Workplace performance isn't just L&D's responsibility; it belongs to the whole company.
And yet, many HR and learning teams still treat training as a standalone solution.
In this episode, Kevin Yates joins Karina Young to reframe how we think about impact, and why the question isn't just "Did people complete the program?" but "Did anything change as a result?"
Kevin, known across the industry as the "L&D Detective," shares what he's learned from nearly 30 years in the field and why measuring outcomes requires more than a survey or LMS report. He explains how to shift from reporting activity to proving contribution, and why L&D must be embedded in a broader performance ecosystem to make a meaningful difference.
Together, they explore what most organizations overlook: how business goals get lost in translation, how legacy habits still shape how programs are designed, and how measurement can become a strategic advantage, not just a reporting requirement. Kevin also offers a practical lens for partnering across functions and building internal alignment around shared outcomes.
For HR and L&D leaders navigating increasing pressure to deliver results, it's a timely reminder: meaningful change doesn't happen in a vacuum. It takes a village.
Join us as we discuss:
(00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Kevin Yates
(02:38) How the L&D Detective name came about
(04:37) Discovering the passion for measurement in L&D
(07:47) Aligning training with business goals
(09:31) Breaking legacy habits in L&D practices
(10:56) Shifting from order-taker to performance consultant
(12:56) The workplace performance ecosystem and its importance
(16:30) Why L&D can't succeed alone in impacting business goals
(21:00) Operationalizing the measurement of L&D's impact
(23:28) Activity metrics vs. true performance impact
(32:05) Leveraging AI tools to enhance L&D performance measurement
Resources:
For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo.
Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player.
Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/
Download 15Five's Performance Review Playbook:
For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo
Kevin Yates's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinmyates/
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.