Business Analysis Live!

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

Tyler Kenny, IIBA Product Manager, shares insights on the latest iteration of The Business Analysis Standard. He discusses the evolution of this resource, emphasizing its improved accessibility and practical applications for analysts and leaders. Tyler highlights the importance of community involvement in shaping the standard and its relationship with the BABOK Guide. The conversation also touches on the omission of AI due to its rapid evolution and the shift towards real-time content consumption in business analysis. Perfect for anyone in the field!

Decision-making is an essential skill in both personal andprofessional life, yet many of us struggle with it. Overthinking, fear, and uncertainty often cloud our judgment, making it difficult to take action. In this episode of Business Analysis Live!, host Susan Moore speaks with author, speaker and coach, Lison Mage, about breaking free from overthinking and making more effective decisions. We also explore the impact of fear, the importance of emotional intelligence, and how storytelling enhances decision-making. You won’t want to miss this episode!  🎙️Episode HighlightsIntroduction to decision-making and overthinkingGuest: Lison Mage author of Act Before YouOverthink and speakerMyths of overthinking and how they affectdecisionsRole of fear in decision-makingEmotional intelligence and its impact on choicesHow storytelling influences decision-makingThe importance of process vs. outcome indecisionsStrategies to improve decision-making skills 🔗 ResourcesConnect with Lison on LinkedInFind out more about LisonBusiness 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 #decisionmaking #overthinking#emotionalintelligence

Prioritization is more than just sorting a to-do list—it'sabout making decisions about what you will and won’t do. In this episode, Susan talks with Kent McDonald, speaker, author and product management practitioner, about the myths and misconceptions around prioritization.  Kent brings years of experience in product management,business analysis, and agile methodologies to the discussion. He’s seen a lot of prioritization issues over all those years! We explore the difference between prioritization and sequencing, why "priority" isn’t always singular, and how filters—not buckets—can help organizations make betterdecisions.You’ll learn how to challenge traditional prioritizationtechniques, ask the right questions to uncover true business objectives, and ensure that your backlog is a strategic tool rather than a cluttered wish list. If you’ve ever struggled with stakeholder demands, competing priorities, orbacklog bloat, this conversation is for you!🎙️Episode Highlights• The misconceptions about prioritization• Why organizations struggle with defining priorities• The difference between prioritization and sequencing• How to apply a filters, not buckets approach• Why business analysts play a key role in prioritization• The power of focusing on outcomes, not just lists• Why popular frameworks like MoSCoW and RICE can be misleading• How to navigate stakeholder resistance when making prioritization decisions🔗 ResourcesConnect withKent on LinkedInRead Kent’s article on prioritization that inspired this discussion Business 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 #Prioritization #Agile

In this episode of Business Analysis Live!, Susan chats with IIBA Partner Manager Koketso Chaba- and BA COE (Center of Excellence) Manager, Wilna Coetzee, to explore how business analysts can successfully navigate strategy changes within their organizations. Our guest shares insights and lessons on how their strong COE gave them an advantage by enabling them to sense and respond to change without significant disruption. Wilna shares how a focus on foundational business analysis skills, good metrics and leadership support makes an organization “nimble” and more resilient when change happens. 🎙️Episode Highlights • The role of a Business Analysis Center of Excellence • Foundational skills for adapting to strategy shifts • Collaborating across multiple Centers of Excellence • Recruiting and developing future-fit business analysts • How analytics and data drive business analysis success 🔗 Resources Connect with Wilna Coetzee on LinkedIn Connect with Koketso Chaba-Matibidi on Linkedin 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. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.iiba.org/

Laura Brandenburg, Founder and CEO of Bridging the Gap, shares her insights on how a structured approach to business analysis can elevate outcomes and bolster confidence. She introduces her ‘Business Analyst Framework for Success,’ outlining its eight steps from understanding business objectives to evaluating value. The conversation dives into the importance of frameworks in enhancing credibility, managing complexities in projects, and supporting both new and experienced analysts in making a significant impact.

As we start 2025, Susan looks back at the most memorable moments from Business Analysis Live! In this special episode she shares the top five episodes from 2024, with these experts: 🏆 Top 5 2024 Episodes 5. What is Business Architecture? (with Roger Burlton) 4. Working With Developers (with Tamara Copple) 3. What is Requirements Management? (with Jenn Bedell) 2. AI For Business Analysis (with Vince Mirabelli) 1. How To Do Business Analysis (with Howard Podeswa) And we invited a few guest co-hosts to join us on topics they are passionate about: 🎤 Episodes With Guest Co-Hosts (with co-host Fabricio Laguna) s (with co-host Andy Grazebrook) (with co-host Blake Heggestad) It’s also been a year of transformation for the podcast, with a big change that’s shaped our upcoming season (Season 4!). Don’t miss this chance to reflect on last year and get a glimpse of what’s ahead!   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. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.iiba.org/ #BusinessAnalysis #BestOf #Podcast

In this episode of Business Analysis Live!, Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBA, speaks with Laura Paton, a LinkedIn Learning instructor, speaker, and trainer, about the critical role of communication in successful business analysis. Effective communication ensures that all stakeholders share a clear understanding of objectives and desired outcomes. Business analysis professionals often act as the bridge between stakeholders and solution implementation, engaging with individuals across various levels of an organization, each with unique communication needs. To connect effectively with this diverse audience, business analysis professionals must employ a range of techniques and skills tailored to different contexts and stakeholder groups. Communicating in a one-size-fits-all manner simply doesn’t work. The consequences of miscommunication can be severe, leading to misaligned goals, project delays, or even failure. Discover why clear and effective communication is essential for achieving business outcomes, learn strategies to overcome common challenges, and gain actionable tips to enhance your communication skills as a business analyst—all in this insightful episode! 🎙️Episode Highlights: • The Role of Communication • Challenges in Communication • Tailored Communication Strategies • Techniques for Effective Communication • The Cost of Miscommunication • Communication in a Digital World • Building Strong Stakeholder Relationships 🔗 Resources: Connect with Laura on LinkedIn Link to Laura's LinkedIn Learning course Business Analysis Communication 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. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.iiba.org/ #BusinessAnalysis #CommunicationSkills #ProfessionalDevelopment

In this episode of Business Analysis Live!, Susan talks with Stuart Mullinger, business analysis practitioner, speaker and  a self-proclaimed "business analysis community cheerleader” to talk about the importance and power of community in the business analysis profession. We explore how professional relationships, and collaboration can elevate both individual analysts, organizations and the profession. We discuss strategies for building meaningful connections with colleagues, overcoming collaboration challenges, and expanding perspectives through diverse professional networks. Episode Highlights How to build valuable professional relationships The role of community in advancing the business analysis profession Tips for overcoming challenges with collaboration Where to find a few virtual business analysis communities if you want to get more involved! RESOURCES: Connect with Stu on LinkedIn 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. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.iiba.org/ #businessanalysis #community #collaboration

In this episode of Business Analysis Live!, host, Susan Moore, talks with Dan Funk and Alex Herron from Sartography, a business process automation company, about business process models and why they matter to the work of business analysis. Hosted by Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at the International Institute of Business Analysis, this episode unpacks the key role of process models in driving project success and improving communication across teams. We begin by addressing a common question: “Why do we need process models?” Many organizations struggle to recognize the value of process modeling, often viewing it as complicated or unnecessary. Through the insights and stories from Dan and Alex, we address these misconceptions and demonstrate how process models create a shared understanding among team members and stakeholders. We also talk about introducing process modeling into your work, particularly where you may have some resistance to using them. With plenty of real-world examples, we highlight how business process models can drive better communication, improve decision-making, enhance collaboration, and contribute to more successful project outcomes. Episode Highlights: • Why business process models are essential for clarity and alignment. • Overcoming resistance to modeling within teams and organizations. • Real-world examples of how process models enhance collaboration and decision-making. • Tips for introducing process models effectively and building stakeholder trust. • The tangible impact of process modeling on project outcomes, including risk mitigation and faster delivery. Resources Connect with Alex on LinkedIn Connect with Dan on LinkedIn 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. Learn more at ⁠⁠https://www.iiba.org/ #businessanalysis #businessprocess #processmodeling