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Today, we’re launching Episode 1 with Dr. Keith Keating, Chief Learning & Development Officer at BDO Canada, to discuss unlocking the power of learning in the age of AI.
Dr. Keith Keating knows an enormous amount about the transformative power of learning. His own journey from high school dropout to earning a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania is inspiration for everyone out there keen to defy expectations.
But Keith didn't stop there - he's spent the last two decades on the ground in the world of learning and development, partnering with Fortune 500 companies to push the boundaries of what's possible. As the Chief Learning & Development Officer at BDO Canada and a sought-after speaker and consultant, Keith is on a mission to help individuals and organizations harness the full potential of learning in the face of disruption.
Keith's passion for elevating the L&D profession shines through in his acclaimed book, "The Trusted Learning Advisor". This groundbreaking guide, packed with practical tools and case studies, provides a roadmap for L&D practitioners to transform from order-takers to strategic partners. Hailed as a "must-read" for anyone looking to amplify their impact in the learning sphere, the book earned recognition as a Goody Business Book Awards winner and Amazon #1 Best Seller. It's a testament to Keith's thought leadership and dedication to empowering the L&D community.
In this week's Learning Unbound episode, Keith and I dig into one of the most pressing challenges facing L&D today: the rise of artificial intelligence. But we go beyond the usual buzz and hype to explore what it really means to be a learning leader in the age of AI. How do you cut through the noise and figure out where AI can make the biggest impact? What does it take to build a culture of continuous learning that embraces failure as growth? And how do you quantify and communicate the value of L&D in a world where the old rules no longer apply? Keith's insights might just change the way you think about your role - and your potential to drive transformation.
Catch the full episode with Keith here:
Now, let's dive into my takeaways from our conversation:
1. Learning is a superpower that unlocks human potential
Keith speaks from experience when he says:
"If I could gift anything to the world, it would be to understand the power that comes along with learning and development and that it unlocks your human potential."
His own journey is proof positive. In a world where the only constant is change, continuous learning isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a must-have for staying relevant and reaching our full potential. And let's be real, it's not always easy. It takes guts to keep putting yourself out there, to admit what you don't know, and to do the work. But that's what separates those who just coast from those who truly grow.
2. L&D must proactively guide AI adoption
Keith throws down a challenge to L&D practitioners:
"If you can't get a seat at the table, then build your own table and invite others to come and sit with you."
This isn't about going rogue or abandoning the pursuit of strategic influence. It's about proactively creating the conditions for that influence to take root and flourish. That means convening diverse stakeholders, fostering collaboration, and co-creating solutions that align L&D expertise with business priorities. In practice, this could look like launching an AI Learning Council, piloting AI-powered programs within specific business units, or hosting company-wide hackathons to surface new ideas.
3. AI can democratize access to personalized learning
Imagine if everyone had their own personal learning coach, anytime, anywhere. That's the promise of AI in learning, as Keith describes:
"The ultimate value proposition from a learning perspective for AI is that it is going to democratize our ability to learn. It puts a coach, it puts a mentor in your pocket."
But realizing this potential isn't just about the tech - it's about rewiring how we think about learning itself. It means shifting from one-size-fits-all training to truly personalized experiences. From one-and-done events to continuous journeys. From top-down mandates to learner-driven pull. The tech is just the enabler - the real transformation is in the mindset.
4. Quantifying AI maturity with an "AI Quotient" framework
Keith introduces a game-changing idea for measuring L&D's impact on organizational AI maturity:
"We are measuring the AI quotient of our firm today, and then we're going to measure it in 12 months to demonstrate [L&D's impact]."
AI Quotient is a framework for assessing an organization's overall AI capabilities and fluency. Think of it like an IQ test for a company's AI prowess. By establishing a baseline and target future state, L&D can create a clear roadmap for leveling up those capabilities over time. But the genius of this approach isn't just in proving L&D's value. It's in focusing L&D's efforts on the AI skills and mindsets that will move the needle for the business. And by putting hard numbers behind it, L&D can speak the universal language of ROI to rally stakeholders and secure resources.
5. Embracing failure as "First Attempt In Learning" fosters innovation
Keith reframes failure in a powerful way:
"Failure promotes resilience and adaptability. It encourages innovation. It helps with problem-solving. It fosters a growth mindset. And it creates authentic learning experiences."
But let's be honest - embracing failure is hard, especially in orgs with a perfectionistic culture. It takes vulnerability from leaders to admit when things don't go as planned. It takes building psychological safety so people feel safe to take risks. It takes redefining success not as hitting every goal, but as learning with every step. L&D can lead the way by example - sharing our own failures and modeling resilience.
