Business Analysis Live!

In this episode of Business Analysis Live!, Susan Moore, the Community Engagement Manager at the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), is joined by guest co-host Blake Heggestad, IIBA's Director of Programs and Partnerships, and guest LN Mishra, founder of Adaptive US, to discuss how certifications can empower business analysts in their careers. The conversation begins with an overview of why agile certifications have become essential for business analysts, especially as more organizations embrace agile practices. LN shares the advantages of becoming certified in agile business analysis, emphasizing the development of role-specific skills, improved adaptability, and strengthened collaboration within agile teams. They then discuss two key agile certifications offered by IIBA. First, they discuss the Agile Analysis Certification (IIBA-AAC), a credential specifically designed for business analysts working in agile roles. The IIBA-AAC combines agile principles with practical business analysis techniques, preparing professionals for real-world project needs. Next, they cover the Certificate in Product Ownership Analysis (CPOA), another certification aligned with agile practices. The CPOA focuses on the product ownership role within agile frameworks, helping business analysts develop the skills needed to connect business goals with development teams and effectively lead product-focused initiatives. This episode provides an in-depth look at the agile certification process, offering preparation tips, recommended resources, and insights into how these certifications have positively impacted the careers of business analysts. RESOURCES: More information on Agile Analysis Certification (IIBA-AAC) More information on Certificate in Product Ownership Analysis (CPOA) Learn about Adaptive US Connect with LN Mishra on LinkedIn Connect with Blake Heggestad on LinkedIn Business Analysis Live is hosted by Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBA  We talk with business analysis professionals about business analysis topics and answer questions from our live audience. If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to hit that Like button, subscribe to the channel, and share it with your friends. Your support helps us keep bringing you great content! The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis. As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications. Learn more at ⁠https://www.iiba.org/ #agile #certificiation #businessanalysis #productownership

In this episode of Business Analysis Live, Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), is joined by guest co-host Andy Grazebrook, IIBA Partner Manager for Europe, to explore how to get started in business analysis. They talk with Stuart Ecuyer, who leads a program within his organization that takes an innovative approach to helping aspiring business analysts enter the profession. The discussion explores how the program is set up, offering participants a mix of learning opportunities and hands-on experience within the organization. Junior business analysts not only learn business analysis but also immediately apply their knowledge to real-world projects, making the learning experience highly practical and impactful. We meet 2 new business analysts from the first cohort of the program, Leah Charlotte Facey and Marie Ete, who share their journeys, what they've learned, and how they are applying those lessons in their roles. Susan and Andy explore the ways they've entered the business analysis field—whether through formal education or transitioning from another role. They also discuss the importance of the soft skills (essential skills!) that are transferrable from their previous education and which are critical for those just starting out. They also touch on the key role mentorship and community support play in shaping early career growth. Packed with personal stories, practical advice, and encouragement for aspiring business analysts, this episode offers valuable insights not only for beginners but also for business leaders looking to develop similar training programs in their organizations. Stuart’s program serves as a model for how structured learning combined with real-world application can help organizations grow internal talent while delivering tangible results. Whether you're just beginning your business analysis career or looking to develop talent within your organization, this episode offers plenty of takeaways and inspiration. RESOURCES: Connect with Andy Grazebrook on LinkedIn Connect with Stuart Ecuyer on LinkedIn   Business Analysis Live is hosted by Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBA We talk with business analysis professionals about business analysis topics and answer questions from our live audience. If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to hit that Like button, subscribe to the channel, and share it with your friends. Your support helps us keep bringing you great content! The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis. As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications. Learn more at https://www.iiba.org/ #businessanalysis #careerdevelopment #professionaldevelopment

In this episode of Business Analysis Live!, host, Susan Moore, is joined by Bindu Channaveerappa, business analysis practitioner, speaker and author of the new book,  Cybersecurity and Business Analysis, to discuss the connection between cybersecurity and business. The episode begins by addressing common misconceptions about cybersecurity, such as the idea that it is strictly a technical domain, and introduces a broader perspective that involves business processes, human factors, and proactive risk management. Bindu explains how traditional cybersecurity approaches, which often focus on technical solutions like firewalls and anti-virus systems, are incomplete without incorporating business analysis. She emphasizes the concept of "shifting left," a strategy that encourages business analysis professionals to consider security from the earliest stages of a project. This proactive approach helps prevent costly issues later in the project lifecycle, ensuring security is integrated as a core component rather than a last-minute addition. The conversation then explores into Bindu’s personal journey of discovering how cybersecurity and business analysis intersect, including how preparing for IIBA’s Certificate in Cybersecurity Analysis (CCA) made her an advocate for greater awareness among business analysis professionals. She shares how her experiences inspired her to write a book that provides practical strategies for integrating cybersecurity into everyday business analysis activities. Bindu highlights how self-reflection is a core competency for business analysis professionals in understanding biases, evaluating decisions, and analyzing risk more effectively. By applying reflective practices, business analysis professionals can become better equipped to identify vulnerabilities, consider ethical implications, and make more informed decisions when it comes to cybersecurity. RESOURCES Connect with Bindu on LinkedIn Purchase her book and find more resources on cybersecurity and business analysis Learn more about IIBA’s Certificate in Cybersecurity Analysis (CCA) Business Analysis Live is hosted by Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBA  We talk with business analysis professionals about business analysis topics and answer questions from our live audience. If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to hit that Like button, subscribe to the channel, and share it with your friends. Your support helps us keep bringing you great content! The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis. As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.   Learn more at https://www.iiba.org/ #cybersecurity #businessanalysis #selfreflection

Host, Susan Moore, welcomes the hosts of The JDE Connection podcast, Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper, to this first-ever cross over episode of Business Analysis live! You'll learn more about Chandra and Paul and their experiences with business analysis around the financial system they support, JD Edwards, an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution owned by Oracle.  In this episode we talk about gathering requirements and learn a bit about why IIBA uses the term "eliciting" when referring to these activities.  Chandra and Paul share their experiences and techniques, like using questions to uncover true goals and maintaining trust by creating safe spaces for collaboration. We also talk about the role of emotional intelligence, active listening, and problem-solving in handling tough stakeholders and navigating critical business systems. This insightful exchange will leave you equipped with practical strategies and techniques for turning implicit needs into explicit requirements, managing stakeholder emotions, and fostering productive relationships in complex environments. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals who know how to ask the right questions and unlock deeper understanding with your stakeholders!   Resources:  Connect with Chandra on LinkedIn Connect with Paul on LinkedIn Learn more about The JDE Connection podcast and where you can find it Business Analysis Live is hosted by Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBA  We talk with business analysis professionals about business analysis topics and answer questions from our live audience. If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to hit that Like button, subscribe to the channel, and share it with your friends. Your support helps us keep bringing you great content!   The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis. As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications. Learn more at https://www.iiba.org/ #businessanalysis #requirements #gatheringrequirements #elicitation 00:06 Introduction and Guests01:39 Guest Backgrounds 03:38 Requirement Elicitation Challenges and JD Edwards05:39 Educating Analysts and Techniques 24:47 Listening and Problem Solving 28:47 Awkward Conversations With Stakeholders 33:00 Learning and Dealing with Tough Stakeholders 45:57 Saying No and Documentation 55:44 Handling Communication and Conflict 59:22 Community Involvement and Closing

Susan Moore and, guest co-host, Fabricio Laguna (The Brazilian BA) introduce the concept of driving behaviors for business success, using the upcoming World Management Agility Forum conference as a backdrop. They are joined by Hugo Lourenco, founder of World Management Agility Forum, and Gonçalo Pereira, Human Factors Researchers at The Agile Thinkers to explore the critical role of human factors in business environments.   The discussion centers on the importance of key behaviors such as communication, cooperation, decision-making, and leadership in fostering business success. Hugo and Gonçalo emphasize the need for a behavioral management system that enhances agility, enabling businesses to adapt and thrive in rapidly changing environments. The conversation also touches on the relationship between IIBA and the conference, highlighting the alignment between business analysis and the human competencies outlined in the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK Guide).   Listeners will gain insights into how the World Management Agility Forum evolved from a small gathering into a global event that attracts middle and senior management professionals seeking to connect with industry leaders and gain practical knowledge. Hugo shares the origins of the forum and its unique focus on human factors, which has led to significant improvements in business outcomes for participating companies.   The episode sheds light on how behaviors are the bridge between practices and context, making a strong case for prioritizing human factors in business training and strategy.   Resources:  Connect with Hugo on LinkedIn Connect with Goncalo on LinkedIn Connect with Fabricio Laguna, The Brazilian BA Learn more about World Management Agility Forum and their upcoming conference in Lisbon, Portugal Business Analysis Live is hosted by ⁠Susan Moore⁠, Community Engagement Manager at IIBA   We talk with business analysis professionals about business analysis topics and answer questions from our live audience. If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to hit that Like button, subscribe to the channel, and share it with your friends. Your support helps us keep bringing you great content! The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis. As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications. Learn more at ⁠https://www.iiba.org/⁠ #businessanalysis #humanfactors #agility

Host Susan Moore teams up with Steve Jones, a business analysis professional, IIBA Hartford chapter leader, and co-host of Analysts After Dark. They explore the often underrated but incredibly useful technique of observation and how it can bring deeper context to your analysis work. And it’s not just about seeing—observation involves all your senses. When done right and validated, it can sharpen communication, boost agility, build empathy, and strengthen relationships. From crafting models and solving problems to acing discovery sessions, they cover the many ways observation can elevate your analysis game. Plus, they talk about upcoming IIBA Hartford chapter events and how you can connect with business analysis professionals worldwide!   Resources: -Connect with Steve on LinkedIn -Follow Analysts After Dark on LinkedIn -Find an IIBA Chapter Event on our calendar   Business Analysis Live is hosted by Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBA   We talk with business analysis professionals about business analysis topics and answer questions from our live audience. If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to hit that Like button, subscribe to the channel, and share it with your friends. Your support helps us keep bringing you great content! The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis. As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications. Learn more at https://www.iiba.org/ #Observation #BusinessAnalysis #Communication

In this episode, hosts Susan Moore and Scott Bennett talk with the organizers and speakers from the 2024 IIBA Soft Ed Festival of Business Analysis. The conference organizers, Briana Ertanin and Luigi Bini, along with the planning team, share how they used the 3 I's—Innovate, Inspire, and Ignite—to set the vision for the event.   Then, we chat with three of the many speakers, Jen Battan, Glenn Brule, and Lauren Ryder, who share their perspectives on the role of business analysis in various contexts. As always, it's a lively conversation with plenty of twists and turns!   We also take a moment to thank Scott for his contributions to our podcast as he transitions from IIBA to becoming a full-time YouTuber.   Resources:  Learn more about the 2024 IIBA Soft Ed Festival of Business Analysis Connect with Briana https://www.linkedin.com/in/briana-ertanin/  Connect with Luigi https://www.linkedin.com/in/luigibini/ Connect with Jen https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-battan-csm-cspo-cbap-a452003/ Connect with Lauren https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-ryder1/ Find Scott's YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@FixingFurniture Do you have questions about this topic or have an idea for a different topic? Ask us a question at ⁠⁠⁠live@iiba.org⁠⁠⁠ or leave us a ⁠⁠⁠voice message⁠⁠⁠ on our podcast homepage.  Business Analysis Live is hosted by: - Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBA - Scott Bennett, Manager, Business Analysis at IIBA International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis.  As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.   #businessanalysis #leadership #businessanalyst

In this episode of Business Analysis Live!, Scott and Susan talk with business architect, Breanne Casteel. They talk about business architecture, highlighting its critical role in connecting strategic vision with operational execution. Breanne shares the skills required for a business architect, her transition from business analysis, and the process of building effective business architecture. They go into the important role of business architect as a trusted advisor, focusing on the importance of communication, stakeholder engagement, and simplifying complex ideas. Additionally, they offer guidance for those interested in pursuing a career in business architecture. Connect with Breanne Casteel on LinkedIn Do you have questions about this topic or have an idea for a different topic? Ask us a question at ⁠⁠⁠live@iiba.org⁠⁠⁠ or leave us a ⁠⁠⁠voice message⁠⁠⁠ on our podcast homepage.  Business Analysis Live is hosted by: - Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBA - Scott Bennett, Manager, Business Analysis at IIBA International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis.  As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.   #businessarchitecture #businessanalysis #trustedadvisor

In this episode, hosts Susan and Scott are joined by Mohsen Akhavannia, to discuss practical strategies for communicating effectively with AI tools like ChatGPT. Drawing parallels from business analysis, they explore how to formulate queries using natural, providing context, and asking follow-up questions to optimize AI interactions and get the outputs you want. Whether you're new to AI or looking to enhance your querying skills, this episode offers valuable insights into leveraging AI effectively in your projects and daily workflows. Connect with Mohsen on LinkedIn Do you have questions about this topic or have an idea for a different topic? Ask us a question at ⁠⁠⁠live@iiba.org⁠⁠⁠ or leave us a ⁠⁠⁠voice message⁠⁠⁠ on our podcast homepage.  Business Analysis Live is hosted by: - Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBA - Scott Bennett, Manager, Business Analysis at IIBA International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis.  As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.   #AIQueries #NaturalLanguageProcessing #BusinessAnalysis #ArtificialIntelligence #ChatGPT

In this episode, we talk about the power of visual communication in business analysis. We are joined by Paddy Dhanda of the Superpowers School podcast and frequent speaker on visual communication with his colleague, Grant Wright (who has not able to join for this episode). Visual communication is all a component of visual thinking. Paddy talks about why visual thinking is important and how you can build those skills. Visual Jam - https://www.thevisualjam.com/ Paddy's Podcast - https://www.superpowers.school/Paddy Dhanda on LinkedInGrant Wright on LinkedIn Do you have questions about this topic or have an idea for a different topic? Ask us a question at ⁠⁠⁠live@iiba.org⁠⁠⁠ or leave us a ⁠⁠⁠voice message⁠⁠⁠ on our podcast homepage.  Business Analysis Live is hosted by: - Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBA - Scott Bennett, Manager, Business Analysis at IIBA International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis.  As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.   #businessanalysis #visualthinking #visuallcommunication 00:00:00 - Introduction and Importance of Visuals in Business Analysis00:01:23 - Guest Introduction: Patty's Background and Journey00:03:50 - Discovering Visual Thinking at Deutsche Bank00:05:09 - Live Interaction and Audience Engagement00:06:07 - Meeting Grant and Starting Visual Jam00:07:43 - Explaining Visual Thinking and Its Types00:11:29 - Importance of Visual Thinking in Business Analysis00:13:08 - Attention Span and Engagement in Visual Communication00:15:57 - Examples of Effective Visual Communication00:18:24 - Interactive Drawing Exercise: Squiggle Birds00:22:05 - Learning and Practicing Visual Thinking Skills00:25:13 - Resources for Visual Thinking: The Noun Project and Books00:28:27 - Using Visuals in Professional Settings00:30:49 - Tips for Engaging Presentations with Visuals00:33:05 - Audience Questions: Visual vs. Verbal Communication00:37:03 - Using Visuals for Problem-Solving and Thought Processes00:40:00 - Creating Effective Visual PowerPoint Presentations00:43:59 - AI Tools for Visual Storytelling00:44:34 - Closing Remarks and Future Topics

Are Business Analysis Roles the Gateway to Project Management? Discover How BA Skills Can Propel You into Leadership! Wondering if your skills as a business analyst could open doors to leadership opportunities? Join us in this week's episode as we talk with speaker, educator and business analysis practice lead, Priyanka Agrawal, about how you can leverage your business analysis skills in formal leadership roles. We answer questions such as: - How to become a leader? - What skills do you need? - What practice do you need? - How do you transition into a formal leadership role? Connect with Priyanka on LinkedIn Do you have questions about this topic or have an idea for a different topic? Ask us a question at ⁠⁠⁠live@iiba.org⁠⁠⁠ or leave us a ⁠⁠⁠voice message⁠⁠⁠ on our podcast homepage.  Business Analysis Live is hosted by: - Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBA - Scott Bennett, Manager, Business Analysis at IIBA International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis.  As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications. #businessanalysis #leadership

Is there just one way to do business analysis? Is there a right way? How do we bring together all these techniques and tasks to achieve the right outcomes? Susan and Scott chat with Howard Podeswa about how to do business analysis work. Howard is an author of three books for business analysis professionals (see list below). You can follow Howard on LinkedIn. Howard's Books: - The Business Analyst's Handbook - The Agile Guide to Business Analysis and Planning - UML for the IT Business Analyst Do you have questions about this topic or have an idea for a different topic? Ask us a question at ⁠⁠⁠live@iiba.org⁠⁠⁠ or leave us a ⁠⁠⁠voice message⁠⁠⁠ on our podcast homepage.  Business Analysis Live is hosted by: - Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBA - Scott Bennett, Manager, Business Analysis at IIBA International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis.  As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.   #businessanalysis

Susan and Scott talk with Eno Eka, Founder of Business Analysis School, about the Global State of Business Analysis (GSBA), the report from IIBA's annual survey that shares insights from business analysis professionals from all over the world. Resources: The video version of this podcast includes the report slides. Get a free GSBA infographic of the report. IIBA members have access to the full report Connect with Eno on LinkedIn Do you have questions about this topic or have an idea for a different topic? Ask us a question at ⁠⁠⁠live@iiba.org⁠⁠⁠ or leave us a ⁠⁠⁠voice message⁠⁠⁠ on our podcast homepage.  Business Analysis Live is hosted by: Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBA Scott Bennett, Manager, Business Analysis at IIBA International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis.  As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.   #businessanalysis

In this episode of our podcast, Susan and Scott discuss the recent book launch of Futureproof: Amplifying Agility with AI and Insightful Business Analysis focusing on AI and business analysis. They are joined by Angela Wick and Tim Coventry, authors of the book, who share insights on the urgency of business analysis in an AI environment, the AI Accelerator Framework, and the upskilling needed for BAs in an AI-driven world. Here are three key takeaways from our conversation: Continuous Analysis in an AI World: Angela and Tim emphasize the importance of viewing analysis as a continuous process rather than a phase in a project. With the rise of AI, the focus shifts towards ongoing analysis, hypothesis creation, and fast experimentation to drive decision-making and value creation. Upskilling for Success: The authors highlight the significance of upskilling for business analysis professionals in the era of AI. They stress the importance of gaining practical experience, seeking mentorship, and engaging in social learning to enhance skills beyond traditional classroom knowledge. AI Accelerator Framework: Angela and Tim introduce the AI Accelerator Framework discussed in the book, which helps BAs understand how analysis fits into the broader context of business results, user behaviors, and strategy. This framework encourages BAs to focus on creating value-driven hypotheses, conducting experiments, and linking business outcomes to user behaviors. Join Susan, Scott, Angela and Tim as they explore the future of business analysis in the age of AI, discuss practical examples and vignettes from the book, and provide valuable insights for professionals looking to adapt to the evolving landscape of business analysis. RESOURCES: Angela Wick on LinkedIn Tim Coventry on LinkedIn Futureproof: Amplifying Agility with AI and Insightful Business Analysis by Angela Wick and Tim Coventry Do you have questions about this topic or have an idea for a different topic? Ask us a question at ⁠⁠⁠live@iiba.org⁠⁠⁠ or leave us a ⁠⁠⁠voice message⁠⁠⁠ on our podcast homepage.  Business Analysis Live is hosted by: - Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBA - Scott Bennett, Manager, Business Analysis at IIBA International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis.  As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.   #BusinessAnalysis #AI #FutureProof #ContinuousAnalysis #Upskilling #AIAcceleratorFramework #ValueCreation #DecisionMaking #BusinessOutcomes

Scott and Susan interview Jenn Bedell, business analysis practitioner, speaker and IIBA Regional Deputy Director, as she shares insights about managing requirements. In this podcast she discusses the importance of thorough exploration, stakeholder collaboration, and understanding project goals to uncover and prioritize requirements as why we need to manage and track requirements over the life of the project. If you geek out about creating requirements management systems, you won't want to miss the conversation on using low code/no code tools to track requirements as structured data! RESOURCES: Connect with ⁠Jenn on LinkedIn Do you have questions about this topic or have an idea for a different topic? Ask us a question at ⁠⁠⁠live@iiba.org⁠⁠⁠ or leave us a ⁠⁠⁠voice message⁠⁠⁠ on our podcast homepage.  Business Analysis Live is hosted by: - Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBA - Scott Bennett, Manager, Business Analysis at IIBA International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis.  As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.   #BusinessAnalysis #RequirementsManagement #LowCodeNoCode #StakeholderEngagement