Workplace Stories by RedThread Research Beyond Training: How to Prove L&D Isn’t Just Overhead: Dr. Keith Keating
Jul 2, 2025
53:40
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...
Resources & People Mentioned
Connect with Dr. Keith Keating
Connect With Red Thread Research
Subscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES
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
Connect with Dr. Keith Keating
Connect With Red Thread Research
- Website: Red Thread Research
- On LinkedIn
- On Facebook
- On Twitter
Subscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES