Business Analysis Live!

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

In this episode of Business Analysis Live!, host, Susan Moore talks with functional consultant and guest, AJ Hawley, about the role and work of functional consultants and how it relates to business analysis. Functional consultants, or functional analysts, have a mix of business analysis skills and technical expertise, allowing them to be a full service provider of solutions for their tech stack. We discuss: • The Role of Functional Consultants: We discuss what a functional consultant does, including how their skills and responsibilities may overlap with or differ from those of business analysts. • Skill Sets and Competencies: We identify specific skills that make functional consultants effective in their roles, such as their ability to not only elicit requirements, technical expertise and domain knowledge. • Relationship with Business Analysis: We talk about how functional consultants often come from business analysis backgrounds and how this helps them to be better at delivering their outcomes! • Real-World Applications: We talk about what functional consultants do daily. Resources: • Connect with AJ on LinkedIn • Listen to the Analysts After Dark podcast 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 #FunctionalConsulting #ProblemSolving

In this episode of Business Analysis Live!, Susan Moore, the Community Engagement Manager at the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), is joined by guest co-host Blake Heggestad, IIBA's Director of Programs and Partnerships, and guest LN Mishra, founder of Adaptive US, to discuss how certifications can empower business analysts in their careers. The conversation begins with an overview of why agile certifications have become essential for business analysts, especially as more organizations embrace agile practices. LN shares the advantages of becoming certified in agile business analysis, emphasizing the development of role-specific skills, improved adaptability, and strengthened collaboration within agile teams. They then discuss two key agile certifications offered by IIBA. First, they discuss the Agile Analysis Certification (IIBA-AAC), a credential specifically designed for business analysts working in agile roles. The IIBA-AAC combines agile principles with practical business analysis techniques, preparing professionals for real-world project needs. Next, they cover the Certificate in Product Ownership Analysis (CPOA), another certification aligned with agile practices. The CPOA focuses on the product ownership role within agile frameworks, helping business analysts develop the skills needed to connect business goals with development teams and effectively lead product-focused initiatives. This episode provides an in-depth look at the agile certification process, offering preparation tips, recommended resources, and insights into how these certifications have positively impacted the careers of business analysts. RESOURCES: More information on Agile Analysis Certification (IIBA-AAC) More information on Certificate in Product Ownership Analysis (CPOA) Learn about Adaptive US Connect with LN Mishra on LinkedIn Connect with Blake Heggestad on LinkedIn Business Analysis Live is hosted by Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at 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/ #agile #certificiation #businessanalysis #productownership

In this episode of Business Analysis Live, Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), is joined by guest co-host Andy Grazebrook, IIBA Partner Manager for Europe, to explore how to get started in business analysis. They talk with Stuart Ecuyer, who leads a program within his organization that takes an innovative approach to helping aspiring business analysts enter the profession. The discussion explores how the program is set up, offering participants a mix of learning opportunities and hands-on experience within the organization. Junior business analysts not only learn business analysis but also immediately apply their knowledge to real-world projects, making the learning experience highly practical and impactful. We meet 2 new business analysts from the first cohort of the program, Leah Charlotte Facey and Marie Ete, who share their journeys, what they've learned, and how they are applying those lessons in their roles. Susan and Andy explore the ways they've entered the business analysis field—whether through formal education or transitioning from another role. They also discuss the importance of the soft skills (essential skills!) that are transferrable from their previous education and which are critical for those just starting out. They also touch on the key role mentorship and community support play in shaping early career growth. Packed with personal stories, practical advice, and encouragement for aspiring business analysts, this episode offers valuable insights not only for beginners but also for business leaders looking to develop similar training programs in their organizations. Stuart’s program serves as a model for how structured learning combined with real-world application can help organizations grow internal talent while delivering tangible results. Whether you're just beginning your business analysis career or looking to develop talent within your organization, this episode offers plenty of takeaways and inspiration. RESOURCES: Connect with Andy Grazebrook on LinkedIn Connect with Stuart Ecuyer on LinkedIn   Business Analysis Live is hosted by Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at 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 #careerdevelopment #professionaldevelopment