23: The Value Compass: How L&D Proves Impact and Earns Trust | Dr. Keith Keating

In this transformative episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Mickey Fitch-Collins welcomes Dr. Keith Keating—Workforce Futurist, Chief Learning Officer at BDO, and award-winning author—to uncover why organizational learning is more than a cost center. Dive deep into the thinking behind Dr. Keating’s latest book, "Hidden Value: How to Reveal the Impact of Organizational Learning," and learn how shifting mindsets, designing for business outcomes, and championing value can reshape both careers and organizations. Throughout the episode, you’ll discover practical frameworks like the Value Creation Compass, actionable ways to amplify the impact of L&D, and powerful lessons on modern leadership. If you’re ready to think beyond butts-in-seats and drive true business growth, this conversation will spark your next evolution. In this episode, you’ll learn: The core mindset shift L&D professionals need to move from cost center to value creator—and why it’s essential for the future of work. How to recognize resistance to change within organizations, and ways to approach contextualized solutions and conversations. Dr. Keating’s “Value Creation Compass”: four quadrants to connect learning directly to business outcomes, resilience, and customer value. What it means to be a value seeker, creator, and amplifier—and how you can operationalize these roles every day using community and GenAI tools. The uncomfortable truth about leadership development and why it can’t be achieved through “one-and-done” programs. Real, practical stories and advice for building credibility, trust, and influence as a learning leader—plus why you don’t get to call yourself a leader until others choose to follow. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome and overview of The Learnit Lounge 00:42 – Introducing Dr. Keith Keating: Workforce Futurist and author 03:10 – What the Workforce Futurist means for L&D 04:01 – The critical mindset shift: cost center vs. value creator 05:48 – Addressing resistance and the challenge of context 09:24 – Moving from order taker to problem solver in L&D 12:01 – Measuring value in the era of AI: beyond information 14:35 – Discovering the Value Creation Compass 15:23 – Four quadrants of organizational learning value 19:43 – The power of qualitative storytelling and impact 20:03 – Operationalizing value seeking, creating, and amplifying 24:18 – Building learning communities and learning champions 28:06 – Leadership: It’s about credibility, not titles or roles 30:59 – The myth of leadership development “hours”—never stop learning 33:46 – How ongoing learning truly creates value 34:51 – Connect with Dr. Keating and spread the word 36:29 – Dr. Keating’s final advice: “Never stop learning” About Dr. Keith Keating Dr. Keith Keating is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and recognized Workforce Futurist. Serving as the Chief Learning Officer at BDO, he is renowned for his advocacy of lifelong learning as a pathway to career control and organizational success. His books, including "Hidden Value: How to Reveal the Impact of Organizational Learning" and "The Trusted Learning Advisor," are must-reads for anyone in talent development and L&D. Dr. Keating’s approach emphasizes contextual solutions, human-centered impact, and the need for L&D professionals to become genuine business partners and problem solvers. He lives in Toronto and is active in the global learning community.  Resources & Mentions: Learn more: Dr. Keith Keating’s Website Connect: Dr. Keith Keating on LinkedIn Hidden Value: How to Reveal the Impact of Organizational Learning The Learning Advisor’s Practitioners Guide Learnit Website Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins on LinkedIn Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.