Business Analysis Live!

Welcome to the 100th episode of Business Analysis Live! 🎉 In this milestone conversation, Susan Moore is joined by Laura Paton, LinkedIn Learning instructor, author and speaker, to explore the sometimes-confusing relationship between business analysts and project managers. We talk about common misunderstandings, areas of overlap, and how BAs and PMs can support each other for better outcomes. Laura gives lots of practical advice for navigating agile vs. waterfall approaches, transitioning roles, and expanding your career using business analysis competencies. Whether you work regularly with project managers or wear both hats yourself, this episode offers insights into how you can have better communication, collaboration, and outcomes with your project management partners. 🎙️Episode Highlights• Common misconceptions between BAs and PMs• How organizational context affects business analysis and project manager roles • Transferable skills between business analysis and project management• Collaboration tips for working with project managers early in an initiative• Areas of overlap including risk management and business analysis planning and monitoring• Advice on how business analysis professionals can assist project managers with managing up and seeing around corners• Project Managers, Scrum Masters, and Business Analysts. Oh my! • Expanding your business analysis career path into project management (or another path)• Business analysts and project managers working in non-IT environments• Portfolio and program management explained🔗 ResourcesConnect with Susan on LinkedInConnect with Laura on LinkedinFind Laura’s latest course on projectmanagement communication with business analysts on LinkedInCheck out IIBA’s career specialization wheel for the kinds of roles that require business analysis skillsBusiness 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. 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 #ProjectManagement #AgileLeadership

In this episode of Business Analysis Live, Susan Moore is joined by Salesforce consultant and business analysis advocate Vanessa Grant to talk about what business analysis looks like when working with enterprise platforms, like Salesforce. They explore the evolving role of BAs in low-code/no-code environments and how business analysis work is critical even when it seems invisible. Vanessa shares her journey into the Salesforce ecosystem,the importance of business analysis planning, how technical debt creeps into platform implementations, and the adjacent skills business analysis professional need to grow from junior to senior roles. Whether you're a business analyst, product owner, admin, or just curious about business analysis for low code/no code enterprise platforms (not just Salesforce!),this conversation delivers practical insights with humor, honesty, and plenty of real-world examples.Don't forget to check out the Salesforce Business Analysis Trailblazer community that Vanessa discussed for more resources and networking opportunities. Link in the Resources section. 🎙️Episode Highlights· Defining the role of business analysts inlow-code/no-code platforms· Why business analysis is essential but ofteninvisible· Technical debt and the cost of skipping analysis· Skills that separate senior BAs from junior ones· Building respect for the BA role throughplanning and collaboration· Writing effective user stories and thinking likea developer· Navigating stakeholder dynamics and platformconstraints· The rise of AI and the future of junior businessanalysis roles· The value of soft skills and empathy in techprojects🔗 ResourcesConnect with Susan on LinkedInConnect with Vanessa on LinkedInSalesforce Business Analysis Trailblazer CommunityBusiness 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. 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 #LowCodeNoCode #SalesforceBA

In this episode of Business Analysis Live, Susan Moore is joined by Iryna Sizikova, a business analysis leader in the medical device space, for a discussion into what it really takes to work in one of the most regulated, complex, and impactful industries out there - healthcare.Iryna shares her 18-year journey from junior analyst toshaping cross-organizational processes for a global medical device company. Along the way, she breaks down what makes healthcare different: the number of stakeholders, the constant need for documentation, and the critical role ofcompliance. From regulatory submissions and ISO standards to agile in a regulated environment, Iryna offers valuable insights into compliance, documentation, stakeholder collaboration, and why curiosity is your strongestskill in this field.🎙️Episode Highlights• The impact of domain and regulatory context on business analysis• Types of stakeholders in healthcare projects• Handling compliance with multiple regulatory agencies and standards• The importance of documentation, traceability, and audit readiness• Strategies for translating complex terminology• Cross-functional collaboration with developers, regulatory, and quality teams• How business analysis professionals support risk mitigation and product safety• Advice for entering and growing in the healthcare domain🔗 ResourcesConnect with Iryna on LinkedInLearn more about the *Business Analysis Core Concept Model *I accidentally referred to this as the Business Analysis Core Competency Model, which is a different thing. 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. 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.#BusinessAnalysis #HealthcareProjects #RegulatoryCompliance

In this episode of Business Analysis Live, Susan Moore sits down with Tyler Kenny, the product manager behind the evolution of the ECBA (Entry Certificate in Business Analysis). Go behind the scenes to learn why the ECBA has changed, how AI and shifting workplace expectations influenced its redesign, and what it means to be "real-world ready" as a foundational business analyst today. Whether you’re a candidate, hiring manager, or leader in the business analysis community, this conversation breaks down what you need to know.🎙️Episode Highlights• Why the ECBA was updated and the factors that shaped the thinking behind how to change it• Understanding the difference between a certificate and certification• The focus on applied knowledge vs. memorization in the new exam• The growing importance of strategy at all career levels• How the ECBA supports new professionals entering the workforce• A behind-the-scenes look of the development and validation processes• Resources to help candidates prepare for the ECBA• Balancing employer expectations and candidate readiness• What the evolution of the ECBA means for the profession🔗 Resources• Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn• Access additional ECBA resources on the IIBA website• Watch to the Business Analysis Live! episode where Tyler talks about the latest version of the Business Analysis StandardBusiness 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. 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 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 #ECBA #AIandWorkplace

In this episode of Business Analysis Live, we explore the power of structured, standardized content in the age of generative AI. Susan Moore (IIBA) is joined by Stephanie De Waegenaere from Information Mapping to discuss how a decades-old methodology can dramatically improve how AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot perform.Learn why structured content isn't enough on its own, how to treat AI as a stakeholder in your documentation process, and why information mapping might just be the secret sauce for business analysts working with AI.Whether you're struggling with hallucinations in your AI output or looking to improve the ROI on documentation efforts, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss.🎙️Episode Highlights· What is information mapping and why it matters·  Structure vs. standardization in documentation·  Real-world AI performance tests with structured content·  Treating AI as a stakeholder·  Data mapping vs. information mapping·  AI tool comparisons: ChatGPT vs. Microsoft Copilot·  Security and sensitivity in AI usage·  Future of information mapping with AI integration🔗 ResourcesConnect with Stephanie on LinkedInFind out more about the Information Mapping methodologyBusiness 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. 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 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/#InformationMapping #GenerativeAI #BusinessAnalysis

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.

In this episode of Business Analysis Live!, Susan Moore is joined by Deirdre Caren, Founder and Director of Agora Insights Ltd, for an in-depth conversation about the evolving role of business analysts in the age of AI. They discuss what it means to treat AI as a stakeholder, not just a tool, and why documenting alone is no longer enough to call yourself a business analysis professional in the AI era. They unpack the concept of prompt engineering—highlighting how business analysts are already well-equipped for it—and explore the mindset shifts required to adapt through learning and unlearning. The conversation turns to the value of context making, the importance of conceptual models, and how AI can enhance human skills rather than replace them. You’ll also hear about real examples of AI agents trained for business analysis and architecture roles, and how BAs can play a key part in shaping AI strategy within their organizations. Whether you're curious, cautious, or fully immersed in AI, this episode will inspire you to think critically about your future in the profession.  🎙️Episode HighlightsWhat it means to treat AI as a stakeholderWhy documenting isn’t enough in the AI eraThe role of prompt engineering and how BAs are already doing itAdapting to change through learning and unlearningData, context, and the importance of conceptual modelsReal examples of AI agents trained for BA and architecture rolesHow AI enhances—not replaces—human skillsEmpowering BAs to influence AI strategy within organizations🔗 ResourcesConnect with Deirdre on LinkedIn Learn more about Agora Insights and their offeringsRead from Deirdre’s AI Library 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. 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 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 #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork

In this episode of Business Analysis Live, Susan Moore is joined by business analysis practitioner, speaker and author, Pamela Paterson for a discussion into how AI and human skills combine to elevate stakeholder interviews. From tactical planning to empathy-driven conversations, discover how AI can be your trusted research assistant, while your human skills will help you uncover the “hidden” information in every interview. Pam shares insights from her upcoming book and real-world examples of how business analysts can harness both technology and emotional intelligence to drive better outcomes from their interviews.Whether you're new to interviewing or a seasoned BA, this conversation will shift how you approach interviews in an AI-augmented world.🎙️Episode HighlightsWhat makes an effective stakeholder interviewThe role of empathy, curiosity, and trustThe “Empathy, Appreciation, and Demand” communication stackHow to use AI as a research and analysis assistantPrompt engineering as a business analysis skillTranscribing and mining interview data with AIUsing AI to generate user stories and test casesThe human edge in interpreting emotions and body languagePracticing interview skills using AIThe importance of stakeholder rapport and reciprocity 🔗 ResourcesConnect with Pamela on LinkedInMeet Pamela at an upcoming event! 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. 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 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 #ArtificialIntelligence #HumanSkills

Asking the right questions is at the heart of great business analysis—and in this episode, we’re taking a look at what makes a good question. Host Susan Moore is joined by Jamie Champagne, LinkedIn Learning instructor, author and speaker, as they explore how thoughtful questioning not only drives clarity and understanding but also empowers teams and uncovers valuable insights.Jamie brings her signature blend of energy and expertise to share practical techniques, real-world examples, and her favorite go-to questions that drive understanding and forward momentum.Whether you're leading stakeholder interviews, facilitating workshops, or just trying to make sense of business needs, this conversation will elevate your skills and mindset around one of the most fundamental tools in the BA toolkit.📌 Episode Highlights:• Why good questions matter more than good answers• Framing your role to set the stage for successful interactions• The power of silence in stakeholder conversations• Uncovering hidden and unspoken requirements• Building trust and relationships through questioning• How observation enhances elicitation• The role of good questions in executive-level communication• Favorite go-to questions that spark insights📚 Resources:Connect with Jamie on LinkedInBusiness Analysis Live is hosted by Susan Moore, CommunityEngagement 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. If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to hit that Likebutton, 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 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 maintainglobal standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.iiba.org/#BusinessAnalysis #StakeholderEngagement #GoodQuestions

Soft skills are often misunderstood as secondary totechnical expertise, but, in fact, they are fundamental to the success of both business analysis professionals and requirements engineers. In this episode of BusinessAnalysis Live!, we explore how and why soft skills make the difference in requirements elicitation. Susan Moore is joined by guest Stan Bühne from the International Requirements Engineering Board (IREB) to discuss why soft skills aren’t “soft”—they’re essential! 🎙️Episode HighlightsIntroduction to Requirements EngineeringOverlap Between Business Analysis andRequirements EngineeringWhy Soft Skills Are Critical for SuccessDefining Key Soft Skills for RequirementsEngineeringThe Role of Soft Skills in Agile EnvironmentsPractical Tips for Improving Soft Skills🔗 ResourcesConnect with Stan on LinkedIn Follow IREB on LinkedInLearn more about the International Requirements Engineering BoardBusiness Analysis Live is hosted by Susan Moore, CommunityEngagement 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. If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to hit that Likebutton, 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 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 maintainglobal standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.iiba.org/#softskills #humanskills #requirements