What Business Analysis Professionals Should Know About Agile

May 27, 2025

Kent McDonald, a freelance product manager and expert in agile methodologies, joins for an engaging discussion about the essential knowledge business analysis professionals should have about agile. They dive into the evolution and dilution of agile practices, busting myths about roles like product owner versus business analyst. Kent shares practical advice on demonstrating real impact rather than just talking about 'value.' The conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration over rigid frameworks and understanding context in agile approaches.

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INSIGHT

The Agile Pendulum Swing

Agile has swung from being seen as too chaotic to too regimented over time.
Many organizations lost sight of the original purpose, focusing on process instead of effectiveness.

ADVICE

Collaborate and Learn Fast

Focus on collaboration and short feedback cycles to learn quickly in Agile.
User stories should capture how users interact with software, not just task lists.

ANECDOTE

Analyzing a Pricing System

Kent led a team that spent six weeks studying users to replace a 20-year-old pricing system.
This analysis revealed the real business process and helped prevent costly errors in pricing.

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In this episode of Business Analysis Live, Susan Moore is joined by Kent McDonald—freelance product manager, author, and speaker—for a candid conversation on what business analysis professionals really need to understand about agile. Together, they explore the evolution (and dilution) of agile practices, the confusion around roles like product owner vs. business analyst, and how professionals can navigate agile environments without getting lost in jargon or rigid frameworks.

You’ll hear real-world stories, practical advice, and a refreshing perspective on how business analysis professionals can meet the real definition of agile - supporting better collaboration, faster learning, and meaningful outcomes for their teams.

If you've ever felt boxed in by "the agile way" or wondered how to demonstrate your impact as a business analysis professional — this episode is for you!

🎯 Episode Highlights

• The history and intent behind agile

• Why agile feels broken in many organizations

• Common myths about agile and business analysis roles

• How to demonstrate impact instead of talking about "value"

• Understanding the important role context plays in agile approaches

• Why collaboration and feedback matter more than ceremonies

• Making stealth business analysis contributions that support the team

• Advice for aligning your work with how your organization makes money

• Why you should stop saying "agile" and just focus on working better

🔗 Resources

Connect with Kent on LinkedIn
See Kent at BBC

Business Analysis Live is hosted by Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager with the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). We talk with business analysis professionals about business analysis topics and answer questions from our live audience.

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The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is anon-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 #Agile #ProductManagement