In this episode of the L&D Podcast, Mike Ohata, the esteemed Chief Learning Officer at KPMG, delves into the critical role of learning and development in driving the success of their organization. With over 37,000 professionals to support, including the Latin America region, Mike's primary responsibility is to provide strategic leadership for learning initiatives that align with KPMG's corporate goals. These goals revolve around creating and maintaining a high-performance workforce capable of thriving in an ever-evolving business landscape.

At the core of KPMG's learning strategy is a focus on learning experiences and how they can be tailored to cater to individual career management. In a rapidly changing world, the need to embrace new skills and competencies is paramount. Thus, KPMG's philosophy is rooted in a skills-first strategy that underpins their workforce's talent, capabilities, and ultimately the success of their businesses in the marketplace.

The conversation centers on the intersection of capability-driven approaches and their impact on the organization's trajectory. The dynamic environment, with emerging technologies like AI and evolving business needs, demands adaptability. Mike emphasizes that technology should be viewed as a tool to extend human touch, rather than a replacement. The human element remains integral in driving results and creating meaningful connections with customers.

Mike highlights the transformation of learning from a factory producing training to becoming learning architects, focusing on measurement and return on investment. The journey involves embracing technology trends like adaptive learning and learning in the flow of work. However, Mike emphasizes that the core purpose of learning remains the same: to develop the skills and capabilities of employees that drive organizational success.

The conversation concluded with unwavering inspiration derived from the resilience and determination of KPMG's employees. He reiterates that, despite challenges, employees find ways to build the necessary skills and deliver on business commitments. The vision is to collaborate with employees in their growth journey, ensuring that KPMG's people and the organization achieve their goals together.