but what we do with it that matters. He shares practical ways for L&D teams to make their impact visible, bridging the disconnect with CFOs and earning a seat at the strategy table. Through his own journey from high-school dropout to Chief Learning Officer, Keith challenges learning leaders to see themselves as problem-solvers and value creators.  He offers frameworks like the Value Creation Compass to help map L&D’s role in business growth, resilience, and customer value, showing that when L&D stays hidden, organizations lose far more than training budgets: they lose adaptability and talent.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... • (00:00) Intro. • (00:22) Keith’s background and why his book matters. • (04:58) The shift to a value economy for L&D. • (08:50) Keith’s personal journey from dropout to leader. • (15:10) Economic, personal, and societal value explained. • (19:30) Four key disconnects between L&D and CFOs. • (25:40) The Value Creation Compass model. • (39:20) Risks if L&D’s value stays hidden. Resources & People Mentioned • https://www.bdo.ca/en-ca/ • Hidden Value by Dr. Keith Keating (https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Value-R...) Connect with Dr. Keith Keating • Connect with Dr. Keith Keating on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-keith-...) Connect With Red Thread Research • Website: Red Thread Research (https://redthreadresearch.com/) • On LinkedIn (  / redthread-research  ) • On Facebook (  / redthreadresearch  ) • On Twitter (  / redthreadre  ) Subscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES (https://pod.link/1554931884)