The Better Business Analyst Podcast Benjamen Walsh from The Better Business Analysis Institute (BBAI)

This episode features my good friend Stu McKinlay, a creative whirlwind who defies categorisation! We met when his colourful personality (and attire!) lit up the room during a job interview for a business analyst role at Z Energy.

But Stu's story goes far beyond suits and spreadsheets. He's a highly successful entrepreneur who founded Yeastie Boys, an award-winning international craft brewery. There, he not only brewed champion beers but also smashed a crowdfunding record, raising half a million dollars in just 30 minutes!

With over 15 years of experience, Stu's a seasoned consultant with a proven track record across various industries, from healthcare and government to energy (and of course, brewing!). He's also a strong communicator and leader, serving on the board of the Brewers Guild of New Zealand.

Beyond his business prowess, Stu's infectious positivity, incredible music taste, and "can-do" spirit make him a true friend. Join us as we chat with Stu, live from his new home in the UK, about his fascinating journey from BA to brewery owner and back again.

You won't want to miss this!






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Agile has taken the software development world by storm, but is it all it's cracked up to be? In this episode, we delve into a study revealing a shocking truth: Agile projects are 268% more likely to fail than traditional ones.

https://www.theregister.com/2024/06/05/agile_failure_rates/

We'll break down the key factors contributing to this and explore why Agile might not be the magic bullet we thought it was. Here's what we'll be chewing on:


The Doc Shock: The Agile Manifesto emphasizes working software over comprehensive documentation. But the study found projects with clear, upfront documentation were 97% more likely to succeed. We'll discuss why ditching docs altogether might not be the best strategy.
Beyond the Hype: Agile is all about adaptability, but what about getting the requirements right in the first place? The episode will explore how a robust requirements engineering process can boost your project's success rate by a whopping 50%.
Speaking Up for Success: Psychological safety is crucial for a healthy development team. When engineers feel comfortable discussing problems, project success rates jump by a staggering 87%. We'll explore why creating a safe space for open communication is essential.

This episode is a wake-up call for anyone who blindly follows Agile. We'll propose a solution that balances Agile's flexibility with the importance of upfront planning and clear requirements. Tune in and discover how to ditch Agile failures and achieve successful software delivery!










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🎙️ BA Bites: Use Generative AI Today

In this bite-sized episode of BA Bites, we delve into the exciting world of Generative AI and its impact on business analysis. Buckle up as we explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way we approach BA tasks. 🚀

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transcended mere buzzwords to become an integral part of our professional lives. As business analysts, we’re at the forefront of this transformative wave. In this episode, we’ll discuss how Generative AI is reshaping the BA landscape and why you should embrace it today.

Remember to subscribe, rate, and share BA Bites with fellow analysts! 🎧✨





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In this short BA Bites episode, we unpack the essentials of a Business Analyst CV that catches the eye.



We’ll cover how to effectively highlight your project achievements, the importance of certifications, and how to demonstrate industry expertise.



We’ll also delve into the power of personal interests and professional contributions to add depth to your profile.

From rock climbing to keynote speeches, your passions and experiences outside of work can set you apart.

Join us for this rapid session filled with actionable advice and inspiring stories that will help you craft a CV that truly represents you. Tune in to elevate your career narrative from ordinary to extraordinary!


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BA Bites - The Power of "Why?" is part of our BA Bites series: 2 min top tip for Business Analysts.


Ever heard the phrase "There's no such thing as a stupid question"?

In business analysis, the most valuable question might be "Why?".

By asking "why" behind a stakeholder request, we uncover the true needs and motivations.

This leads to better solutions and avoids building features that nobody actually wants.

So next time you're gathering requirements, don't be afraid to dig deeper and ask "why?"




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BA Bites - Mythbusting Business Analysis is part of our BA Bites series: 2 min top tip for Business Analysts


Today, we're tackling some common myths about business analysis.

Myth number one: Business analysts are just glorified note-takers. Wrong! While capturing requirements is important, BAs wear many hats. We analyse needs, bridge communication gaps, and ensure projects align with business goals.

Myth number two: BAs only deal with software development. Not true! We can be involved in any project requiring business process improvement, from marketing campaigns to product launches.




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