The Better Business Analyst Podcast
The Better Business Analyst Podcast covers the most important and latest Business Analysis (BA) news, top tips and interviews. It is brought to you by The Better Business Analysis Institute (BBAI), an industry body focused on the progressive growth and capability of quality business analysts. The podcast teaches and promotes the specific skills needed to complete quality business analysis work.
Episodes
BA Bites - “The Business wants this......”
But “the business” isn’t a person.It doesn’t make decisions.And it certainly doesn’t own the consequences.In this episode, Benjamen breaks down why abstract language like “the business needs” quietly destroys accountability, hides real trade-offs, and leads to bloated, expensive solutions.You’ll learn:Why vague language is a red flag in analysis and strategyHow “the business” masks customer impact
The Business Case Is Dead. Long Live the Opportunity Canvas.
Traditional business cases are slowing organisations down — and most of them were never telling the truth anyway.They’re political documents dressed up as analysis, full of predictions nobody can validate and assumptions nobody ever checks.In this episode, I break down why business cases have become relics, what modern companies are using instead, and how you can shift your organisation toward fas
The Brutal Truth: How Business Analysts Should Approach a Custom ERP Implementation
Custom ERP implementations aren’t “just another project.” They’re an organisational reconstruction. They expose every broken process, every data issue, every shortcut, and every assumption the business has been getting away with for years.In this episode, I break down the real approach Business Analysts need to take when stepping into a custom ERP implementation — the most complex and high-stakes
BA Bites - How Business Analysts Should Approach a Salesforce Implementation
Salesforce can transform a business — or turn into another expensive tool nobody actually uses. The difference almost always comes down to how the Business Analyst approaches the implementation.In this episode, I break down the practical, no-nonsense approach BAs should take when dropped into a Salesforce project: understanding the real business problem, mapping processes properly, setting clear s
BA Bites - From 5G to Smart Cities: Finding Business Opportunities in Connected Data and Processes
In this episode, Benjamen Walsh breaks down how advanced connectivity — from 5G and 6G networks to IoT and edge computing — is reshaping the world of business analysis.Discover where the biggest opportunities lie for BAs and strategic leaders: in connected data, process optimisation, and the new skills that will define digital transformation in the decade ahead.
BA Bites - When Human-Centred Design Isn’t What It Seems: From Users to Customers and True Innovation
We all say we’re doing human-centred design — but what happens when the “human” turns out to be our internal process, not our actual customer?In this episode, Benjamen Walsh dives into how real innovation starts with the customer’s job to be done — not our internal agenda.Learn how to spot fake HCD, how to reframe discovery around customer value, and why true innovation lies in understanding why p
BA Bites - Going Deep with The 4P+ Framework: People, Processes, Projects and Products
In this episode of The Better Business Analyst Podcast, Benjamen Walsh revisits one of his most powerful models — The 4P+ Framework: People, Processes, Projects and Products.You might have heard of it before, but this time we’re going deeper.Discover how the best business analysts connect these four dimensions to move from task taker to value creator — shaping outcomes, not just outputs.Benjamen u
BA Bites - Bridging Strategy and Delivery: The Missing Middle for BAs
Every great strategy needs someone to turn it into action — and that’s where Business Analysts shine.In this episode, Benjamen Walsh explores how BAs can bridge the gap between strategic intent and delivery execution. Learn the deliverables, tools, and thinking frameworks that make you the “missing middle” every organisation needs.Listen now on The Better Business Analyst Podcast.
BA Bites - Making Sense of Jira Goals — Connecting Strategy to Delivery
Ever felt like your Jira projects are running on autopilot with no clear link back to business outcomes? You’re not alone. In this episode, Benjamen breaks down Jira’s new Goals feature — what it is, how it works, and why it finally gives Business Analysts, Product Owners, and Delivery Teams a way to connect work to strategy.We’ll explore:How Jira Goals change the way we track progressPractical ex
BA Bites - 10 things every BA should know about Git, GitHub, and Continuous Delivery/Integration
In this episode of the Better Business Analyst Podcast, Benjamen Walsh shares 10 things every BA should know about Git, GitHub, and Continuous Delivery/Integration.From version control for requirements to collaborating via pull requests, and even how GitHub can be your go-to place for the latest AI models and open-source tools — this episode breaks down the essentials every modern BA needs.Perfect
BA Bites - Top 10 ways to become a Strategic BA
The leap from delivery to strategy is the real career game-changer for Business Analysts.In this episode, Benjamen Walsh's shares his Top 10 ways to become a Strategic BA — from mastering financial acumen and building senior stakeholder trust, to telling stories with data and using enterprise analysis techniques.We’ll explore real case studies from Netflix, Toyota, Spotify, Amazon, Tesla and m
The AI Business Analyst is here — and it’s not replacing you, it’s working with you.
In this episode, Benjamen breaks down the Top 10 ways AI, and especially Microsoft Copilot, is already transforming the BA role. From requirements elicitation and process modelling to risk management and benefits tracking, we’ll look at how secure, enterprise AI tools can become your daily co-pilot.This is about the AIBA — the AI Business Analyst. The next step in our evolution as BAs.
BA Bites - Top 10 Job-Seeking Strategies for Business Analysts & IT Professionals
Job hunting can feel like a full-time job — one day you’re full of hope, the next you’re wondering if anyone even saw your CV.In this episode of The Better Business Analyst Podcast, Benjamen Walsh shares his Top 10 job-seeking strategies tailored for Business Analysts, IT professionals, and strategic leaders.From crafting personalised cover letters to staying visible on LinkedIn, and from working
BA Bites - Continuous Discovery - The Best way to add value everday
From waterfall to agile — and now to continuous discovery.In this episode of the Better Business Analyst Podcast, we explore the next big shift in how Business Analysts create value. Continuous discovery means staying connected to users, stakeholders, and data throughout the delivery cycle — not just at the start.You’ll learn:Why traditional discovery isn’t enough anymorePractical steps to embed c
BA Bites - 10 Ways Narrative Shapes Better Outcomes (BA as a Storyteller)
The BA as Storyteller: 10 Ways Narrative Shapes Better OutcomesBusiness Analysts aren’t just requirement gatherers — we’re storytellers.In this episode of the Better Business Analyst Podcast, Benjamen Walsh explores how narrative can transform workshops, requirements, benefits, business cases, and even your career.You’ll hear 10 powerful ways to use storytelling in BA work, complete with real-worl
BA Bites - Top 10 Lessons from the Jobs To Be Done Framework
In this episode of the Better Business Analyst Podcast, Benjamen Walsh unpacks the Jobs To Be Done (JTBD) framework—a powerful way to understand what customers and stakeholders really need. Forget features—this is about outcomes.Tune in for 10 practical lessons and tips on applying JTBD to requirements, strategy, and solution design. With real-world examples like FitNation, Uber Eats, and everyday
BA Bites - 10 Things You Need to Know About Managing Products in an Enterprise
Managing a product in an enterprise isn’t like working in a start-up. It’s bigger, slower, more political – and far more complex. But when you get it right, you can influence strategy, steer multi-million-dollar roadmaps, and create products that impact thousands, even millions, of users.In this episode of The Better Business Analyst Podcast, Benjamen Walsh shares ten essential truths about enterp
BA Bites - Top 10 Things New Business Analysts Get Wrong (And How to Get Them Right)
Every new BA makes mistakes — but the best ones learn fast. In this episode, Benjamen Walsh shares the 10 most common missteps new business analysts make, along with practical fixes, tools, and real examples to help you get it right.From jumping into solutions too soon to being afraid to ask “dumb” questions, this is your shortcut to becoming the BA your team needs — faster.🎧 Subscribe, share, and
BA Bites - Top 10 Ways BAs Can Leverage Shadow IT
Shadow IT: The Secret Weapon – Top 10 Ways Business Analysts Can Use It For GoodThink Shadow IT is just a security risk? Think again. In this week’s episode of The Better Business Analyst, I’m breaking down the Top 10 ways Shadow IT can actually help you become a better BA and drive smarter business change.We’ll cover:Spotting Shadow IT – What it is and where to find itUnderstanding Why It Happens
BA Bites - 10 Things Every BA Should Know About Local Government
What’s it really like working as a Business Analyst in local government?In this episode of The Better Business Analyst Podcast, I’m drawing from real-world council experience to unpack 10 truths every BA should know before stepping into this space. Whether you're mapping legacy processes, digitising citizen services, or navigating political oversight—this sector demands clarity, patience, and
BA Bites - 10 Things Every BA Should Know About International Trade & Export
International trade is high-stakes, high-impact work—and BAs are at the centre of how governments support their exporters and grow economies. In this episode, I share 10 essential things every BA needs to understand if you're working in a trade agency, export business, or supporting businesses going global.From cross-border data constraints to stakeholder diplomacy and exporter experience, thi
BA Bites - 10 Things Every BA Needs to Know About the Energy Sector
Working in the energy industry as a Business Analyst? Or about to walk into the space?In this episode, I unpack the ten things every BA must know—from navigating legacy systems and regulation, to understanding how decarbonisation, safety, and customer experience are changing the game. This is real-world, no-fluff insight drawn from hands-on experience across energy projects large and small.Whether
BA Bites - 10 Things Every BA Needs to Know About Working in Education
In this episode, I’m diving into the realities of being a Business Analyst in the education sector—where data is fragmented, outcomes matter more than outputs, and the people you serve care deeply about the work. Drawing from years of experience across schools, systems and strategy, I’ll unpack 10 critical things every BA should know if you're heading into education or already deep in the tren
BA Bites - Top 10 Ways Business Analysts Miss the Mark (Even When the Requirements Are Right)
Ever delivered the exact requirements… and still watched the solution fall flat?In this episode, I break down the top 10 reasons BAs miss the mark – even when everything looks “right” on paper. From unspoken stakeholder expectations to the trap of treating Agile ceremonies as substitutes for real analysis, this is a no-fluff guide to what separates average BAs from truly impactful ones.✅ Why requi
BA Bites - The Top 10 Ways Business Analysts Influence Strategy (Without the Title)
You don’t need a title to lead — you just need the right approach.In this episode of The Better Business Analyst, I break down the Top 10 ways Business Analysts can influence strategy and drive real business impact — even without a formal leadership role.Each strategy includes:✅ A key principle📊 A research-backed insight💬 A talking point to use in the room📌 A real-world example from the fieldWheth
BA Bites - The 10 Templates Every BA Needs
Templates don’t just make life easier—they make you better.In this BA Bites episode, I break down the 10 most essential templates every Business Analyst should have in their toolkit. These aren’t fluffy checklists or overengineered frameworks. They’re the practical, real-world templates that help you frame work clearly, communicate with stakeholders, and keep delivery on track.We’re covering:Agile
BA Bites - AI in the C-Suite: The Rise of the Chief AI Officer
As AI moves from tool to transformation, a new executive role is emerging: the Chief AI Officer. In this episode, Benjamen Walsh breaks down why the CAIO matters, what they actually do, and how this shift is reshaping the work of business analysts.From strategy and ethics to governance and vendor selection, this BA Bites episode explores 10 essential insights into the rise of the CAIO—plus what it
BA Bites - Pain Points vs. Problems – Why Getting This Right is Everything
Pain Points vs. Problems – Why Getting This Right is Everything🧠 In this episode of The Better Business Analyst, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the biggest mistakes I see across projects – confusing pain points with actual problems.Too often we get caught reacting to symptoms instead of diagnosing the root cause. The result? Misguided priorities, wasted effort, and “solutions” that don’t a
BA Bites - Start with the Big Picture: 10 Reasons Context Comes First
Start with the Big Picture – 10 Reasons Context Comes FirstDescription:Before you dive into requirements, backlogs or shiny new solutions, ask yourself: do you actually understand the world this project lives in?In this episode of The Better Business Analyst, I unpack 10 reasons why Business Analysts must start with context—not just the project scope. We’ll explore how understanding strategic driv
Top 10 - Practical real-world strategies for engaging diverse, indigenous, and culturally different groups
How do you engage with diverse, indigenous, and culturally different groups as a Business Analyst—without falling into tokenism or consultation theatre?In this episode of The Better Business Analyst Podcast, Benjamen Walsh shares 10 practical, real-world strategies for building trust, cultural safety, and authentic engagement across difference.From using talking circles to co-designing solutions,
BA Bites - Top 10 Tips for Completing the Better Business Case Process
BA Bites - Top 10 Tips for Completing the Better Business Case ProcessWriting a business case doesn’t have to be painful. In this episode, Ben Walsh unpacks 10 practical tips for completing the Better Business Case (BBC) process with confidence and clarity.You’ll get:Proven scripts and language that work in real-world casesAdvice on avoiding common pitfalls across the 5 Case ModelReal examples fro
BA Bites - Vibe Coding: 10 Essential Insights Before You Let AI Write Your Career Suicide Note
Vibe Coding: 10 Essential Insights Before You Let AI Write Your Career Suicide NoteWelcome to the brave new world of vibe coding — where software is built by AI, guided by human vibes, and occasionally blessed with working logic.In this BABites episode, we break down:What vibe coding is and where it came fromWhy developers (and startups) are all over itWhere it’s brilliant… and where it’s a disast
BA Bites - Connecting the Bits & Pieces – Why Integration Matters
In this BA Bites episode, we tackle a foundational question:How do we connect all the bits and pieces of our systems without creating chaos?We explore:🔹 Why “One System to Rule Them All” sounds great—but usually fails🔹 How too many microservices can lead to micro-mess🔹 The importance of modularity, interoperability, and smart integration🔹 Tools and techniques BAs can use to drive connected solutio
BA Bites - 10 Things You Need to Know About MCP (Modular Communication Protocol) and AI
What the heck is MCP and why should business leaders care? In this episode of BA Bites, we break down Modular Communication Protocol (MCP) — the quiet enabler behind smart factories, AI agents, robotics, and real-time automation.MCP isn’t just tech jargon. It’s what allows machines, AI tools, and systems from different vendors to talk to each other — reliably, securely, and in real time. And it
BA Bites – From Requirements to Product Ownership: Why More BAs Are Making the Switch
The role of the Business Analyst is evolving, and more BAs are stepping into Product Owner roles than ever before. But why?In this episode of BA Bites, we explore:✅ The impact of Agile and why businesses need fewer requirements gatherers and more decision-makers.✅ The natural skill overlap between BAs and POs—and why transitioning is easier than you think.✅ The financial and career growth opportun
BA Bites - 5 Steps to Tackle Chaos in a New Job or Project
🎙️ BA Bites: 5 Steps to Tackle Chaos in a New Job or ProjectYou’ve just stepped into a new job or project, and it’s a complete mess—deadlines are looming, nobody seems aligned, and chaos reigns. So, where do you even start?In this episode of BA Bites, we break down five practical steps to help you regain control, bring structure to the madness, and start making an impact fast. Whether you’re a Bus
BA Bites - 10 practical ways Business Analysts can use mindfulness and strategic timeouts to reduce risk and improve mental health
Feeling overwhelmed as a BA? In this episode of BA Bites, we explore 10 practical ways Business Analysts can use mindfulness and strategic timeouts to reduce risk and improve mental health. That’s why in the latest episode of BA Bites, I’m diving into 10 ways BAs can use mindfulness and strategic timeouts to reduce risk and improve mental health.🔹 Taking a breath before reacting🔹 Using the 5-secon
BA Bites - 10 Things Every BA Must Know About Modern Data Management
🚀 BA Bites - 10 Things Every BA Must Know About Modern Data Management 🚀Data is the lifeblood of business decision-making, but how can Business Analysts navigate the ever-evolving landscape of data fabrics, analytics models, and automated pipelines?In this episode of The Better Business Analyst Podcast, we break down the 10 key things you need to know to get started with modern data management. We
BA Bites - Top 10 Ways AI Is Lying to You (and What BAs Must Do About It)
AI is powerful—but it’s also a confident liar. From making up legal cases to spreading financial misinformation, AI “hallucinations” are causing real-world business disasters.In this episode, we break down:✅ Shocking AI failures that cost businesses millions✅ How AI-generated misinformation spreads (and why you should never blindly trust AI insights)✅ What Business Analysts can do to fact-check AI
BA Bites - AI Agents: What Are They and How Can You Use Them?
AI is transforming how businesses operate, but do you really know what an AI agent is and how to use one? In this episode ofBA Bites, we break it all down:✅What AI agents are (and how they think!)✅How they’re designed and how they make decisions✅Real-world use cases—from chatbots to automation to predictive analysis✅Examples of AI agents in action✅How to set one up and start using AI in your busin
BA Bites - AI-Powered Business Analysis – The Future of BAs in an AI-Driven World
💡 AI is revolutionising Business Analysis—but where do BAs fit in?
In this episode of BA Bites, I take a fresh look at AI in 2025 and beyond. We’ve talked about AI before, but things are moving fast. From AI copilots writing user stories to predictive analytics shaping business decisions, Business Analysts need to adapt—or risk being left behind.
🎙️ In this episode, we cover:
✔️ AI’s role in aut
Top 10 Ways BAs Accidentally Sabotage Projects (and How to Avoid Them)
Top 10 Ways BAs Accidentally Sabotage Projects (and How to Avoid Them)
Every BA has the best intentions, but small mistakes can snowball into major project problems. In this episode, we explore the top 10 ways Business Analysts unknowingly sabotage projects—and practical strategies to prevent them.
🎧 Tune in to discover:
The most common BA missteps (and how to spot them).
Real-life examples of
BA Bites - Top 10 Weirdest BA Skills You Didn’t Know You Needed
Top 10 Weirdest BA Skills You Didn’t Know You Needed
You’ve mastered stakeholder management and process modelling, but what about acting, mind-reading, or storytelling? In this episode, we dive into the weirdest, most unexpected skills that make BAs stand out—and how to develop them.
🎧 Listen to learn:
The quirky skills you might already use (and why they matter).
Real-life examples of unconven
BA Bites - Top 10 Signs Your Requirements Are Doomed (and How to Save Them)
BA Bites - Top 10 Signs Your Requirements Are Doomed (and How to Save Them)
Requirements are the backbone of every project—but what happens when they start to fail? In this episode, I break down the most common warning signs that your requirements are doomed and how to rescue them.
🎧 Tune in to discover:
The 10 red flags every BA should watch for.
Real-world examples of failed requirements (and
BA Bites - Top 10 Lies Stakeholders Tell (and How to Decode Them)
BA Bites - Top 10 Lies Stakeholders Tell (and How to Decode Them)
Let’s face it—stakeholders don’t always tell the whole truth. Whether it’s “This will be a quick project” or “The users will love this,” these “little lies” can derail even the best-planned initiatives.
In this episode, I share:
The top 10 stakeholder lies and what they really mean.
Real-world strategies to handle tricky convers
BA Bites - 10 Essential Skills Every Business Analyst Needs for 2024 (But Aren’t in the Job Description)
Top 10 Skills Every Business Analyst Needs for 2024 (That Aren’t in the Job Description)
2024 demands more from Business Analysts than ever before. In this episode, I explore the top 10 underrated skills that will set you apart, including:
How storytelling turns data into decisions.
Why systems thinking can save your project.
The art of influencing without authority.
🎧 Tune in now to learn
BA Bites - Top 10 Questions Business Analysts Should Ask But Rarely Do
Great analysis starts with great questions. In this episode, I explore 10 essential questions that often go unasked—questions that can unlock hidden insights, align stakeholders, and save your project from disaster.
You’ll learn:
Why asking “What’s the real problem?” can save millions.
How to define success before you start.
The power of questioning whether action is even necessary.
🎧 Tune i
BA Bites - 10 Ways to Speed Up Capturing Requirements
🎙️ In this episode of BA Bites, we delve into real-world examples and case studies to share 10 ways to speed up capturing requirements in your projects.
From thorough preparation to leveraging Agile techniques, we've got you covered. Join us as we explore effective tips and strategies that have led to significant improvements in various industries.
Tune in and enhance your requirement gathering
BA Bites - 10 Ways to Wrap Things Up for the Year in Business
In this episode, we share 10 actionable tips to wrap up the year in business analysis and projects, ensuring you feel great and ready for the new year.
From conducting a thorough year-end review to setting clear goals and celebrating achievements, we cover it all.
Tune in to discover how you can end the year on a high note and start the new year with renewed energy and focus.
Don't miss out! 🌟
The Top 10 Worst Business Decisions (and the Analysts Who Warned Against Them)
From Blockbuster rejecting Netflix to Kodak burying its own invention, we’re breaking down the worst corporate blunders of all time—and the critical role analysis played (or should have played).
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How these decisions derailed once-dominant companies.
Key lessons to help you avoid similar pitfalls.
Why bold communication and foresight are the analyst’s best tools.
BA Bites - Do You Even Need a UI or Search in the World of AI?
Search bars are fading. Buttons? Optional. Thanks to AI, users don’t need to think about how they interact with systems—they just do. But where does this leave us, the BAs who’ve been designing these experiences?
In this episode, we dive into:
Why AI is sneaking in to replace traditional search and UI.
What this shift means for Business Analysts.
Real-world examples of AI taking over, from Do
BA Bites - Remember Agile? Yeah, About That...
Agile workflows—are they a game-changer or just a buzzword gone stale? In this episode, we dive into real-life tales of iterative project chaos, from stakeholder ambushes to scope creep disguised as flexibility. You’ll hear about:
The death of the word "Agile" and what’s replacing it.
"Done" that isn’t DONE (and how to fix it).
Why flexibility without focus derails teams every time.
Grab your
BA Question – When Do I Use Different Process Models?
Ever wondered which process model to use and when? T
his short and sweet episode of The Better Business Analyst Podcast has you covered! Whether you're navigating Waterfall, Agile, or hybrid approaches, we break down the essentials to help you pick the right tool for the job. Tune in for clear answers and practical tips that sharpen your BA toolkit. 🎧💡
👉 Listen now
#BusinessAnalysis #ProcessModels
BA Bites - Top 10 Ways a New Trump Presidency Could Affect Business and Business Analysis Globally
🎧 Welcome to BA Bites, where we break down the complex world of business analysis! Today, we're exploring the Top 10 Ways a New Trump Presidency Could Affect Business and Business Analysis Globally. 🌍✨
Global Trade Relations and Supply Chains📦 Potential shifts in trade deals and tariffs can impact how we assess risks, costs, and timelines for cross-border projects. BAs must evaluate the stabilit
BA Bites - 10 Essential Techniques for Technical Business Analysis
BA Bites - 10 Essential Techniques for Technical Business Analysis
Join us in this episode of the BA Bites podcast as we explore the 10 essential techniques every technical business analyst should know! From understanding system requirements to implementing effective error handling, we’ll provide actionable insights and practical examples to elevate your analysis skills. Whether you’re just starti
BA Bites - 10 Ways Business Analysts Can Embrace Sustainable and Ethical Business Thinking
🌍 BA Bites - 10 Ways Business Analysts Can Embrace Sustainable and Ethical Business Thinking
In today’s world, businesses must go beyond profitability and think about their social and environmental impacts. As Business Analysts, we’re in a unique position to integrate sustainable and ethical principles into our work. In the latest episode of BA Bites, I talk about 10 ways we can make a real differ
BA Bites - 10 Top Tips for Writing Awesome User Stories
In this episode of BA Bites, we dive into the art of writing user stories that truly capture user needs and drive project success. Whether you're a seasoned business analyst or just starting, these 10 tips will help you craft stories that bring clarity, focus, and actionable insights to your development team. From adding detailed acceptance criteria to introducing **User Stories 2.0**, these techn
BA Bites - Radical Product Thinking
In this episode of BA Bites, we dive into Radical Product Thinking—a powerful framework for crafting a clear, long-term product vision that drives purposeful development. We’ll guide you through the Radical Vision Template, a step-by-step tool that helps you set a vision that aligns your team and creates impactful products.
Here’s a quick recap of the template we’ll cover:
Today, when [customer
BA Bites - 10 Ways to Spot and Solve Project Red Flags
BA Bites - 10 Ways to Spot and Solve Project Red Flags
In this episode, we explore 10 key ways Business Analysts can spot early warning signs on a project and take action to resolve them. From handling budget overruns and scope creep to boosting team morale and improving communication, these tips will help you keep your project on track.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
Missed deadlines and milestones
BA Bites - 10 Ways for BAs to Enhance their Emotional Intelligence/EQ
🎙️ BA Bites - 10 Ways for BAs to Enhance their Emotional Intelligence/EQ
Welcome to another episode of BA Bites on The Better Business Analyst Podcast. In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) for Business Analysts. Discover ten practical tips to enhance your EQ and understand why these skills are essential for your role.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
Self-Aware
BA Bites - 13 Differences between Productivity vs. Efficiency
13 Differences between Productivity vs. Efficiency
It's easy to confuse productivity and efficiency, especially in the fast-paced world of business analysis. But understanding the difference is crucial for optimizing your team's performance.
Productivity is about achieving results and creating value, while efficiency is about minimizing waste and doing things with the least amount of effor
BA Bites - Embracing Discomfort: The Key to Effective Business Analysis
BA Bites - Embracing Discomfort: The Key to Effective Business Analysis
In this episode, we dive into why Business Analysts (BAs) must learn to embrace discomfort to excel in their roles.
From avoiding the trap of jumping to solutions too early to asking the tough questions that unlock real insights, we'll explore the top 10 reasons why being uncomfortable is crucial to delivering value as a
BA Bites - 10 Underrated Skills Every Business Analyst Should Master
BA Bites - 10 Underrated Skills Every Business Analyst Should Master
In this episode of *BA Bites*, we dive into the lesser-known skills that set exceptional business analysts apart. From mastering the art of managing up to presenting like a marketer, we'll uncover 10 hidden talents that every BA should have in their toolkit. Whether it's being the peacekeeper in a tense meeting or treati
Big Data & AI - An Interview with Pankaj Zanke
This week I interviewed Pankaj Zanke, an expert in data and analytics with over 10 years of experience, who will explore the impact of big data and AI on business analytics, particularly within the insurance sector.We delve into Pankaj's background and what sparked his interest in data and analytics and then jump into:
How big data and AI are transforming businesses
Real-world examples of b
BA Bites - The Top 5 Reasons Why Business Analysts (BAs) Might Struggle to Progress in Their Role
BA Bites - The Top 5 Reasons Why Business Analysts (BAs) Might Struggle to Progress in Their Role
In this episode of BA Bites, we dive into the common challenges that business analysts face in their careers and explore the top 5 reasons why they might struggle to progress. From unclear requirements and insufficient stakeholder engagement to inadequate communication skills, resistance to change, an
BA Bites - Is the Permanent BA Role Becoming Extinct?
Are we witnessing the twilight of the traditional Perm Project Business Analyst role? In this episode, we challenge the status quo and delve into the compelling argument for eliminating permanent BA positions. From the finite nature of projects to the career benefits of a project-based model, we explore why this shift could be a game-changer for both individuals and organizations. We'll discus
BA Bites - OKRs: Goal Getter's Guide
This week on the Better Business Analyst Podcast:
BA Bites - OKRs: Goal Getter's Guide
Ever wondered how tech giants like Intel stay ahead of the game? The secret might lie in a simple yet powerful framework: Objectives and Key Results, or OKRs. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of OKRs, uncovering how this goal-setting methodology can supercharge your business.
From understanding
BA Bites - What the Hell is a Feature?
BA Bites - What the Hell is a Feature?
In this episode of BA Bites, we challenge the conventional wisdom around features. Are they truly the atomic units of software development? We delve into the historical perspective of features as product differentiators and examine how this definition has evolved in the age of agile methodologies.
We'll discuss the pitfalls of feature-centric approaches
Never Release on a Friday - The CrowdStrike Outage
In this 10 min one off episode, we dive into the recent CrowdStrike Falcon Sensor update that caused widespread disruptions on Windows systems.
Discover how a single defective update led to the infamous “blue screen of death” (BSOD), affecting businesses and critical infrastructure globally.
We’ll explore the root cause, the immediate impact, and the steps CrowdStrike took to resolve the issue.
BA Bites - Business Rules? Don't Get Confused!
BA Bites - Business Rules? Don't Get Confused!
Ever feel lost in a maze of confusing business rules? This episode of BA Bites is your guiding light! We'll shed light on the fundamentals of business rules, the invisible wires that power efficient business operations. Learn how to craft clear, concise rules that everyone from the CEO to the frontline staff can understand. We'll also bus
BA Bites - The Analysis Squeeze - Don't Let Stakeholders Squeeze Out Quality
BA Bites - The Analysis Squeeze - Don't Let Stakeholders Squeeze Out Quality
Feeling the pressure to deliver requirements yesterday? In this episode of BA Bites, we tackle the classic BA struggle: managing stakeholder expectations during the crucial analysis phase. We'll dive deeper into why stakeholders might undervalue analysis, exploring common reasons like focus on speed, limited visi
BA Bites - Why and When Do You Break Down Requirements?
BA Bites - Why and When Do You Break Down Requirements?
In this episode of BA Bites, we delve into the crucial topic of breaking down requirements. Join us as we explore the how and why behind a Business Analyst’s (BA) approach to decomposing user stories, both in the pre-development and development phases.
Pre-Development Phase:
Understanding User Needs:
How: Conduct stakeholder interviews, s
BA Bites - Long Requirements Document? Only for a short time
BA Bites - Long Requirements Document? Only for a short time
Hey BAs! We've all been there - staring down a massive requirements document that feels like it will never end. But fear not! This BA bite explores the idea that while a detailed analysis spec and traceability matrix are important, they don't need to live in a giant, unruly doc forever.
In this Bite, you'll learn:
Why it
BA Bites - Mastering Non-Functional Requirements
Struggling to write clear and concise non-functional requirements (NFRs)? Join Benjamen as he breaks down the essentials of NFRs in bite-sized episodes on BA Bites.
This podcast is your go-to guide for understanding how to structure your NFRs effectively, ensuring they are measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
Whether you're a seasoned BA or just starting out, BA Bites will
From Suits to Suds and Back Again: The Stu McKinlay Story
This episode features my good friend Stu McKinlay, a creative whirlwind who defies categorisation! We met when his colourful personality (and attire!) lit up the room during a job interview for a business analyst role at Z Energy.
But Stu's story goes far beyond suits and spreadsheets. He's a highly successful entrepreneur who founded Yeastie Boys, an award-winning international craft brew
BA Bites - Why Agile is Failing
Agile has taken the software development world by storm, but is it all it's cracked up to be? In this episode, we delve into a study revealing a shocking truth: Agile projects are 268% more likely to fail than traditional ones.
https://www.theregister.com/2024/06/05/agile_failure_rates/
We'll break down the key factors contributing to this and explore why Agile might not be the magic bulle
BA Bites - Use Generative AI today
🎙️ BA Bites: Use Generative AI Today
In this bite-sized episode of BA Bites, we delve into the exciting world of Generative AI and its impact on business analysis. Buckle up as we explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way we approach BA tasks. 🚀
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transcended mere buzzwords to become an integral part of our professional lives. As business analyst
BA Bites - Crafting a CV That Stands Out
In this short BA Bites episode, we unpack the essentials of a Business Analyst CV that catches the eye.
We’ll cover how to effectively highlight your project achievements, the importance of certifications, and how to demonstrate industry expertise.
We’ll also delve into the power of personal interests and professional contributions to add depth to your profile.
From rock climbing to keynote s
BA Bites - The Power of "Why?"
BA Bites - The Power of "Why?" is part of our BA Bites series: 2 min top tip for Business Analysts.
Ever heard the phrase "There's no such thing as a stupid question"?
In business analysis, the most valuable question might be "Why?".
By asking "why" behind a stakeholder request, we uncover the true needs and motivations.
This leads to better solution
BA Bites - Mythbusting Business Analysis
BA Bites - Mythbusting Business Analysis is part of our BA Bites series: 2 min top tip for Business Analysts
Today, we're tackling some common myths about business analysis.
Myth number one: Business analysts are just glorified note-takers. Wrong! While capturing requirements is important, BAs wear many hats. We analyse needs, bridge communication gaps, and ensure projects align with busines
