The Inquisitive Analyst

In this episode, Yulia Kosarenko discusses the importance of a business analyst mindset, emphasizing practical application, mentoring, and critical thinking. She shares insights about her YouTube channel, mentorship groups, and upcoming book on business analytics. Yulia highlights the value of tools like user story mapping, context diagrams, and the importance of understanding data in digital transformation and AI initiatives. She also underscores the limitations of generative AI, stressing the human strengths of creativity, critical thinking, and stakeholder engagement. Her overarching message is to embrace technology thoughtfully while continually honing human analytical and interpersonal skills.YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LzrbwKJam0Yulia KosarenkoWebsite: https://why-change.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yulia-kosarenko/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhyChangeBookFoundations of Business Analytics: An Applied Approachhttps://www.amazon.ca/Foundations-Business-Analytics-Applied-Approach/dp/1773384791/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3KGUS5KC224DE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0V9Q9lAnEmk0-WEuwfrCHs42UVM5ofu55m3UniDynJkfZNyML3WTl_UqrQdDxY1Stc7j3vjFOZ1gDwjbpsoCKg.vDlmmuEvgzBcjnHHkxj6lJpaHbfacOAl_vLDCF9jKrs&dib_tag=se&keywords=yulia+kosarenko&qid=1745626163&sprefix=yulia+kosarenko%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-5Business analyst: a profession and a mindsethttps://www.amazon.ca/Business-analyst-profession-Yulia-Kosarenko/dp/199912202X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2B7SEO9ZGQ9EB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0V9Q9lAnEmk0-WEuwfrCHs42UVM5ofu55m3UniDynJkfZNyML3WTl_UqrQdDxY1Stc7j3vjFOZ1gDwjbpsoCKg.vDlmmuEvgzBcjnHHkxj6lJpaHbfacOAl_vLDCF9jKrs&dib_tag=se&keywords=yulia+kosarenko&qid=1745678824&sprefix=yulia+kosarenko%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1-----Sponsored by BA BLOCKS:For a high-quality BA foundations course (FOBA), register at https://bablocks.com/foba/?affiliate_code=5ee2a7.Use the code INQUISITIVE24 to receive a 10% discount. Whether you are an aspiring or experienced BA, the FOBA course is a game changer. It provides real world project-based teaching with top-notch experienced instructors, each with over 20 years industry experience. Check it out.

Musicians and actors in their golden years, like Al Pacino (84), Mick Jagger (81), Jane Fonda (87), Helen Mirren (79), and Stevie Nicks (76), even politicians like Jean Chretien (former Canadian Prime Minister, 91) are shattering the traditional perceptions of aging in their industries . Despite advancing in age, these iconic figures continue to engage actively in their professions, demonstrating that talent and passion do not wane with time.Such is also the case with @Patricia Udokang, my mother, still working in business analysis at 80 years young. Like these entertainers in their golden years, Patricia defies age, but also serves as an inspiration. She shows that age is merely a number and not a barrier to continuing one's creative and professional pursuits. Through Patricia's enduring presence and unyielding zest for her craft, she paves the way for future generations to follow in her footsteps, creating a timeless legacy in the BA ecosystem.Listen to the podcast episode below to hear about how Patricia, filled with energy and charisma, is still gracefully working in business analysis long into her retirement years.YouTube:Patricia UdokangLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-udokang-a9695046/-----Sponsored by BA BLOCKS:For a high-quality BA foundations course (FOBA), register at https://bablocks.com/foba/?affiliate_code=5ee2a7.Use the code INQUISITIVE24 to receive a 10% discount. Whether you are an aspiring or experienced BA, the FOBA course is a game changer. It provides real world project-based teaching with top-notch experienced instructors, each with over 20 years industry experience. Check it out.

Georges Bryson is Lead Business Analyst instructor at McGill University and VP of Professional Development at IIBA Montreal. In this interview, Georges highlights the importance of storytelling in business analysis and uses the bicycle Hub and Spoke Model as a metaphor for competencies. He emphasizes the value of customer journeys, empathy maps, and simplicity in analysis. Georges offers insights into building trust and engagement with stakeholders, and provides guidance on connecting with the IIBA community. With extensive teaching experience in English and French, George also discusses the nuances of teaching business analysis at McGill and Laval universities and his role in translating the BABOK into French. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwSINaWEHh0 Georges Bryson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georges-g-h-bryson-cste-cbap-cpoa-itil-psm-bsac-8396929/ ----- Sponsored by BA BLOCKS: For a high-quality BA foundations course (FOBA), register at https://bablocks.com/foba/?affiliate_code=5ee2a7. Use the code INQUISITIVE24 to receive a 10% discount. Whether you are an aspiring or experienced BA, the FOBA course is a game changer. It provides real world project-based teaching with top-notch experienced instructors, each with over 20 years industry experience. Check it out.

In this interview, Oakland McCulloch, a retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel and author, discusses the transformative power of leadership and the impact of simple acts of kindness. Drawing from his military experiences, he emphasizes the importance of how family, personal growth, and servant leadership can foster a strong organization culture. Oakland provides practical strategies through universal principles of leadership. By building trust by connecting with people and prioritizing genuine care and support, leaders can cultivate a sense of community and drive success across various contexts. These are strategies that are highly applicable to business analysis leadership. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01xjoN-7ctY Oak McCulloch LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oakland-mcculloch-34293256/ Book Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be https://www.amazon.com/Your-Leadership-Legacy-Becoming-Leader/dp/1952037107/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1CUTI99RZJQQP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.A9EziSx4L_0Ye2_wdzd1qNIofeNBhzOIHaYiVoCZw2s.jWZhgHRwTxUaDs_eLNpADvhc37MbBv2Dwps9cb1ygx4&dib_tag=se&keywords=Your+Leadership+Legacy%3A+Becoming+the+Leader+You+Were+Meant+to+Be&qid=1737592291&sprefix=your+leadership+legacy+becoming+the+leader+you+were+meant+to+be%2Caps%2C180&sr=8-1 ----- Sponsored by BA BLOCKS: For a high-quality BA foundations course (FOBA), register at https://bablocks.com/foba/?affiliate_code=5ee2a7. Use the code INQUISITIVE24 to receive a 10% discount. Whether you are an aspiring or experienced BA, the FOBA course is a game changer. It provides real world project-based teaching with top-notch experienced instructors, each with over 20 years industry experience. Check it out.

In this Part 2 episode of Business Analysis in Colombia, I speak with Federico Ortega, Andrea Betancourt, Andrés Villa, and John Osorio about their experience as a product analyst, business analyst, developer, and performance analyst at the software company, Endava. Some of these individuals are also members of IIBA Colombia Chapter. They discuss a day in the life of their job role, and their contribution to software development at Endava. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUHDwQDqHCM IIBA Colombia Website: https://colombia.iiba.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iiba... Federico Ortega LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/federico-ortega-nieto-9757908/ Andrea Betancourt LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreabetan/ Andreas Villa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anvaasquez/ John Osorio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnperformance/ YouTube: JohnIT - https://www.youtube.com/@johnperformanceIT/videos ---- Sponsored by BA BLOCKS: For a high-quality BA foundations course (FOBA), register at https://bablocks.com/foba/?affiliate_code=5ee2a7. Use the code INQUISITIVE24 to receive a 10% discount. Whether you are an aspiring or experienced BA, the FOBA course is a game changer. It provides real world project-based teaching with top-notch experienced instructors, each with over 20 years industry experience. Check it out.

IIBA Colombia, a relatively new IIBA chapter, is growing by leaps and bounds. I recently had the privilege of speaking with the President of the chapter, Orlando Guedez. He's a fascinating man with a storehouse of knowledge in business analysis. You can't help but admire his passion. Join me in listening to this enduring and articulate individual talk about his journey into business analysis in Colombia, and how the IIBA Colombia chapter is making a stellar impact in the city of Medellin, Colombia, and Latin America. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmUagON7Ht4 IIBA Colombia Website: https://colombia.iiba.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iiba-colombia-chapter/posts/?feedView=all Orlando Calderin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orlandoguedezcalderin/ Sponsored by BA BLOCKS: For a high-quality BA foundations course (FOBA), register at https://bablocks.com/foba/?affiliate_code=5ee2a7. Use the code INQUISITIVE24 to receive a 10% discount. Whether you are an aspiring or experienced BA, the FOBA course is a game changer. It provides real world project-based teaching with top-notch experienced instructors, each with over 20 years industry experience. Check it out.

In this episode, Richard Audette, a product development catalyst, provides his perspective on solving product related problems with tight constraints like time, budget, and resources. Richard has 20 years of experience in the trenches with various roles like technical analyst, technical manager, business management analyst, product analyst, and currently as a Director of Innovation and Technology. Richard Audette LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-audette-6588a123/ Blog: https://www.hotelexistence.ca/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaisAsRa5MY ----- Sponsored by BA BLOCKS: For a high-quality BA foundations course (FOBA), register at https://bablocks.com/foba/?affiliate_code=5ee2a7. Use the code INQUISITIVE24 to receive a 10% discount. Whether you are an aspiring or experienced BA, the FOBA course is a game changer. It provides real world project-based teaching with top-notch experienced instructors, each with over 20 years industry experience. Check it out.

David Vrbanek, a senior business analysis practitioner who leads software development and business process improvement projects. In this episode David talks about analytical and descriptive modeling, best practice approaches for developing a Business Process Model, the value of business cases, and how to align a business case with strategic goals. David Vrbanek Website: https://everyday-ba.ca/my-courses LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dvrbanek/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGY--3O_MOc ---- Sponsored by BA BLOCKS: For a high-quality BA foundations course (FOBA), register at https://bablocks.com/foba/?affiliate_code=5ee2a7. Use the code INQUISITIVE24 to receive a 10% discount. Whether you are an aspiring or experienced BA, the FOBA course is a game changer. It provides real world project-based teaching with top-notch experienced instructors, each with over 20 years industry experience. Check it out.

Want to find data insights more efficiently?📢 Many tech companies struggle with data availability issues due to fragmented data sources and the complexity of data integration. Common data visualization software often falls short as they are not designed to handle the breadth and complexity of modern data needs effectively.👍 To solve these problems along comes Datawisp. It supports game developers and software companies by enhancing user growth, retention, and cost savings. It enables these companies to gain actionable insights quickly and efficiently, leading to better-informed strategies for user engagement. By leveraging AI, Datawisp improves the accuracy and speed of data analytics 🤖, which is crucial for making timely and effective business decisions. In this video, Mo Hallaba, CEO of Datawisp, discusses how AI-driven analytics 📈 can lead to more informed decision-making processes, ensuring that products and games are better tailored to user needs. 💯 Datawisp stands out from other no/low-code tools by offering capabilities that extend beyond traditional SQL functions. It is designed to be flexible and powerful, enabling users to extract insights from sales data and other sources with just a few clicks, showcasing its practical utility in real-world scenarios.🎉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDXPhVMjTjw Mo Hallaba Website: https://www.datawisp.io/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohallaba/ Email: mo@datawisp.io ----- Sponsored by BA BLOCKS: For a high-quality BA foundations course (FOBA), register at https://bablocks.com/foba/?affiliate_code=5ee2a7. Use the code INQUISITIVE24 to receive a 10% discount. Whether you are an aspiring or experienced BA, the FOBA course is a game changer. It provides real world project-based teaching with top-notch experienced instructors, each with over 20 years industry experience. Check it out.

Thando Jacobs explains his triumphant journey from sales to business analyst and how he made a conscious effort to identify and fill his gaps; how he overcame hurdles; how he researched about the BA role; how he made an insightful plan to achieve a career goal; and how he sees his future growth in the BA field. These are tips about a journey told with conviction and passion that can help any aspiring or current business analyst to reach further and farther in their career in a short period of time. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpnrnKezhQI Thando Jacobs Website: https://insidebusinessanalysis.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thandojacobs/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InsideBusinessAnalysis Podcast: https://insidebusinessanalysis.com/podcast/ ----- Sponsored by BA BLOCKS: For a high-quality BA foundations course (FOBA), register at https://bablocks.com/foba/?affiliate_code=5ee2a7. Use the code INQUISITIVE24 to receive a 10% discount. Whether you are an aspiring or experienced BA, the FOBA course is a game changer. It provides real world project-based teaching with top-notch experienced instructors, each with over 20 years industry experience. Check it out.

Mark Bruins provides valuable tips of how to maximize your resume/CV. He explains what key accomplishments and experiences BAs should highlight on their resume/CV; how to tailor your resume/CV to a job description; how to format your resume/CV, and much more. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PvZXKWJ170&t=6s Mark Bruins Website: https://www.bamasterminds.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbruins/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BAMasterminds/videos ----- Sponsored by BA BLOCKS: For a high-quality BA foundations course (FOBA), register at https://bablocks.com/foba/?affiliate_code=5ee2a7. Use the code INQUISITIVE24 to receive a 10% discount. Whether you are an aspiring or experienced BA, the FOBA course is a game changer. It provides real world project-based teaching with top-notch experienced instructors, each with over 20 years industry experience. Check it out.

Martin Foster discusses the many benefits of agile frameworks including how organizations can implement business agility practices, prioritization of work, and the importance of dual skills for professionals. Martin Foster LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinfoster/ 2024 Business Agility Report survey link: https://businessagilityreport.com/ References: 1) 2023 business agility report: https://businessagility.institute/learn/2023-business-agility-report/751 2) 2022 and prior: https://businessagility.institute/learn/2022-business-agility-report-business-in-the-new-normal/727 3) Skills in the new world of work: pi-shaped individuals https://businessagility.institute/learn/skills-in-the-new-world-of-work/750 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Kd8BGw4Jsw&t=16s ----- Sponsored by BA BLOCKS: For a high-quality BA foundations course (FOBA), register at https://bablocks.com/foba/?affiliate_code=5ee2a7. Use the code INQUISITIVE24 to receive a 10% discount. Whether you are an aspiring or experienced BA, the FOBA course is a game changer. It provides real world project-based teaching with top-notch experienced instructors, each with over 20 years industry experience. Check it out.

It was remarkable to be able to interview some of the members of IIBA Calgary Chapter today, June 15, 2024, during the chapter's Professional Development Day. This also including two of the presenters at the event, Mike Jones (Past President of IIBA Calgary Chapter) and Bola Adesope. This chapter is thriving while helping to add value and momentum to the growth of Business Analysis as a lucrative profession in Calgary, Canada. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPutB2j9D1A&t=14s

(T.I.A. Ep. 98). Ever try to make an impression with your BA skills during the first 60 days? Tales from the Trenches is a series of videos that delve into a few stories about my highs 😀 and lows 😔 as a business analyst, the struggles in my career, the aha moments💡, the inspirations, and a few lessons learned ✍️ along the way. This video in the series is about someone who tried to demonstrate his BA skills during the first 60 days on the job. I learned a valuable lesson from what happened during this incident. It's great to make an impression on people who are willing to support your career growth. Some of these Tales from the Trenches might help you along your business analysis journey. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXJk4O_1Z4M Music used in this video: Purple - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7H4ebDC9a0

(T.I.A. Ep. 97). 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀?📢 How can enterprise analysis help align business processes, technologies, and resources with organizational goals?🌏 I speak with Vincent Mirabelli in-person, to understand where BAs play a pivotal part in this journey. Vincent's engaging spirit and deep knowledge🔎of enterprise analysis is echoed with storytelling skills that make you want to learn more.😀 Vincent explains: 1) How BAs can add value without negatively impacting other business segments. 2) How BAs can learn about value streams. 3) What is enterprise analysis? Brace yourself for a thought provoking conversation. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRvq_-6Cr8U Music used in this video: Purple - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7H4ebDC9a0 Stay Around - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeEGKiES480&list=OLAK5uy_k13TqpkQLQtblJV5pV8n5N2g6qGxiFqIk

(T.I.A. Ep. 96) Business Analysis is growing everywhere 🧭, including in Mexico 🇲🇽. Recently I had the opportunity to chat with Fernando Solares, the President of IIBA Mexico, to find out how Business Analysis is making an impact in organizations in his home country. The IIBA Mexico chapter has doubled it's membership over the past year, and this is a testament 📚to the demand for business analysis in the largest populated city in North America. Listen to this podcast episode (Part 1) to find out why and how Mexico is growing 🎉 into a central hub 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦for business analysis in Latin America👋. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPFvqNmXylo IIBA Mexico https://mexicocity.iiba.org/ Fernando Solares LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fhersolares/ Music used in this video: Purple - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7H4ebDC9a0 Time (jiglr) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6qxvT7JFNM Rising Star (VGDL) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5Un08vOJEk

(T.I.A. Ep. 95) Ever have a strange outcome from a job interview? In this video I explain some highs and lows from a very memorable interview where I learned something rather extraordinary. Job interviews have never been the same for me since. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f2VkNn7Gmo Music used in this video: Purple - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7H4ebDC9a0 Chill Vibes Music Freedom – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jNsOGzZmz8

(T.I.A. Ep. 94) Need help to find Business Analyst jobs?🙋‍♀️ Do you get frustrated when job hunting❓ Trying to find a good remote job?💥 Look no further than this video where I explain a few options.💡 I provide examples of places I have worked in the past as a business analyst.🤔 I list valuable websites with numerous BA jobs. See the list below.👇 There is also one great tip that few candidates use which will help you stand out from the crowd. Take a look at these job websites.👇 By no means an exhaustive list. But good enough to get you started. Indeed: www.indeed.com, ca.indeed.com Monster: www.monster.com, www.monster.ca Alberta Government: www.alberta.ca/find-a-job Canada Government Jobs: www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/opportunities/government.html Shell Canada Jobs: www.shell.ca/en_ca/careers.html IBM Jobs: www.ibm.com/careers Mason Frank: www.masonfrank.com Robert Half: www.roberthalf.com Randstad: www.randstad.ca Adecco: www.adecco.ca Upwork: www.upwork.com Procom: procomservices.com We Work Remotely: weworkremotely.com Remote: remote.co Dice: dice.com Flexjobs: flexjobs.com Virtual Vocations: www.virtualvocations.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqDhr-Rmwjs Music used in this video: Purple - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7H4ebDC9a0 Tropical Funk – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ws_wh_xAbhw What type of difficulties have you had when looking for a business analyst job? Comment below. Looking forward to hearing from you.

(T.I.A. Ep. 93). Looking for experience as a business analyst? No one is willing to hire you without experience? Look no further than to volunteer as a business analyst at an organization. This podcast episode explains a few options for volunteering as a BA. It's all about community involvement. Be collaborative, be a leader, be a volunteer. The sky's the limit for business analysts when it comes to being a volunteer. Be a principal business analyst in any organization, as a volunteer. Industries could include Information Technology, financial, insurance, education, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, clinical, healthcare, etc. You may not find the title of business analyst volunteer at some organizations. But, there is lots of business analysis work being done at organizations that are looking for volunteers. Reach out and ask an organization. I have volunteered in the past, with IIBA Ottawa-Outaouais chapter as VP Professional Development. I still volunteer occasionally with CRIEC (Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council) as a mentor for newcomers (BAs and PMs) to the city of Calgary. Make a difference. Be a Volunteer, be a BA, be Awesome! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhKppoUOdHM Music used in this video: Purple - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7H4ebDC9a0 Night Sky - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-JsKx4bC0E Have you had any experience volunteering as a business analyst, to develop valuable BA skills, or to help others develop their BA skills? Comment below. Looking forward to hear about your volunteer experience or interest in volunteering.

(T.I.A. Ep. 92). What's the Definition of Done for your project?🤔 Dmytro Nizhebetskiy, YouTuber of IT Project Managers, and author of the book, "Practical Project Management: A Proven Framework that Great Project Managers Use in the Real World", provides an insightful perspective on valuable aspects of IT project management. 🌍 Dmytro discusses his real-world experience and approach with ease,👍from the very start of a project, when to modify a charter, and how to clarify the Definition of Done.🎯 👉 Check out this podcast. Start leading with confidence, to be a successful IT project manager.💥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WZqlt4Dq1I #practicalprojectmanagement #leadership #dod #projectmanagement #pm Dmytro Nizhebetskyi: Website: IT PM School – https://itpmschool.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nizhebetskiydmitriy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ITProjectManagers/videos Book: Practical Project Management: Proven Framework That Great Project Managers Use In the Real World https://itpmschool.com/practical-project-management-book-offer/ OR https://amzn.to/3CAOpPX Sponsored by: The Lewis Institute Website: https://lewisinstituteinc.com/ Project Leader Courses: https://lewisinstitute.kartra.com/page/Wif255