The future of work is loud. AI headlines. Skill forecasts. Endless “top trends” lists. But what actually matters for you as an L&D practitioner right now?

In this 75-minute session, Dr. Keith Keating cuts through the hype and helps you focus on what truly drives impact: the skills, mindsets, and capabilities that make learning practitioners essential in a rapidly changing world. Drawing on insights from The Trusted Learning Advisor and current research, Keith will unpack misunderstood trends, challenge conventional thinking, and show you how to elevate your influence. Together, we’ll explore what it really takes to become future-ready, how to stand out in a competitive job market, and how to help your organization build the learning capacity it needs to thrive.

This session is designed to be bespoke. Before we meet, you’ll have the opportunity to share your real challenges and priorities so the conversation reflects your reality. You’ll leave with practical strategies to future-prepare your career, strengthen your credibility with stakeholders, and create meaningful impact through learning. Plus, five participants will receive book giveaways, and one attendee will win a private 1-hour coaching session with Keith. If you’re ready to move beyond reacting to change and start shaping it, this session is for you.

About our Speaker

Dr. Keith Keating is the Chief Learning Officer at BDO, where he champions human-centered learning as the foundation for organizational success. With a 25-year career in talent development, he is also a lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania and the author of the award-winning books The Trusted Learning Advisor and Hidden Value. Keith’s own journey from high school dropout to earning a doctorate fuels his passion for lifelong learning and his commitment to helping others take control of their careers. Through his work, writing, and teaching, he helps L&D practitioners navigate an evolving business landscape with curiosity, courage, and a belief in the transformative power of learning. He resides in Toronto. 

Connect with Dr. Keating on LinkedIn

Are you ready to elevate your impact as an L&D professional? ATD RI welcomes you to join us for a book club series to reflect and discuss on how we can transform into strategic and trusted partners with the businesses we serve. The book club series will kick off with our live session with the author, Keith Keating, on May 13 entitled “From Noise to Impact: Becoming Future-Ready in a World That Won’t Stop Changing”

Together, we will:
• Examine the difference between reactive and strategic L&D approaches
• Uncover the systemic and personal factors that keep L&D stuck
• Explore why the role of L&D must evolve in today’s business environment
• Identify the key characteristics of a Trusted Learning Advisor
• Apply new thinking to real-world stakeholder scenarios

The book club series will consist of three 60-minute interactive sessions on May 27, June 10, and June 24 from 6:30-7:30pm and we will focus on three or four chapters per session.

You’re welcome to attend one session or join us for the full series—each conversation will offer valuable insights you can immediately apply.

About our Facilitator

Dianne Nersesian-McGuire, a Learning and Development leader, is passionate about helping professionals develop a personal leadership mindset, build relationships with stakeholders, and navigate change in the learning space. She has coached global teams with integrating cross-cultural communication strategies across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

Dianne has experience working in Learning and Development roles within companies such as Ørsted and Citizens Bank. She has taught communication and career development skills at NYU’s Stern School of Business, URI, and Johnson & Wales University.

A graduate of Cornell University, The Actor’s Leadership Institute, and the University of the Pacific, Dianne is also a certified Scrum Master. She gives back to her community by volunteering for CASA in Rhode Island, advocating for children in challenging family situations.

Bite-Sized Learning is ATD Rhode Island's facilitated lunch and learn series. It is free to all ATD members. Join us, let's share and learn!

This month's topic: Having Difficult Conversations

Our Bite-Sized Learning program on Having Difficult Conversations is a one-hour lunchtime session designed to thought-provoking content from the Percipio/Skillsoft Library with participant experience. Using selected excerpts from the library as a springboard, we will explore practical approaches for navigating challenging conversations with greater confidence, clarity, and empathy. Together, participants will reflect on real-world situations, share strategies that have worked for them, and learn from one another in a collaborative discussion. This session offers a chance to build communication skills that can strengthen workplace relationships, improve problem-solving, and make tough conversations more productive.  

Are you ready to elevate your impact as an L&D professional? ATD RI welcomes you to join us for a book club series to reflect and discuss on how we can transform into strategic and trusted partners with the businesses we serve. The book club series will kick off with our live session with the author, Keith Keating, on May 13 entitled “From Noise to Impact: Becoming Future-Ready in a World That Won’t Stop Changing”

Together, we will:
• Examine the difference between reactive and strategic L&D approaches
• Uncover the systemic and personal factors that keep L&D stuck
• Explore why the role of L&D must evolve in today’s business environment
• Identify the key characteristics of a Trusted Learning Advisor
• Apply new thinking to real-world stakeholder scenarios

The book club series will consist of three 60-minute interactive sessions on May 27, June 10, and June 24 from 6:30-7:30pm and we will focus on three or four chapters per session.

You’re welcome to attend one session or join us for the full series—each conversation will offer valuable insights you can immediately apply.

About our Facilitator

Dianne Nersesian-McGuire, a Learning and Development leader, is passionate about helping professionals develop a personal leadership mindset, build relationships with stakeholders, and navigate change in the learning space. She has coached global teams with integrating cross-cultural communication strategies across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

Dianne has experience working in Learning and Development roles within companies such as Ørsted and Citizens Bank. She has taught communication and career development skills at NYU’s Stern School of Business, URI, and Johnson & Wales University.

A graduate of Cornell University, The Actor’s Leadership Institute, and the University of the Pacific, Dianne is also a certified Scrum Master. She gives back to her community by volunteering for CASA in Rhode Island, advocating for children in challenging family situations.

Are you ready to elevate your impact as an L&D professional? ATD RI welcomes you to join us for a book club series to reflect and discuss on how we can transform into strategic and trusted partners with the businesses we serve. The book club series will kick off with our live session with the author, Keith Keating, on May 13 entitled “From Noise to Impact: Becoming Future-Ready in a World That Won’t Stop Changing”

Together, we will:
• Examine the difference between reactive and strategic L&D approaches
• Uncover the systemic and personal factors that keep L&D stuck
• Explore why the role of L&D must evolve in today’s business environment
• Identify the key characteristics of a Trusted Learning Advisor
• Apply new thinking to real-world stakeholder scenarios

The book club series will consist of three 60-minute interactive sessions on May 27, June 10 and June 24 from 6:30-7:30pm and we will focus on three or four chapters per session.

You’re welcome to attend one session or join us for the full series—each conversation will offer valuable insights you can immediately apply.

About our Facilitator

Dianne Nersesian-McGuire, a Learning and Development leader, is passionate about helping professionals develop a personal leadership mindset, build relationships with stakeholders, and navigate change in the learning space. She has coached global teams with integrating cross-cultural communication strategies across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

Dianne has experience working in Learning and Development roles within companies such as Ørsted and Citizens Bank. She has taught communication and career development skills at NYU’s Stern School of Business, URI, and Johnson & Wales University.

A graduate of Cornell University, The Actor’s Leadership Institute, and the University of the Pacific, Dianne is also a certified Scrum Master. She gives back to her community by volunteering for CASA in Rhode Island, advocating for children in challenging family situations.