Kevin M. Yates: From Stock Boy to Global L&D Detective — a story of purpose, community, and impact

When you hear the name “L&D Detective,” you probably think: clever branding. But for Kevin M. Yates, it’s more than that — it’s who he is.In this episode, Kevin shares his remarkable journey: from his first job at 16 stocking shelves in a Chicago pharmacy to a global career leading learning impact at brands like McDonald’s and Meta — and ultimately, to founding Meals in the Meantime, a nonprofit that’s fed thousands.We talk about rediscovering purpose when work starts to feel flat, why mentorship and community matter more than strategy, and what it means to keep serving — even when you’ve “made it.”If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or like you’ve outgrown your chapter — this conversation is your reminder: your next chapter might just be the one you were born for.𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐊𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐧:Kevin M. Yates is known in the global training, learning, and talent development community as the L&D Detective®. He solves measurement mysteries and investigates how training and development as an experience and L&D as a function contribute to the workplace performance ecosystem. Kevin uses facts, clues, and evidence to uncover the truth about impact, focusing on collective contributions that influence business and human performance. He has used his measurement expertise in roles with world-renowned brands including Grant Thornton, Kantar, McDonald’s, and Meta (Facebook). He is also president and founder of Meals in the Meantime, a nonprofit providing free, fresh, healthy, and high-quality food for people in need through pop-up pantries in the Chicagoland south suburbs.𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐊𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐧:Website: https://kevinmyates.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinmyates/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevmyates/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevmyates