July 02, 2025

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

53 minutes

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