As AI moves from tool to transformation, a new executive role is emerging: the Chief AI Officer. In this episode, Benjamen Walsh breaks down why the CAIO matters, what they actually do, and how this shift is reshaping the work of business analysts.

From strategy and ethics to governance and vendor selection, this BA Bites episode explores 10 essential insights into the rise of the CAIO—plus what it means for your role as a business analyst.

Topics covered:

• The CAIO vs. CIO vs. CTO

• Ethical AI and regulatory leadership

• AI-first thinking in business strategy

• Reskilling the workforce for AI

• Aligning AI investments with real outcomes

• What BAs must do to stay relevant

Follow The Better Business Analyst Podcast for weekly insights on how BAs and strategic leaders can thrive in today’s fast-moving digital world.

Pain Points vs. Problems – Why Getting This Right is Everything

🧠 In this episode of The Better Business Analyst, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the biggest mistakes I see across projects – confusing pain points with actual problems.

Too often we get caught reacting to symptoms instead of diagnosing the root cause. The result? Misguided priorities, wasted effort, and “solutions” that don’t actually solve anything.

In this practical, no-fluff episode, I walk through:

✅ 10 real-world examples of pain vs. problem
✅ Case studies like FitNation and reporting automation failures
✅ Techniques like the 5 Whys, empathy mapping, and process modelling
✅ A simple framework to trace pain points back to root causes
✅ The difference between being a busy BA… and a better one

If you want to sharpen your analysis, deliver more value, and stop building bandaids—this one’s for you.

Start with the Big Picture – 10 Reasons Context Comes First

Description:
Before you dive into requirements, backlogs or shiny new solutions, ask yourself: do you actually understand the world this project lives in?

In this episode of The Better Business Analyst, I unpack 10 reasons why Business Analysts must start with context—not just the project scope. We’ll explore how understanding strategic drivers, system boundaries, and stakeholder ecosystems can unlock better requirements, smarter delivery, and far greater impact.

Whether you're shaping a product, leading change, or untangling a mess—this mindset shift is non-negotiable.

How do you engage with diverse, indigenous, and culturally different groups as a Business Analyst—without falling into tokenism or consultation theatre?

In this episode of The Better Business Analyst Podcast, Benjamen Walsh shares 10 practical, real-world strategies for building trust, cultural safety, and authentic engagement across difference.

From using talking circles to co-designing solutions, from recognising consultation fatigue to adapting timelines to cultural processes—you’ll walk away with actionable tools and powerful mindset shifts.

If you’ve ever felt stuck engaging stakeholders who don’t think, speak, or work like you—this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to become a bridge-builder in your work.

BA Bites - Top 10 Tips for Completing the Better Business Case Process

Writing a business case doesn’t have to be painful. In this episode, Ben Walsh unpacks 10 practical tips for completing the Better Business Case (BBC) process with confidence and clarity.

You’ll get:

• Proven scripts and language that work in real-world cases

• Advice on avoiding common pitfalls across the 5 Case Model

• Real examples from major public and enterprise programmes

• Straight-talking guidance on benefits, costs, and telling a cohesive story

Perfect for business analysts, strategic leaders, and anyone preparing a business case for review, approval or investment.

🔗 More at bbai.institute
🎧 Subscribe for weekly BA tips on strategy, data, and delivery

Vibe Coding: 10 Essential Insights Before You Let AI Write Your Career Suicide Note

Welcome to the brave new world of vibe coding — where software is built by AI, guided by human vibes, and occasionally blessed with working logic.

In this BABites episode, we break down:

• What vibe coding is and where it came from

• Why developers (and startups) are all over it

• Where it’s brilliant… and where it’s a disaster

• How it creates sneaky tech debt faster than you can say “refactor”

• Real examples from Replit, Amazon, and the front lines of dev teams

Whether you're a business analyst, product owner, or developer trying to make sense of the hype — this is the episode you need.

🎧 Listen now. Learn fast. Code responsibly.

#BaBites #vibecoding #softwareengineering #techdebt #businessanalysis #AIinTech #AndrejKarpathy #Replit #AmazonCodeWhisperer

In this BA Bites episode, we tackle a foundational question:
How do we connect all the bits and pieces of our systems without creating chaos?

We explore:
🔹 Why “One System to Rule Them All” sounds great—but usually fails
🔹 How too many microservices can lead to micro-mess
🔹 The importance of modularity, interoperability, and smart integration
🔹 Tools and techniques BAs can use to drive connected solutions
🔹 Real-world examples of integration gone wrong (and right!)

Whether you’re working in government, education, health, or fintech—this one’s for you.

Don’t let your systems become silos.
Tune in now and help your business build integration the right way.

What the heck is MCP and why should business leaders care? In this episode of BA Bites, we break down Modular Communication Protocol (MCP) — the quiet enabler behind smart factories, AI agents, robotics, and real-time automation.

MCP isn’t just tech jargon. It’s what allows machines, AI tools, and systems from different vendors to talk to each other — reliably, securely, and in real time. And it's reshaping the way businesses operate.

🔟 We explore 10 practical ways MCP is already being used in business:
✅ Real-time automation
✅ Plug-and-play AI systems
✅ Interoperability across vendors
✅ Bridging legacy systems with modern tools
✅ Building autonomous ecosystems

Whether you’re a Business Analyst, Product Owner, CTO, or just AI-curious — this is the protocol you didn’t know you needed to understand.

🎧 Listen now and get ahead of the curve.
📌 Better Business Analysis Institute | Hosted by Benjamen Walsh

The role of the Business Analyst is evolving, and more BAs are stepping into Product Owner roles than ever before. But why?

In this episode of BA Bites, we explore:
✅ The impact of Agile and why businesses need fewer requirements gatherers and more decision-makers.
✅ The natural skill overlap between BAs and POs—and why transitioning is easier than you think.
✅ The financial and career growth opportunities that make the PO path so attractive.
✅ Practical steps to start making the shift today.

If you’re a BA wondering what’s next, this episode is packed with insights to help you future-proof your career.

Listen now and take control of your next career move! 🎙🚀

#BusinessAnalysis #ProductOwner #Agile #CareerGrowth #BABites

🎙️ BA Bites: 5 Steps to Tackle Chaos in a New Job or Project

You’ve just stepped into a new job or project, and it’s a complete mess—deadlines are looming, nobody seems aligned, and chaos reigns. So, where do you even start?

In this episode of BA Bites, we break down five practical steps to help you regain control, bring structure to the madness, and start making an impact fast. Whether you’re a Business Analyst, Project Manager, or just trying to survive a new role, these insights will help you navigate uncertainty with confidence.

🔹 Observe before acting – Avoid knee-jerk reactions and analyse the situation first.
🔹 Find the key players – Who really drives decisions and progress?
🔹 Define success – Get clarity on what "good" looks like.
🔹 Tame the chaos – Cut through the noise and manage communication overload.
🔹 Show quick wins – Small victories create momentum.

Tune in now to learn how to turn a chaotic situation into an opportunity to shine.

🔗 Follow, subscribe, and share with someone who’s dealing with workplace chaos!