The Inquisitive Analyst

In this interview, Sahar Baghayer describes how a jewelry trade fair can become a data-rich opportunity by reframing it as a data ecosystem. She explains how fragmented public data, analytics, visualization, websites and social media can reveal competitive positioning and build stakeholder buy-in.

By combining analytics, visualization, and storytelling, she helped stakeholders gain perspective, turn unstructured insights into strategic clarity and guidance in a people-centric environment.

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

See the book's website at evolvinganalyst.com.

Dr. Tracie Edwards delivers a sharp and appealing perspective on digital transformation. She shifts the focus from technology to people. Dr. Tracie sees the BA as a change leader, where empathy and trust are the true drivers of adoption of digital transformation. Dr. Tracie coherently argues that adoption and delivery are inseparable. Change management must start early in projects, not as an after thought.

She elevates the BA from requirements gatherer to trusted change leader via an emotional and strategic bridge between leadership and frontline staff. The discussion is practical, human-centred, and a strong call to reframe transformation success around culture, trust, and capability building, in today’s AI-driven transformation landscape.

See the YouTube video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDb3tSVR4B4

See the book's website at evolvinganalyst.com.

For Ian Gotts, it's no better time to be a BA, particularly with the growth of AI. Ian provides a compelling and pragmatic perspective of how AI is redefining the BA role. He highlights the power of AI in amplifying analysis, and raising the bar of critical thinking, clarity and governance.

Ian's thought provoking exploration shows how AI is transforming the BA role, rather than diminishing it's importance. His discussion of AI-assisted discovery, prompt design, vibe coding, and the re-emergence of specifications as the source of truth, are timely. In short, the interview shapes the BA as an essential interpreter and decision influencer in an AI-enabled delivery world.

See the YouTube video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c55xJWtjL1w

See the book's website at evolvinganalyst.com.

In this interview, Chale Dodge and Michael Murthurajah bring to light how Business Analysts add essential value when we emphasize outcomes over isolated activities.

Chale explains how change management in traditional models often bypasses business analysis, excluding a vital link between change, delivery, and optimal business needs. Michael complements Chale's perspective by clarifying how solid domain knowledge, like in capital markets, is essential for providing high value analysis to an organization.

Both Chale and Michael point out the importance of strong analysis, domain fluency, and early engagement to enable more cohesive adoption and clear decision-making within an organization.

See the YouTube video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRCgKG_9ZT0

See the book's website at evolvinganalyst.com

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗕𝗔 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆’𝘀 𝗔𝗜-𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱?In this insightful conversation, Maria Becerra shares her evolution from an early-career BA and founding President of the IIBA Hamilton Chapter to an AI and data-focused professional advising organizations on how to turn data into real value. Her story highlights themes many analysts can relate to: the power of volunteering, the importance of community, and the courage to continuously upskill, even while working full-time.

Maria offers practical advice for BAs navigating AI: start with foundational concepts, understand both capabilities and limitations, and focus on translating technical complexity into clear business outcomes. She reinforces a powerful message that AI is enabling BAs to focus on higher-value work.

A timely reminder that the future BA is a connector: between business and technology, strategy and execution, data and decision-making.

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/Ytoue8jNjBo

Maria Becerra

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaf-becerra/--

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In this episode, Yulia Kosarenko discusses the importance of a business analyst mindset, emphasizing practical application, mentoring, and critical thinking. She shares insights about her YouTube channel, mentorship groups, and upcoming book on business analytics. Yulia highlights the value of tools like user story mapping, context diagrams, and the importance of understanding data in digital transformation and AI initiatives.

She also underscores the limitations of generative AI, stressing the human strengths of creativity, critical thinking, and stakeholder engagement. Her overarching message is to embrace technology thoughtfully while continually honing human analytical and interpersonal skills.

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LzrbwKJam0

Yulia Kosarenko

Website: https://why-change.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yulia-kosarenko/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhyChange

Book

Foundations of Business Analytics: An Applied Approach

https://www.amazon.ca/Foundations-Business-Analytics-Applied-Approach/dp/1773384791/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3KGUS5KC224DE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0V9Q9lAnEmk0-WEuwfrCHs42UVM5ofu55m3UniDynJkfZNyML3WTl_UqrQdDxY1Stc7j3vjFOZ1gDwjbpsoCKg.vDlmmuEvgzBcjnHHkxj6lJpaHbfacOAl_vLDCF9jKrs&dib_tag=se&keywords=yulia+kosarenko&qid=1745626163&sprefix=yulia+kosarenko%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-5

Business analyst: a profession and a mindsethttps://www.amazon.ca/Business-analyst-profession-Yulia-Kosarenko/dp/199912202X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2B7SEO9ZGQ9EB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0V9Q9lAnEmk0-WEuwfrCHs42UVM5ofu55m3UniDynJkfZNyML3WTl_UqrQdDxY1Stc7j3vjFOZ1gDwjbpsoCKg.vDlmmuEvgzBcjnHHkxj6lJpaHbfacOAl_vLDCF9jKrs&dib_tag=se&keywords=yulia+kosarenko&qid=1745678824&sprefix=yulia+kosarenko%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1

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Sponsored by BA BLOCKS:

For a high-quality BA foundations course (FOBA), register at

https://bablocks.com/foba/?affiliate_code=5ee2a7.

Use the code INQUISITIVE24 to receive a 10% discount.

Whether you are an aspiring or experienced BA, the FOBA course is a game changer.

It provides real world project-based teaching with top-notch experienced instructors, each with over 20 years industry experience. Check it out.

Musicians and actors in their golden years, like Al Pacino (84), Mick Jagger (81), Jane Fonda (87), Helen Mirren (79), and Stevie Nicks (76), even politicians like Jean Chretien (former Canadian Prime Minister, 91) are shattering the traditional perceptions of aging in their industries . Despite advancing in age, these iconic figures continue to engage actively in their professions, demonstrating that talent and passion do not wane with time.

Such is also the case with @Patricia Udokang, my mother, still working in business analysis at 80 years young. Like these entertainers in their golden years, Patricia defies age, but also serves as an inspiration. She shows that age is merely a number and not a barrier to continuing one's creative and professional pursuits. Through Patricia's enduring presence and unyielding zest for her craft, she paves the way for future generations to follow in her footsteps, creating a timeless legacy in the BA ecosystem.

Listen to the podcast episode below to hear about how Patricia, filled with energy and charisma, is still gracefully working in business analysis long into her retirement years.

YouTube:

Patricia Udokang

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-udokang-a9695046/

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Sponsored by BA BLOCKS:

For a high-quality BA foundations course (FOBA), register at

https://bablocks.com/foba/?affiliate_code=5ee2a7.

Use the code INQUISITIVE24 to receive a 10% discount.

Whether you are an aspiring or experienced BA, the FOBA course is a game changer.

It provides real world project-based teaching with top-notch experienced instructors, each with over 20 years industry experience. Check it out.

Georges Bryson is Lead Business Analyst instructor at McGill University and VP of Professional Development at IIBA Montreal.

In this interview, Georges highlights the importance of storytelling in business analysis and uses the bicycle Hub and Spoke Model as a metaphor for competencies. He emphasizes the value of customer journeys, empathy maps, and simplicity in analysis. Georges offers insights into building trust and engagement with stakeholders, and provides guidance on connecting with the IIBA community.

With extensive teaching experience in English and French, George also discusses the nuances of teaching business analysis at McGill and Laval universities and his role in translating the BABOK into French.

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwSINaWEHh0

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Sponsored by BA BLOCKS:

For a high-quality BA foundations course (FOBA), register at

https://bablocks.com/foba/?affiliate_code=5ee2a7.

Use the code INQUISITIVE24 to receive a 10% discount.

Whether you are an aspiring or experienced BA, the FOBA course is a game changer.

It provides real world project-based teaching with top-notch experienced instructors, each with over 20 years industry experience. Check it out.

In this interview, Oakland McCulloch, a retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel and author, discusses the transformative power of leadership and the impact of simple acts of kindness. Drawing from his military experiences, he emphasizes the importance of how family, personal growth, and servant leadership can foster a strong organization culture.

Oakland provides practical strategies through universal principles of leadership. By building trust by connecting with people and prioritizing genuine care and support, leaders can cultivate a sense of community and drive success across various contexts. These are strategies that are highly applicable to business analysis leadership.

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01xjoN-7ctY

Oak McCulloch

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oakland-mcculloch-34293256/

Book

Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be

https://www.amazon.com/Your-Leadership-Legacy-Becoming-Leader/dp/1952037107/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1CUTI99RZJQQP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.A9EziSx4L_0Ye2_wdzd1qNIofeNBhzOIHaYiVoCZw2s.jWZhgHRwTxUaDs_eLNpADvhc37MbBv2Dwps9cb1ygx4&dib_tag=se&keywords=Your+Leadership+Legacy%3A+Becoming+the+Leader+You+Were+Meant+to+Be&qid=1737592291&sprefix=your+leadership+legacy+becoming+the+leader+you+were+meant+to+be%2Caps%2C180&sr=8-1

-----

Sponsored by BA BLOCKS:

For a high-quality BA foundations course (FOBA), register at

https://bablocks.com/foba/?affiliate_code=5ee2a7.

Use the code INQUISITIVE24 to receive a 10% discount.

Whether you are an aspiring or experienced BA, the FOBA course is a game changer.

It provides real world project-based teaching with top-notch experienced instructors, each with over 20 years industry experience. Check it out.

In this Part 2 episode of Business Analysis in Colombia, I speak with Federico Ortega, Andrea Betancourt, Andrés Villa, and John Osorio about their experience as a product analyst, business analyst, developer, and performance analyst at the software company, Endava.

Some of these individuals are also members of IIBA Colombia Chapter. They discuss a day in the life of their job role, and their contribution to software development at Endava.

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUHDwQDqHCM

IIBA Colombia

Website: https://colombia.iiba.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iiba...

Federico Ortega

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/federico-ortega-nieto-9757908/

Andrea Betancourt

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreabetan/

Andreas Villa

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anvaasquez/

John Osorio

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnperformance/

YouTube: JohnIT - https://www.youtube.com/@johnperformanceIT/videos

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Sponsored by BA BLOCKS:

For a high-quality BA foundations course (FOBA), register at

https://bablocks.com/foba/?affiliate_code=5ee2a7.

Use the code INQUISITIVE24 to receive a 10% discount.

Whether you are an aspiring or experienced BA, the FOBA course is a game changer.

It provides real world project-based teaching with top-notch experienced instructors, each with over 20 years industry experience. Check it out.