Business Analysis Blueprint

Agnieszka Balcerzak

 

For IIBA Poland Chapter President Agnieszka Balcerzak, taking things slow is a virtue, not a vice.

Working at the intersection of IT and business, Agnieszka is an entrepreneur, business trainer, and mentor with a deeply empathetic style. She finds reward in encouraging budding professionals to pursue their true passions, and a career to match, by exploring their hopes, needs, and talents. Ever committed to personal and professional growth, she recently co-founded BA Club—a community of business analysis professionals dedicated to advancing their careers through collaboration and intentional development.

As the Founder and CEO of agelessbeauty.club, Agnieszka embraces wellness and work-life balance as integral parts of her life—believing in constant improvement rather than chasing ever-elusive perfection. Boasting no less than six IIBA certifications, she believes there’s always room to improve and achieve more. But she doesn’t let her goals overshadow the journey.

We wanted to find out what guides Agnieszka’s approach to mentorship, what she’s doing to elevate business analysis in Poland, and how she began the winding path toward what she feels is an undervalued profession. Welcome to our latest Business Analysis Blueprint.

Can you share a bit about your journey into business analysis and what inspired you to pursue this career?

Like many career paths, mine wasn’t straightforward. My academic journey began in Computer Science at the Faculty of Electronics and Information Technology at the Warsaw University of Technology. After my first year, though, I realized something was missing. So I pursued a second degree in Marketing and Management at the Warsaw School of Economics. This dual focus placed me at the intersection of IT and business, which has been a guiding theme throughout my career.

During the final years of my studies, I got to work with Teradata and SAS databases while completing my master's thesis. My career started as a database developer, focusing on data warehouses, business intelligence, and designing ETL processes. But I always felt drawn to roles requiring more than just technical expertise. I even spent a year in a marketing department exploring different career options, as I was torn between business and IT.

At the time, business analysis was not a well-known field in Poland. Only one company offered training in this area. When I discovered this opportunity, I was determined to bring this training to ATOS, where I worked. Earning the Certification of Capability in Business Analysis (CCBA) was a turning point, as it perfectly combined my business and technology knowledge.

My work involved data science and modelling in revenue assurance for telecommunication companies. What I enjoyed most was interacting with people, understanding their needs, and finding solutions to help them achieve their goals. This human aspect of my work was particularly fulfilling. I also travelled to the US to attend BPM Institute training, where I learned extensively about process design and agile business analysis. These fields were still emerging in Poland. My drive to reach my full potential ultimately led me to a career in business analysis.

Years later, I had a full-circle moment delivering a training session for MT&DC, the company that introduced me to business analysis. The client for that session? ATOS—the company where I first advocated for business analysis training! It felt like a humorous and ironic twist in my career journey.

As President of the IIBA Poland Chapter, what initiatives have you implemented to support your community of business analysis professionals?

When I was offered the role of IIBA Poland Chapter president in December 2022, I wasn’t sure I was ready. I had never actively pursued leadership and even found it a bit daunting. I had always been content as an independent expert, but this opportunity felt different.

Reflecting on my early struggles as a business analysis professional, I realized how vital a supportive community is. No one understands the unique challenges of a business analysis professional better than another business analysis professional. This shared experience is crucial for both personal and professional growth.

I officially took on the role at the start of 2023, with more time to dedicate to building our chapter. We started as a small, passionate team with a vision but little experience. Despite the uncertainties, the journey has been extraordinary, teaching me invaluable lessons about resilience and the courage to move forward.

Our team has grown to nearly 20 dedicated members and we’ve achieved significant milestones. We organized our first summit in October 2023, which sold out in just six weeks with 250 participants. We also established the chapter as a legal entity, launched our first newsletter, and initiated regular webinars and meetups.

I’m especially proud of our mentoring program, which received support from the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC). The first edition connected 42 mentoring pairs, and the positive feedback has been incredibly rewarding.

These achievements wouldn’t be possible without the incredible team of volunteers who have committed time and energy to our shared goals. In a volunteer organization, dedication to a common purpose is everything, and I value each person's contribution.

I’m passionate about elevating the role of business analysis professionals, a profession that is sometimes undervalued. Through the IIBA Poland Chapter, we’re creating opportunities for connection, knowledge-sharing, and growth. We want to provide a safe and supportive space for business analysis professionals to discuss their challenges and celebrate their successes. Together, we can achieve so much more.

Last year, the IIBA Poland Chapter held its inaugural summit, which was a resounding success with a 100% attendance rate. This year, the summit is expanding to two days and doubling its capacity. What are your strategies for scaling up the event while maintaining the same level of engagement and success?

We’re committed to providing an exceptional experience for the business analysis community with an amazing venue, top-notch speakers, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere. While last year’s summit was a success, we knew we would need to offer even more.

This year, we’re excited to host a diverse lineup of international speakers, including several keynote sessions and more workshops. We’re also organizing a special dinner party featuring an engaging workshop led by our UK colleagues. The support from the global business analysis community and IIBA has been instrumental in enhancing the quality of our event.

We have created a dedicated webpage for the summit and assembled a specialized team led by a project manager. We also conducted strategic workshops with a non-profit organization in Poland. It helped us refine our internal processes and solidify our organizational structure. These steps are crucial for ensuring the success of all our initiatives.

This year’s summit promises to be something truly special. It’s a chance to connect, learn, and grow with some of the best minds in business analysis. We look forward to welcoming you!

You hold six globally recognized business analysis certifications from IIBA. How have these shaped your professional journey and your approach to business analysis?

I always say that it’s easier to learn than to re-learn, and I believe in learning from the best. My six certifications from IIBA is a consequence of this mindset.

One key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of building on the expertise of those who came before me—standing on the shoulders of giants, so to speak. By using the insights and experiences of seasoned colleagues and industry leaders, I can avoid the pitfalls of trial and error. This approach means I can grow in a more structured and intentional way, rather than relying solely on intuition.

My certifications have given me a solid foundation of knowledge that helps me approach my work with greater precision and intentionality. They provide practical tools, techniques, and confidence, helping me navigate complex situations with greater assurance. While no amount of certifications can fully prepare you for all real-life scenarios, it is a great source of self-confidence, knowledge, and reassurance.

They have also taught me the value of deliberate, thoughtful work and the importance of a strong commitment to goals. By adhering to best practices and proven methodologies, I can minimize unnecessary mistakes and focus on delivering the best possible outcomes. This disciplined approach has been crucial in my career, enabling me to contribute more effectively to my teams and projects.

Ultimately, my certifications are a testament to my dedication to the profession and my belief in the power of continuous learning. They remind me that growth is a lifelong journey. With the right tools and mindset, there’s always room to improve and achieve more.

You mentor business analysis professionals, entrepreneurs, and team leaders. What key principles guide your mentoring approach, and how do you tailor your guidance to meet individual needs?

I adhere to the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) principles in my mentoring sessions. Mentoring is a powerful tool for career growth. It provides a unique space where I can focus entirely on one person, listen carefully, and be fully dedicated to their journey. That isn’t always possible in other settings.

One of the key principles guiding my approach is the idea that mentoring is more about wisdom-sharing than just knowledge-sharing. While we start with business analysis topics, I often find that underlying these concerns are personal struggles, hopes, and fears. I remind my mentees that we can’t fully separate our personal and professional lives. Who we are as individuals deeply influences both areas.

So I tailor my mentoring to each person’s unique needs and journey. This means challenging them, asking the right questions, offering support, and walking alongside them on their path. Mentoring is like the process of business analysis itself. In both, we must discover underlying needs and trace them back to the source of a problem to find a solution. We often start with surface-level issues, but by digging deeper, we uncover connections and insights that were previously hidden.

Not everyone is ready to explore these deeper aspects, but those who do often find unexpected clarity and direction. I aim to empower the people I mentor to navigate their own paths more effectively and with a deep sense of life ownership. I’ve been fortunate to see many of them achieve significant growth and success as a result. Nowadays I find great fulfillment in helping others discover their potential and overcome the obstacles that stand in their way.

Alongside mentoring, I also conduct IIBA certification training sessions. Recently, I co-founded the BA Club with Hanna Gruzdowska. It’s a community for business analysis professionals dedicated to consciously advancing their careers. We hold monthly meetings to share insights, discuss challenges, and foster a supportive environment for collaboration and growth.

Wellness is a significant part of your advocacy, particularly through #WellbeingFridays. How do you integrate wellness practices into your professional life, and how do they benefit your business analysis work?

My journey into wellness advocacy began with #WellbeingFridays, which later evolved into the agelessbeauty.club. The latter is an ongoing project I’m working on alongside my regular work. Wellness is important to me, especially after experiencing firsthand how neglecting self-care and work-life balance can severely impact one's health. I took an unplanned three-year break from work due to health issues, an experience that has become crucial to my story.

One of the key aspects of wellness that I definitely prioritize is sleep. While I can manage with less than eight hours on rare occasions, I make sure this doesn’t become a habit. I also value “me-time,” adhere to a self-care routine, and consume unprocessed foods. Maintaining balance is essential for me, whether in my eating habits or physical activities. Whenever I struggle to stick to my habits, I see negative effects on my life, emotional state, and ability to make decisions and move things forward—which are so important for every leader and self-employed individual.

My spirituality also plays a vital role in my life, offering me strength and guidance. I also regularly assess my goals in all areas of life to ensure I’m not neglecting anything important. That is a habit I've maintained for many years, helping me navigate my life in a conscious way.

While I’m still not perfect at maintaining these routines, I've learned that perfection isn’t the goal. I aim for consistency 80% of the time, leaving 20% for unexpected events, chaos, growth, and spontaneity. I believe in being “good enough,” listening to yourself, and improving little by little each day while having big goals in mind. I think this was one of the hardest things for me to learn. As someone who once struggled with perfectionism, I now focus on quality without letting it consume me. Being at peace with my decisions is a feeling I actively seek.

Taking care of yourself enhances presence, awareness, patience, creativity, proactivity, and overall peace of mind. These attributes are crucial when working with stakeholders and being mindful of the quality of work. Our brains and bodies need rest, and when well-rested, we accomplish tasks more efficiently and with greater joy. Although I still struggle with overworking, my drive to improve this area of my life has become one of my best wellness habits.

Away from work, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy doing?

I truly enjoy connecting with others through profound, meaningful conversations. Small talk is something I really struggle with. I also love a good movie and attending cultural events like concerts, theatre, and ballet.

Spending time in nature, away from the city, brings me a lot of joy, as does my deep affection for animals, especially horses. I cherish the moments I spend with my daughter, loved ones, three cats, and dog, engaging in simple activities together. I’m also a food enthusiast. I love exploring food markets and enjoying simple, healthy, handmade food or cooking together.

Travelling and exploring different cultures is another passion of mine, along with singing. My daughter and I sing in a church choir, and I used to play piano (I hope to return to it soon). I also enjoy painting and pencil drawing. Recently, I’ve discovered a love for Pilates and stretching exercises. I try to avoid extreme sports and focus on activities that help me grow and improve a bit each day.

I also have a little bit of an obsession with order and organization, though I’m learning to let go of that slightly. Decluttering and caring for my home still bring me peace of mind. I suppose you could say I’m quite old-fashioned and boring in my personal life. I actively seek activities that promote calm and don’t trigger extreme emotions, even if that’s not very popular these days.

Can you share a favourite book or movie that has had a significant impact on you personally or professionally?

A movie that has had a significant impact on me is Remember the Goal. It teaches valuable lessons about perseverance, patience, and the importance of applying the right amount of effort toward long-term goals. It emphasizes trusting your journey, even when others may not understand or support you, and not giving up easily.

Another source of inspiration is a TEDx talk by Kimi Werner titled, "When you feel the need to speed up, slow down." This message has become my mantra, especially in challenging situations or when life becomes hectic. When things get intense, we tend to stress and push forward. But I’ve learned that the better approach is to slow down and proceed calmly and deliberately.

In 2024 and beyond, Analysis Everywhere will spotlight the versatility, value, and far-reaching impact of talented business analysis professionals like Agnieszka. If you need some inspiration for sharing your own story, visit our website for more information on Analysis Everywhere.

Know someone who's making an impact as a business analysis professional? Reach out to brand@iiba.org to have them featured in our next Business Analysis Blueprint.

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