As BAs and business change professionals, how can we make an impact in our organisations and the wider business analysis community? That’s the question the Crew tackle in today’s BA Brew, with the help of our guest Christina Tan (and freshly brewed coffee or tea of course). Topics covered include: Leaving a legacy; making an impact on multiple levels; the purpose of the BA; giving and receiving support, ideas and learning through the wider BA community; the value of curiosity. During the pod, th...
Jun 10, 2022•24 min•Season 4Ep. 7
This week, the Brew Crew are joined by guest Niven Postma, author of the highly acclaimed book If You Don’t Do Politics, Politics Will Do You . “If you think your work speaks for itself… Think again.” Niven and the crew discuss how, whether we like it or not, we all have to navigate office politics. Niven shares her valuable tips, leaving the crew wishing that the book was available at the start of their careers. Participants: AssistKD’s Mike Williams and Lisa Hudson with Niven Postma, Author an...
May 20, 2022•29 min•Season 4Ep. 6
This week the Brew Crew are joined by guest Jamie Toyne, who explains how he has adapted the BA Service Framework to define and promote the services offered by his BA team. Topics covered include: how the BA Service Framework was developed (Debbie’s ‘lightbulb moment’); creating a common language to define the BA role; the shift from product focus to a service level view and the importance of “setting out your stall’ and selling your BA services. Participants: AssistKD’s Debra Paul and Mike Will...
May 06, 2022•24 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Fuelled by freshly made coffee, Steve Wright and the Brew Crew discuss the difference between functional and non-functional requirements; why it pays to have non-functional requirements on the agenda from the start; the joy of checklists and more. During the chat Pete Thompson recommends the book Software Requirements Patterns by Stephen Withall, for its useful contextual checklists. Participants: AssistKD’s Mike Williams and Pete Thompson with Steve Wright, Business Analysis Mentor and Trainer ...
Apr 22, 2022•23 min•Season 4Ep. 4
In today’s BA Brew, our Crew talk with Sarah Gale about developing core business analysis skills, and how to use BA tools and techniques with confidence. Topics covered include softer skills including communication, relationship building and listening skills; business architecture; customer experience analysis and design thinking; mentoring and coaching; the need for BAs to sell their services; skills frameworks such as the Business Analysis Competency Model®; how to develop BA skills and which ...
Apr 08, 2022•27 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Karl Wiegers is back! In this latest BA Brew, Karl and the crew discuss his new book ‘Software Development Pearls: Lessons from Fifty Years of Software Experience’. Topics include quality (including Karl’s experience of 9th grade woodworking, where he learnt an important lesson about taking the time to ‘do it right’); estimating the time a project will take; the user centred vs. product centred approach to requirements; the value of the peer review process (setting the ego aside) and the necessi...
Mar 25, 2022•30 min•Season 4Ep. 2
On the first of Season 4 of the BA Brew podcast, Systems Thinking comes under the spotlight. Topics covered by the Brew Crew and guest Dr Alison Rodrias include whether Systems Thinking can be learned; scenario and impact analysis; reductionist thinking; user stories and applying Systems Thinking within the BA role. During the podcast, Debbie refers to ‘Systems Thinking, Systems Practice’ by Peter Checkland. Participants: AssistKD’s Jonathan Hunsley and Debra Paul with Dr Alison Rodrias, scienti...
Mar 11, 2022•24 min•Season 4Ep. 1
When speaking in public, challenging authority or dealing with negative feedback, business analysts need to feel and appear confident. But how do you build that confidence? In our Season 3 Finale, the Crew, with guest Philippa Thomas, come up with some top tips that include doing what you fear, visualising success and being selective about the criticism you pay attention to. During the podcast, Philippa mentions ‘Playing Big’ by Tara Mohr [ Playing Big: A practical guide for brilliant women like...
Feb 11, 2022•32 min•Season 3Ep. 10
When good business analysis happens nothing goes wrong, but there’s a danger that the extensive work behind a project running smoothly is not seen, understood or appreciated. Stefan Bossuwé joins the Brew Crew to talk about how, as a profession, we can turn the invisible BA into the visible BA. The chat touches on professionalism and competency; thinking holistically; the importance of the question ‘why’ and the idea of a platform or forum where BAs could share tangible, real-life examples of pr...
Jan 28, 2022•26 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Today’s chat over a brew is all about the BA mindset. Debbie, Christina and Fabricio discuss how the BA mindset extends much further than the business analyst role. Topics include curiosity and thinking analytically; how SWOT analysis has escaped professional boundaries; the danger of action for action’s sake and the value of sharing the BA mindset with others. Participants: AssistKD’s Debra Paul chats with Fabricio Laguna , business consultant, teacher and professional speaker and Christina Lov...
Jan 14, 2022•21 min•Season 3Ep. 8
In this final podcast of 2021, the Brew Crew discuss the Business Analyst Level 4 Apprenticeship scheme. Guest Claire Carroll gives an employer’s perspective, while Kuldip Kang shares her experience of going through the 18-month programme. Topics discussed include the different styles of learning involved, time-management challenges and more. Listen to the end for some useful tips from our guests for apprentices-to-be and employers. Participants: AssistKD’s Debra Paul and Nicole Rayner. With Cla...
Jan 04, 2022•22 min•Season 3Ep. 7
GIVEAWAY COMPETITION ALERT! Listen or watch to the end of this BA Brew for some festive chat and our not-to-be-missed Christmas stocking filler competition. Taking the time to understand who stakeholders are and what they need is key to the success of any project. In this Brew, our intrepid crew chat with Pip Hall about why she dislikes the term ‘stakeholder management’, and discuss how BAs can establish, maintain and enhance relationships with stakeholders. Useful thinking techniques touched up...
Dec 17, 2021•26 min•Season 3Ep. 6
The Brew Crew are never shy about thorny issues, so were happy to rise to the challenge when Karen Newnham got in touch about the tricky topic of solutions. In recent years BAs have been advised to avoid talking about solutions, yet nobody wants to ‘shut down’ stakeholders. Mike, Jonathan and Karen discuss where the ‘anti-solution’ mindset comes from, and how to engage with stakeholders when they suggest solutions at an early stage in a project. Ideas discussed include reframing solutions, futur...
Dec 03, 2021•24 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Having just discussed the Business Case Necessity in the last podcast, this week the Brew Crew tackle the perfect follow up subject: the value and challenges of benefits planning and realisation. Jonathan, Sandra and guest Simon Harbisher (who approached AssistKD with the idea) discuss the importance of learning from successes and failures; the role of the business analyst as negotiator; POPIT; the danger of change resistance; the importance of communication and more. Make sure you listen out fo...
Nov 19, 2021•23 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Another chance to put the business world to rights over a refreshing brew. This week our Brew Crew are joined by author and BA thought leader Ian Richards, to discuss the necessity for the business case. Debbie, Jonathan and Ian discuss the value of the business case; why there is some controversy with some saying the business case is ‘anti-agile’; the succinct vs. the detailed business case; who ultimately should have ‘ownership’ and the different approaches of smaller and larger organisations....
Nov 05, 2021•19 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Mike and Jonathan welcome guest Wouter Nieuwenburg to talk all things Business Architecture. The crew discuss the differences between the Business Architect and Business Analyst roles and what happens in that ‘grey area’ where respective toolkits overlap. Topics covered include knowledge sharing, co-creation and collaboration; the Business Architect as the BA’s ‘independent, critical friend’; the pathway from BA to Business Architect and how the Business Architecture toolkit can benefit the Busi...
Oct 22, 2021•23 min•Season 3Ep. 2
The Brew is back! Debbie and Jonathan launch Season 3 in style with guest Kay Hardy. The topic of the day is Design Thinking, an exploratory human-centric approach that offers a useful framework for business change. It’s all too easy to go back to the same BA tools time and time again. The crew talk about how Design Thinking helps BAs to refresh their approach, encouraging them to challenge assumptions, to elevate their thinking and to focus on people and outcomes. Related BA techniques discusse...
Oct 08, 2021•22 min•Season 3Ep. 1
It’s the Season 2 finale! In this episode the crew discuss Resilience with an expert on the subject, Corrine Thomas. Corrine talks about how BA tools can help build resilience at work and in our personal lives, for example the ‘Sarah Curve’ as a framework for dealing with emotions during times of change. Jonathan comes up with the term ‘Resilience well’, which Debbie thinks should be patented immediately. The team share their ways of dealing with difficulty including talking to trusted friends, ...
Sep 10, 2021•27 min•Season 2Ep. 10
The crew are in fine form, celebrating the brand new edition of Business Analysis Techniques. With 123 tools and techniques for the BA to choose from, the skill is in knowing which to use in different contexts. MoSCoW, POPIT™, CATWOE, Johari Window and more… Debbie, Jonathan and Andrew share their favourites and those they think are underrated. They go on to discuss why some techniques are controversial and how the best can be applied to our day to day as well as our work lives. Andrew Kell ends...
Aug 27, 2021•20 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Are you happy at work? It makes all the difference. Today the crew talk about the impact of workplace culture on our happiness and productivity. James Robertson – author, problem-solver and requirements engineering guru – is our expert guest. We discuss the differences between positive and toxic cultures; how measuring performance can be counter-productive; the importance of a supportive and confident team; Belbin’s team roles ( https://www.belbin.com/about/belbin-team-roles ) and more… includin...
Aug 13, 2021•21 min•Season 2Ep. 8
The best BAs are passionate about the subject and their specialisms, constantly updating their skills and techniques ‘toolkit’ and growing their understanding throughout their careers. Our guest on this BA Brew is the ever inspiring Sam Merrick, who talks to the crew about how he developed a hunger for learning, taking ownership of his career and self-funding many of the courses he has taken. Topics discussed include: the ‘virtuous circle’ of sharing learning; motivation and rewards; how to lear...
Jul 30, 2021•16 min•Season 2Ep. 7
We’re joined by Lynda Girvan for a thought-provoking chat about what ‘Organisational Agility’ really means. The popular buzz-phrase ‘has been well and truly put to the test in the last 18 months, as businesses have adapted (or not) to changes brought about by the global pandemic. We discuss how business leaders have had to ‘walk the walk’ and how the Business Analysis toolkit can be used to challenge assumptions, change mind-sets and achieve successful outcomes. Participants: AssistKD’s Debra Pa...
Jul 16, 2021•22 min•Season 2Ep. 6
The crew are joined by Karl Wiegers, who challenges us to think more purposefully about good and bad design. Indeed there is so much poor design to be found in the everyday that Karl has published a book on the subject. Lots to consider for any BA who is serious about championing the user and customer experience, and a wake up call for all requirements engineers. Buy Karl Wiegers' new book The Thoughtless Design of Everyday Things here https://tinyurl.com/54zvjave Participants: AssistKD’s Mike W...
Jul 02, 2021•23 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Move over Game of Thrones, in this episode of the BA Brew we discuss the sometimes dynastic struggle between the Business Analyst and Product Owner roles. Who will be King (or Queen) and will BAs truly rule the world one day? Listen in to find out. Participants: AssistKD’s Debra Paul and Mike Williams with Geertje Appel, Business Analyst and Trainer at Le Blanc Advies.
Jun 18, 2021•23 min•Season 2Ep. 4
The BA Brew crew get to grips with the tricky question of the necessity of requirements. They argue that, when engineered appropriately for the working context, requirements should stand the test of time and not be thrown out with the waterfall bathwater. Listen out for Jonathan’s mini-rant (pattern emerging here) and Debbie’s Use Case Diagram confession. One not to be missed! Participants: AssistKD’s Debra Paul, Jonathan Hunsley and Mike Williams.
Jun 04, 2021•17 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Who better to discuss the key aspects of leadership with than the 2020 BA of the Year? No need then to shell out on a pile of leadership books (unless you want to impress with your Zoom background). ‘Hollow leadership’ is rightly called out and a simple word count will tell you just how important passion, empathy, trust and transparency are, particularly in troubled times. Participants: AssistKD’s Debra Paul and Jonathan Hunsley with Tazeem Wafa, Business Analyst Manager at the Bank of England a...
May 21, 2021•19 min•Season 2Ep. 2
The BA Brew crew tackle the age old dilemma of delivering immediate vs. longer term outcomes. If you think MVP is the ‘go to’ acronym of the day, you might want to think again. Prepare yourself for OMBO and for the very switched on cookies amongst you, OMBOC (Optimal Mutually Beneficial Outcome in Context) might become your new mantra. Listen on! Participants: AssistKD’s Debra Paul, Jonathan Hunsley and Mike Williams.
May 07, 2021•21 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In our Season 1 Finale, what other subject could our illustrious foursome tackle but “Is there a future for Business Analysis?” Join us for an informed discussion on the integrity and necessity of the BA skillset. Listen out for the BA ‘awkward teenage years’ and just how BAs might save the planet. The revolution starts here! Participants: AssistKD’s Debra Paul, Jonathan Hunsley and Mike Williams with Adrian Reed of Blackmetric Business Solutions.
Apr 01, 2021•26 min•Season 1Ep. 10
For the those of you in need of a BA pick-me-up this podcast is for you. Learn about the Young Business Analysts (YBA) initiative and how this has grown from an initial idea to over 400 members in the space of only a few months. Lots of energy in the room and far too much fun. Sit back and enjoy hearing from the stars of the future; your profession is in good hands. Participants: AssistKD’s Debra Paul and Jonathan Hunsley with Emma Myers and Lauren Howes, two of the founders of the YBA group. Fi...
Mar 19, 2021•24 min•Season 1Ep. 9
We look at the book Switch by Chip and Dan Heath, recommended by our latest podcast guest Jo Gray. It’s a beast of a book but we look at the big themes and some well-thought out tactics for realising change. Listen out for the “bright spots” (a nice twist on the normal focus on problems) and Jo’s example of how powerful a visual demonstration of a situation requiring change can be. Participants: AssistKD’s Jonathan Hunsley and Mike Williams with Jo Gray, Senior Consultant at Socitm Advisory....
Mar 05, 2021•17 min•Season 1Ep. 8
