The Inquisitive Analyst

Federico Ortega Nieto explains how BAs can leverage LLMs by mapping business problems before jumping to solutions, and making trade-offs visible to leaders. Plus, LLMs can be used to rapidly build prototypes through vibe coding, and can avoid premature solutioning.

Federico highlights that LLMs require structured processes, expert validation, and strong context engineering to deliver real value. Also, requirements can be embedded directly into shared codebases, allowing BAs to co-create with technical teams more precisely and rapidly. This can transform traditional handoffs into real-time, collaborative development. Overall, vibe coding and context engineering are essential emerging skills for senior BAs seeking enterprise influence.

YouTube:

For Arvind Arcot and Astrid Ries discuss how BAs are proactive problem-solvers, not passive document writers. For them it's all about questioning initiatives before jumping to solutions, avoiding technical debt, and using AI as a critical-thinking assistant.

Arvind and Astrid are about challenging assumptions early by asking why before how. Astrid shares an example where she redirected an organization away from expensive software toward education and process improvement. Arvind highlights that jumping to solutions without defining problems is a major red flag on projects, and that as AI matures, strong analytical and critical thinking skills will matter most for BAs.

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/UzNnmMd1_og

Fabricio Laguna and Michael Augello discuss how Business Analysis for AI (BA4AI) ensures AI initiatives focus on real business problems rather than technology alone. They emphasize that analysts create value by challenging assumptions, validating needs, and prioritizing outcomes over documentation.

As AI accelerates development, BAs play a critical role in enabling better decisions to ensure technology delivers meaningful business value.

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/LetkaHX0hBk

In this interview, Esta Lessing explains how artificial intelligence is reshaping the business analyst role and requiring analysts to develop new capabilities. Using the metaphor of a “new wardrobe,” she describes six skill areas analysts must adopt to stay relevant.

She emphasizes the importance of the value analyst mindset, encouraging BAs to focus on value creation, curiosity, and proactive problem solving. All this while guiding stakeholders through rapid change, uncertainty, and emerging opportunities created by AI.

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/HOZM_gIF1QM

Vanessa Moore discusses how digital transformation challenges are often rooted in cultural and process issues rather than technology. She explains how a compliance issue around document management revealed deeper process and ownership problems. By mapping the current state and redistributing document stewardship across teams, the organization improved accountability, reduced delays, and strengthened governance.

Vanessa emphasizes that successful transformation requires aligning people, processes, and technology. And, she highlights the critical problem-solving role business analysts play in creating sustainable organizational change.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/deWwhKB5TSo

John Wisner discusses business analysis through a global lens, highlighting universal principles such as trust-building, active listening, and understanding problems. He explains how cultural context influences analysis and communication.

John emphasizes how balancing global standards with local realities and understanding root causes before proposing solutions is crucial. He encourages adapting frameworks thoughtfully while maintaining clarity, alignment, and stakeholder value across diverse regions and organizations.

See the YouTube video at https://youtu.be/F8RmMUmbtI4.

Dr. Bart Jaworski discusses how dashboards can hinder decision-making when they are over trusted, poorly defined, or treated as infallible. For data alone is insufficient without critical thinking and human judgment.

Dr. Bart emphasizes moving from reporting to insight by asking better questions, clarifying metric definitions, and maintaining shared understanding across teams. The key is to focus on context, collaboration, and deliberate problem framing. By doing so, analysts can transform dashboards from static reports into tools that genuinely support insight, learning, and informed leadership decisions.

See the YouTube video at https://youtu.be/x__aKUFEiPs.

In this interview, Helen Holder explores how self-awareness and inner development enhance the effectiveness of business analysis. She explains that recognizing personal biases and blind spots improves analysis quality and stakeholder relationships.

Holder also highlights the importance of courage, reflective practice, a growth mindset, and seeking continuous development through self-reflection. She encourages analysts to challenge assumptions, build confidence, and pursue continuous learning through community involvement. For Helen, applying these skills beyond formal job roles is key to long-term career growth.

See the YouTube video at https://youtu.be/WjlTTRm1dJ4.

Dr. Joe Perez shares a personal perspective on the risks of misusing data and relying too heavily on dashboards. He cautions against vanity metrics that look impressive but lack decision-making value. Instead he stresses to focus on clarity, context, consistency, and connection in data storytelling. For storytelling guides decisions and transforms complexity into actionable insight for stakeholders.

Dr. Joe encourages analysts to begin with purpose and ask what decisions the data supports. And, simplify complexity so insights genuinely inform actions, strengthen trust, and enable better organizational outcomes.

See the YouTube video at https://youtu.be/XBp_DZgWOoE.

In his interview, Reg Cracknell stresses that delivering systems on time and to specification does not ensure business success without shared understanding. He reflects on lessons learned from enterprise platform work, where unclear assumptions and misaligned expectations leads to operational pain and rework.

Reg urges BAs to focus on outcome-driven thinking and rigorous upfront analysis to ensure enterprise systems truly support business needs. It's also clear communication that positions BAs as stewards of decision making and business results rather than mere requirement translators.

See the YouTube video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8PKnNqRjSA

See the book's website at evolvinganalyst.com.

Look out for more 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙀𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙮𝙨𝙩 book review interviews.