MBA228: Software Development Pearls

MBA228: Software Development Pearls

Karl Wiegers shares his lessons on requirements, project management, design, quality and more. Karl’s advice can make you significantly better at what you do. Show Notes Karl Wiegers started programming in 1970 and has collected 60 lessons he has learned in...
MBA227: The Minimum Viable Business

MBA227: The Minimum Viable Business

Ian Reynolds discusses how to discover the right solutions for your customers and then deliver them quickly. Show Notes Many organizations, especially as people are trying to work in more Lean and Agile ways, work towards producing a minimum viable product (MVP) and...
MBALC: Elon Musk’s 5-Step Design Process

MBALC: Elon Musk’s 5-Step Design Process

In this lightning cast, we explore the 5-step design process Elon Musk uses for SpaceX to innovate and get better results. Show Notes In a recent interview, Elon Musk shared the 5-step design process he uses at Space X to achieve better results.  Below are the...
MBA226: The FOCCCUS Formula

MBA226: The FOCCCUS Formula

In this episode, we revisit Theory of Constraints, an approach to improving organizational performance by accelerating delivery. Author Clarke Ching shares his FOCCCUS Formula to address the system’s bottleneck. Show Notes In every process or value delivery...
MBA225: The Value of Business Models

MBA225: The Value of Business Models

David Mantica helps us understand business models and helps us understand how to find new opportunities to create greater value. Show Notes Creating product requirements and delivering features is one thing. Understanding the business context and business models...
MBA224: Corkscrew Thinking

MBA224: Corkscrew Thinking

In this episode, Clarke Ching shares an innovative problem solving approach to help us solve tricky problems. Show Notes We’re often called upon to apply our problem solving skills and help organizations make better decisions.  The challenge is when we face...
MBA223: The Human Work Machine

MBA223: The Human Work Machine

David Mantica discusses the brain science behind some of the challenges knowledge workers face and helps you shift your mindset to enable you to thrive in a complex and chaotic environment. Show Notes As knowledge workers, we rely on our brains and relationships to...
MBA220: Thoughtless Design with Karl Wiegers

MBA220: Thoughtless Design with Karl Wiegers

Author and thought leader Karl Wiegers shares principles and lessons he has learned from poor designs and what you can do to develop solutions that create a great user experience. Show Notes We’re all experienced products that are confusing, difficult to use,...
BA Toolbox – A3 Report

BA Toolbox – A3 Report

In this episode of the BA Toolbox, we explore the A3 report and it’s use in problem solving. Show Notes What’s an A3 report? An A3 report has several uses including business proposals and process improvements.  However, it’s most commonly used for problem...
MBA217: Objectives and Key Results

MBA217: Objectives and Key Results

Paul Niven helps us to understand Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), a goal-setting tool to set ambitious goals with measurable results. Show Notes Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) is a goal-setting system to help drive strategic execution.  It’s a critical...
MBA216: Outcome Based Change

MBA216: Outcome Based Change

David Hawks shares an approach to transformations, projects, and large change initiatives by starting with the intended business outcomes. Show Notes Many transformations and large initiatives fail or don’t achieve their intended value. While the transformation,...
MBA214: The BA Success Path

MBA214: The BA Success Path

Laura Brandenburg shares her framework for career development; the Business Analyst Success Path.  Show Notes Many Business Analysts struggle to understand how to get to the next step in their career.  The way to advance in your career depends on where you are...
MBA211: Adaptive Leadership

MBA211: Adaptive Leadership

In this time of unrelenting change, we need leadership at all levels. Here’s what you need to help your team succeed.   HOW NOTES We live in a time of unrelenting change.  To enable teams and organizations to deal with this new reality, we need a different...
MBA210: Vital Communication

MBA210: Vital Communication

Communication is vital to success on teams and in organizations. In this episode, Tommy Re shows us how to dramatically improve communication. Show Notes One of the issues holding organizations back is the development of their leaders.  A lot of what it takes to...
MBA209: Visual Thinking

MBA209: Visual Thinking

Grant Wright Shares simple Visual Thinking tools and practices to help your team get aligned and retain information. Show Notes Do you want to increase retention of information, ensure alignment and a shared understanding, and increase creativity?  Visual Thinking can...
MBA208: Facilitative Leadership

MBA208: Facilitative Leadership

Author Michael Levine helps us unleash the power of large, diverse teams of smart, experienced individuals to deliver positive business results. Show Notes How can you unleash the power of large, diverse groups of smart, experienced individuals to deliver positive...
MBA206: Succeeding with Analytics

MBA206: Succeeding with Analytics

Jim Rushton helps us to understand why 80% of analytics projects fail and what you can do to make sure yours succeeds. Show Notes Many organizations are implementing analytics programs. Unfortunately, four out of five analytics projects fail. Listen to the full...
MBA205: Beyond Data Literacy

MBA205: Beyond Data Literacy

Lori Silverman helps us get real value from data by developing core competence and creating the culture needed to support collaborative data-informed decision making. Show Notes Many organizations are trying to use data for better decision making. Unfortunately, most...
MBA204: Top Skills for 2020

MBA204: Top Skills for 2020

LinkedIn’s list of the 15 most in-demand skills includes business analysis and many skills that are critical to your success. Show Notes Earlier this month, LinkedIn came out with their list of skills companies need most in 2020.  The article lists the most...
MBA203: Career Insurance

MBA203: Career Insurance

David Mantica shares ways to protect yourself from layoffs and prepare for career advancement opportunities. Show Notes The unfortunate reality is that many of us will experience unexpected (and undesired) career changes. Companies may merge, the economy may slow...
MBA202: Business Value Analysis

MBA202: Business Value Analysis

David Mantica helps us overcome one of the biggest challenges facing organizations today – understanding value and building the right solution. Show Notes We’re doing things . . . but are they the right things?  This is a common challenge for many...
MBA199: The Future of the BA Profession

MBA199: The Future of the BA Profession

In this episode, Kevin Brennan discusses how the world of work is changing and how Business Analysts need to adapt. Shot Notes With changes in working environments from Agile and digital transformations, Business Analysts need to adapt to stay relevant. With this...
MBA198: DevOps – What it Means for BAs

MBA198: DevOps – What it Means for BAs

Michael Roberts helps us understand what DevOps is and how it affects the role of Business Analysts. Show Notes Many organizations are using DevOps to benefit their customers.  But what is DevOps and what role do Business Analysts play?  Is DevOps a tool...
MBA197: Making Change Fun

MBA197: Making Change Fun

Lora McCoy discusses how to shift the psychological response to change and help stakeholders adapt and adopt the change. Show Notes When it comes to change, often the only one who isn’t afraid is the person driving the change.  Sometimes a person’s response to...
MBA196: Customer Journey Treasure Hunting

MBA196: Customer Journey Treasure Hunting

Vince Mirabelli shares some practical, how-to approaches to developing empathy, mapping the customer journey, and finding business process improvement opportunities along the way. Show Notes An Empathy Map is a tool you can use to understand who your customer is,...
MBA195: Example Mapping

MBA195: Example Mapping

Kent McDonald shares his thoughts about what you need to know about Agile and how to use Example Mapping; a technique to create a shared understanding. Show Notes In addition to participating on the Product Ownership Panel during the Building Business Capability...
MBA194: Start Your Project Off Right

MBA194: Start Your Project Off Right

In this episode, Adrian Reed shares his advice for successfully initiating projects and stakeholder management. Show Notes If you’ve ever been thrown into a messy project where the goal and scope aren’t well defined, Adrian Reed’s session at this...
MBA193: About Your Career

MBA193: About Your Career

In this episode, Ryland Leyton shares tips and advice from his new book to help you find the right job and grow in your career. Links Mentioned in This Episode http://rylandleyton.com/ Ryland’s book om Amazon It’s About Your Career Ryland Leyton Ryland...
MBA192: The Blight of Product Debt

MBA192: The Blight of Product Debt

In this episode, you’ll discover what Product Debt is and the impact it can have on your product and your organization.  You’ll also find out how to address Product Debt and ensure you are delivering valuable solutions quickly. Show Notes Debt is what you owe because...
MBA191: Use Cases in Agile

MBA191: Use Cases in Agile

In this episode, Ivar Jacobson shows us how to apply Use Cases in an Agile context and helps us discover how a Use Case approach addresses some of the problems with User Stories. Show Notes You may have used Use Cases in a waterfall environment, but can this technique...
MBA190: Business Data Analytics

MBA190: Business Data Analytics

In this episode, you’ll find out how you can bring value in the area of business data analytics. You’ll also learn about the IIBA’s Certification in Business Data Analytics. Show Notes The field of analytics is growing by leaps and bounds.  It’s...
MBA185: Business Analysis in Agile

MBA185: Business Analysis in Agile

In this episode, James Robertson shares some of the challenges associated with an Agile transformation and how Business Analysts can provide the most value to the organization.   After listening to this episode, you'll understand: What challenges BAs face in an...
MBA183: The BA Role on a Scrum Team

MBA183: The BA Role on a Scrum Team

In this episode, Anthony Mersino discusses where a Business Analyst fits on a Scrum Team and ways you can bring more value to the team and your organization.   After listening to this episode, you'll understand: Why the question about the BA role in Scrum keeps...
MBA182: BA in the Service Industry

MBA182: BA in the Service Industry

In this episode, we discuss the realities of being a Business Analyst in a non-technical field and how to apply your existing skills and competencies to other contexts.   After listening to this episode, you'll understand: How being a BA in the services industry...
MBA181: The Three BA Archetypes

MBA181: The Three BA Archetypes

In this episode, Emal Bariali helps us understand the three types of Business Analysts and how you can use these archetypes to find the right job or advance your career.   After listening to this episode, you'll understand: What the three different types of BA...
MBA180: Socratic Questioning

MBA180: Socratic Questioning

In this episode, Kent McDonald shares a powerful approach to eliciting information using an ancient questioning technique.. After listening to this episode, you'll understand: How to apply the Socratic method to requirements elicitation The different types of...
Lightning Cast: BA Performance Goals

Lightning Cast: BA Performance Goals

Creating annual performance goals for Business Analysts can be a challenge.  Here are tips for goal setting and some sample goals to help you achieve the right outcomes. A Lightning Cast is a shorter form episode modeled after lightning talks.  You’ll get...
MBA178: Career Options for BAs

MBA178: Career Options for BAs

In this episode, we look at LinkedIn’s Most Promising Jobs for 2019 and discuss how the skills of Business Analysts are key to success in many of the roles. After listening to this episode, you'll understand: How certain skills are transferrable to other roles...
MBA177: Product Backlog Refinement

MBA177: Product Backlog Refinement

Product Backlog Refinement (grooming) is a key activity for any Agile team.  In this episode, I share some tips and recommendations for successful refinement sessions. After listening to this episode, you'll understand: Why product backlog refinement is a key activity...
MBA176: Predictions for 2019

MBA176: Predictions for 2019

In this episode, three industry thought leaders and I share our predictions for 2019 and help you understand what you can do to be successful in the new year. Adrian Reed |  Blackmetric Business Solutions Prediction: We live in a fast moving, unpredictable world.  As...
MBA173: Avoiding the Build Trap

MBA173: Avoiding the Build Trap

In this episode, product management expert Melissa Perri helps us to avoid waste and build products that customers truly want.  After listening to this episode, you'll understand: Why detailed requirements documents often aren’t the best approach Common reasons...
Lightning Cast: Big Design Up Front

Lightning Cast: Big Design Up Front

In this Lightning Cast, we’ll explore the practice of using stage gates and a big design up front.  Why do organizations use the BDUF approach and is there a better way? A Lightning Cast is a shorter form episode modeled after lightning talks.  You’ll get...
MBA168:  Exploring the BA Career Path

MBA168: Exploring the BA Career Path

In this episode, consultant, speaker, and author Adrian Reed helps us explore the BA career path, career growth options, and actions you can take to grow in your career as a Business Analyst.   After listening to this episode, you'll understand: What career...
MBA167: The Power of Storytelling

MBA167: The Power of Storytelling

In this episode, award winning author and communications consultant Jim Signorelli shows us how to communicate in a compelling, memorable way.  Through storytelling, you’ll connect with your audience at an emotional level and get your ideas to stick.  ...
MBA166: Mastering the Art of Feedback

MBA166: Mastering the Art of Feedback

In this episode, Heather Mylan-Mains helps us to be effective in giving feedback and how to receive feedback for the greatest impact. After listening to this episode, you'll understand: The difference between effective and ineffective feedback The problem with annual...

Special Message

For the first time since I started the Mastering Business Analysis podcast, I have missed a release date. The episode scheduled for August 21st did not go live as planned. Unfortunately, I’m in the hospital fighting a bad infection. I’m not sure when...
MBA165: Remembering Jerry Weinberg

MBA165: Remembering Jerry Weinberg

Last week, the world lost a luminary.  Jerry Weinberg passed away at the age of 84.  Here are some of the most important lessons from Jerry in his own words. After listening to this episode, you'll understand: Why taking requirements seriously is so critical The...
MBA161: Evolution of the BA Role

MBA161: Evolution of the BA Role

In this episode, you’ll discover the next step in the evolution of the role of the Business Analyst and if Agile spells the end of the BA role.   After listening to this episode, you'll understand: The origins of Business Analysis Why context is important...
MBA158: Agile Requirements

MBA158: Agile Requirements

In this episode, we’ll explore Agile requirements and answer the question “Are User Stories requirements?”   After listening to this episode, you'll understand: How requirements in Agile differ from Traditional environments Why User Stories are...
MBA157: The Importance of Good Data Analysis

MBA157: The Importance of Good Data Analysis

In this episode, Ali Cox helps us to understand the importance of good data analysis and how to get started.   After listening to this episode, you'll understand: How to use data to your organization’s advantage Why ignoring data can be detrimental to your...
MBA156: The Power of Mentoring

MBA156: The Power of Mentoring

Want to take your skills and your career to the next level?  A mentoring relationship can do just that.  Discover how to find the right mentor and create an effective mentoring relationship. After listening to this episode, you'll understand: Why mentoring is such a...
MBA155: Hiring BAs and PMs

MBA155: Hiring BAs and PMs

Are you a hiring manager looking for great BA and PM candidates? Find out how to find the best candidates for your organization. Job seekers will discover how to best prepare for a job search. After listening to this episode, you'll understand: What to do before you...
MBA154: Change Leadership

MBA154: Change Leadership

In this episode, you’ll discover ways to help people in your organization adapt to the change associated with a new initiative; a key to successfully overcoming resistance.   After listening to this episode, you'll understand: Why people respond differently...
MBA153: Trends in Business Analysis

MBA153: Trends in Business Analysis

In this episode, Elizabeth Larson talks about current trends in the Business Analysis field and how they will affect you. After listening to this episode, you'll understand: What key trends are affecting the business analysis field The big news about the BA role in...
MBA152: Finding the Right Project

MBA152: Finding the Right Project

In this episode, Richard Larson shares five techniques you can use to discover the underlying problem or opportunity to solve create the right solution. After listening to this episode, you'll understand: How to find the real problem to solve What to do when...
MBA150: A High Five for Business Analysts

MBA150: A High Five for Business Analysts

In this episode, Tomette Kirk shares what she calls the high five; five essential tasks that we need to focus on as Business Analysts to be successful. After listening to this episode, you'll understand: What essential tasks are needed for success as a business...
MBA149: The Power of EQ

MBA149: The Power of EQ

In this episode, author and speaker Jen Shirkani helps us to understand the importance of Emotional Intelligence and shares techniques to boost your EQ. After listening to this episode, you'll understand: What emotional intelligence (EQ) is and how it differs from IQ...
MBA147: The Business Agility Manifesto

MBA147: The Business Agility Manifesto

In this episode, Ron Ross explains the Business Agility Manifesto and helps us to understand the role business knowledge plays in enhancing business agility. After listening to this episode, you'll understand: Why the Business Agility Manifesto is and why it was...
MBA146: The Full Stack Business Analyst

MBA146: The Full Stack Business Analyst

In this episode, we explore what it takes to become a Full-Stack Business Analyst. Similar to a Full-Stack Developer, a Business Analyst can broaden their skills to reduce waste and contribute more value to their organization. After listening to this episode, you'll...
MBA145: Predictions for 2018

MBA145: Predictions for 2018

In this episode, six thought leaders and I share predictions for 2018 and help you understand what it means for you. Kupe Kupersmith  |  KupeTalks Prediction: There will be progress in the #NoRequirements movement. Focus your attention in areas other than...
MBA144: The 12 Days of the Project

MBA144: The 12 Days of the Project

In this episode, you’ll discover 12 approaches that lead to shorter time to market, increased customer value, and innovation. After listening to this episode, you'll understand: Why short feedback cycles are critical How to increase innovation Why metrics matter...
MBA140: Improve Influence with NLP

MBA140: Improve Influence with NLP

In this episode, Corrine Thomas shares techniques from Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) that can help you build relationships and influence better. After listening to this episode, you'll understand: Why building rapport with stakeholders is so important How to use...
MBA136: What the IIBA Can Do for You – Part2

MBA136: What the IIBA Can Do for You – Part2

In part 2 of this episode, Ken Fulmer, CEO and President of the International Institute for Business Analysis (IIBA), joins us to discuss some new initiatives at the IIBA and how the IIBA can help you advance your skills and grow in your career. After listening to...
MBA135: What the IIBA Can Do for You

MBA135: What the IIBA Can Do for You

In this episode, Ken Fulmer, CEO and President of the International Institute for Business Analysis (IIBA), joins us to discuss some new initiatives at the IIBA and how the IIBA can help you advance your skills and grow in your career. After listening to this episode,...