From Cost Center to Catalyst: Dr. Keith Keating on Redefining the Value of L&D

In this episode of Catalysts, I’m joined by Dr. Keith Keating, Chief Learning & Development Officer at BDO Canada and author of Hidden Value: How to Reveal the Impact of Organizational Learning.

Keith is a powerhouse in the world of learning strategy—a practitioner-scholar who believes L&D shouldn’t just defend its worth, but amplify its impact. We dive into what it truly means to be a trusted learning advisor, why L&D needs to stop chasing surface metrics, and how to lead your team out of the “order-taker” trap and into strategic partnership.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why L&D’s real power lies in creating value—not just delivering content
• How to move from reactive defense mode to proactive business alignment
• Why metrics like butts-in-seats are holding us back
• The science of learning—and how to make stakeholders care about it
• How to build trust with both leaders and learners
• What most orgs get wrong about reskilling, equity, and inclusion
• The role of visibility, storytelling, and self-belief in shaping the future of L&D

Keith’s journey—from high school dropout to doctoral scholar—is a testament to the life-changing power of learning. And his message is clear: L&D isn’t a support function. It’s a strategic driver. But only if we choose to show up that way.

🎧 Tune in for a deeply human, sharply strategic conversation that will leave you thinking differently about what you do—and why it matters.

Connect with Dr. Keith Keating on LinkedIn »

Connect & Learn More

• Connect on with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-ratliff
• Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Your Industry: executivebrandbuilder.com
• Interested in joining the show as a guest? Click here!