BA Brew - A Business Analysis Podcast

AssistKD
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Our podcast is a chance to tune into our musings on a range of subjects from the use of business analysis tools and techniques to the books we like that are helpful for business change professionals.

  1. May 29

    Business Analysis Mode: Stuck On (feat. Stu Mullinger)

    Once you learn business analysis skills, do they ever really switch off? In this episode of BA Brew, Mike, Ruth, Kerry and Stu discuss how BA thinking becomes embedded into everyday life - shaping how we solve problems, make decisions and interact with others. The discussion covers: Why BA skills naturally carry over into everyday situationsReal-life examples of using BA thinking outside of workWhen analysis and problem-solving can be unhelpfulThe risk of “analysis paralysis”How to recognise when to switch off BA modeTechniques like circles of control, root cause thinking and options analysis in daily lifeThe importance of empathy, presence and reading the roomWhether you're a business analyst, change professional or team leader, this episode offers practical insights into balancing analytical thinking with real-world human situations. EXPLORE ASSISTKD TRAINING AssistKD offers Business Analysis and Service Design training online, in person and through eLearning, with over 30 years' experience in professional development. Relevant courses for this episode: BCS Certificate in Business Analysis PracticeBCS Foundation Certificate in Business AnalysisBCS Certificate in Modelling Business ProcessesEexplore AssistKD's full range of Business Analysis training courses here: https://www.assistkd.com/our-business-training-courses-classes

    27 min

  2. May 15

    Informal Networks & Gossip in Business Analysis (feat. Carlos Pullen-Ferreira)

    Informal networks are one of the most powerful – and often overlooked - forces in organisations. For Business Analysts, understanding how information really flows can make the difference between struggling with change and successfully influencing it. In this episode of BA Brew, Jonathan Hunsley is joined by Michelle, Fiona and Carlos to explore the role of gossip and informal networks in the workplace – and how they impact organisational change. The discussion covers: What “gossip” actually means in a workplace contextWhy informal networks exist and how they create psychological safety during changeThe difference between formal communications and how information really spreadsHow informal networks can support better stakeholder engagement and change outcomesThe risks of negative gossip, politics and organisational cultureHow Business Analysts can use informal networks to sense-check, influence and support changeWhether you are a Business Analyst, change professional, service designer or team leader, this episode provides practical insights into the human side of organisations – and how to work with it, not against it. EXPLORE ASSISTKD TRAINING AssistKD offers Business Analysis and Service Design training online, in person and through eLearning, with over 30 years’ experience in professional development. Relevant courses for this episode: BCS Stakeholder EngagementBCS Digital Business ChangeBCS Benefits Management and Business AcceptanceBCS Modelling Business ProcessesExplore AssistKD's Business Analysis full range of training courses here: https://www.assistkd.com/our-business-training-courses-classes

    29 min

  3. May 1

    Active Listening for Business Analysts (feat. Craig Rollason and Corrine Thomas)

    Active listening is one of the most valuable skills a Business Analyst can develop — and one of the easiest to get wrong. In this episode of BA Brew, Jonathan Hunsley from AssistKD is joined by Craig Rollason and Corrine Thomas to discuss how active listening helps business analysts build trust, improve stakeholder conversations and gather better requirements. The discussion covers: What active listening really means for business analysts Why listening is central to effective stakeholder engagement Common unhelpful listening behaviours and how to avoid them How to prepare yourself to listen properly The value of summarising, silence and open questions How teams can practise and improve their listening skills together Whether you are a business analyst, service designer, change professional or team leader, this episode offers practical advice for improving conversations and outcomes. EXPLORE ASSISTKD TRAINING: AssistKD offers Business Analysis and Service Design training online, in person and through eLearning, with over 30 years' experience in professional development. Relevant courses for this episode: BCS Stakeholder EngagementBCS Requirements EngineeringBCS Advanced Requirements EngineeringBCS Business Analysis PracticeLISTEN & SUBSCRIBE: Find BA Brew on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major platforms.

    33 min

  4. Apr 17

    Supporting the Next Generation of BAs with the YBA (feat. Joanne Fahy and Joseph Haslam)

    What’s it really like starting out as a Business Analyst - and how do you avoid feeling isolated, overwhelmed or “behind” in your early career? In this episode of The BA Brew, Mike is joined by Joe and Jo from the Young Business Analysts (YBA) - a fast‑growing, volunteer‑led community designed to support Business Analysts aged 35 and under. They discuss: Why YBA was created and the gap it set out to fill How safe spaces help early‑career BAs ask the questions they’re afraid to ask at work The impact of volunteering on confidence, networking and public speaking How YBA has grown into a 2,500+ strong community across online and in‑person events Why experienced practitioners still have an important role to play From first‑job nerves to conference speaking, this is an honest conversation about growth, connection, and building a career in Business Analysis - without doing it alone. FURTHER RESOURCES YBA YBA Website YBA LinkedIn BA Brews BA Brew 9: Young BA Special BA Brew 77: How to start your BA Career BA Brew 88: BA Apprentice of the Year Articles The Young Business Analysts: How It All Began Where are They Now? Business Analyst Apprentices

    24 min

  5. Apr 2

    The Professional BA (feat. Laurens de Rooij)

    What does it really mean to be a “professional” Business Analyst? In this episode of BA Brew, Kerry is joined by Laurens and Lisa to explore professionalism in business analysis – from preparation and mindset to qualifications, growth, and career progression. They discuss: What professionalism means in a BA contextTheir journeys through the BCS International & Advanced DiplomasAchieving CITP statusThe path to becoming an Expert BAPractical advice for BAs looking to advance their careersIf you're considering the BCS Advanced Diploma, CITP, or the Expert BA route, this conversation is packed with insights from real practitioners who’ve been there. FURTHER RESOURCES BA Brews How to Become a Business Analysis ProfessionalTransferable SkillsCommunities of PracticeSelf-Assessment and Development ToolsI’m a Business Analyst — How Did That Happen?Articles No Limits to LearningElevating the BA VoiceSkill Development of the Business Analysis PracticeFrom Junior BA to BA Manager: A Business Analysis JourneyQualifications BCS International Diploma in Business AnalysisBCS Advanced International Diploma in Business AnalysisChartered IT Professional (CITP)The Expert BA Award

    16 min

  6. Mar 20

    Communities of Practice  (feat. Anthony Thompson and Mark Thompson)

    Being part of a Community of Practice allows BAs to share knowledge and best practice, mentor or be mentored, and have a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities. But some of the benefits are less tangible. In this lively chat, Anthony Thompson and Mark Thompson of Close Brothers discuss the value of Communities of Practice with the Brew Crew. Anthony Thompson and Mark Thompson are both Lead BAs at Close Brothers. FURTHER RESOURCES  BA BREWS BA Brew 29: The Invisible BA BA Brew 35: The BA Service Framework ARTICLES Ten Reasons to Establish a Centralised Community of Practice Ten Top Tips on Building a Community of Practice Running a Centralised Business Analysis Community of Practice: The Top 10 Financial Benefits Keeping a Community of Practice Alive and Kicking COURSES BCS Certificate in Team Leadership

    29 min

  7. Mar 6

    Accessibility (feat. Adam Pearson)

    In this informative BA Brew Adam Pearson talks to the Crew about why BAs need to develop an accessibility mindset and how he, as a registered blind person, has used his BA skills to help to make it easier to both generate and consume accessible content. Topics discussed: why accessibility must be considered from the start of every project; useful tools for generating accessible content and for consuming content; the difference between usability and accessibility; how AI tools can support accessibility; why making mistakes and learning means you are doing it right; and more. As Adam says: “The more we all do as a collective, the fewer barriers there are into this fantastic field of work.” Adam Pearson is now a Business Analyst at The RNIB. FURTHER RESOURCES  BA BREWS BA Brew 20: Resilience (feat. Corrine Thomas)BA Brew 27: The BA ApprenticeshipARTICLES Resilience ResourcesStrengths Spotting - Achieve your goals by leveraging your strengthsAssistKD’s Business Analyst (Level 4) Apprenticeship SchemeAssistKD BA Career Planner Tool10 Top Tips for Entering the Business Analysis Profession

    28 min

  8. Feb 20

    Mental Monsters (feat. Helen Holder)

    Helen Holder developed an idea to help her children talk about their fears during lockdown – and it proved to be highly effective. Now Helen is using the same powerful visualisation technique to help business change professionals name, and tame, their self-limiting beliefs. In this mindset-challenging BA Brew, Helen and the Brew Crew discuss common 'Mental Monsters’ and share some practical strategies for challenging them. See the resource list below for a link to Fiona Kiss’s ‘Problem Solving Duck’ article. Helen Holder is Head of Business Analysis at RICS. She is also a volunteer with IIBA and YBA. FURTHER RESOURCES  BA BREWS BA Brew 20: Resilience (feat. Corrine Thomas) BA Brew 30: Confidence (feat. Philippa Thomas) BA Brew 45: Developing Positive Habits and Behaviours ARTICLES Mental Monsters: Name and Tame Your Limiting Beliefs Resilience Resources Strengths Spotting - Achieve your goals by leveraging your strengths StrengthsFinder 2.0 Foster a Growth Mindset with Mindset Advantage The Problem Solving Duck COURSES Introduction to NLP Workshop

    29 min
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Our podcast is a chance to tune into our musings on a range of subjects from the use of business analysis tools and techniques to the books we like that are helpful for business change professionals.

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