Business Analysis Blueprint

Kristyna Samcova

Kristyna Samcova’s career has been shaped by a simple instinct: noticing what others often miss.

From her very first IT role, she gravitated toward connecting teams, asking the questions nobody else thought to ask, and helping people communicate more clearly. That curiosity and drive to bring people together have become the hallmark of her approach—and the foundation for a career that spans industries, countries, and roles.

Along the way, Kristyna has earned five IIBA certifications and gained a unique perspective on international workplaces, cross-industry projects, and multicultural teams. Beyond her own growth, she’s committed to mentoring, volunteering, and raising professional standards, showing that business analysis is as much about people as it is processes.

In this edition of Business Analysis Blueprint, Kristyna reflects on navigating complex projects, adapting to new environments, and becoming a mother. Her story shows how staying curious, engaged, and focused on meaningful work can turn challenges into growth—for herself, her teams, and the projects she leads.

What inspired you to become a business analysis professional? Was there a specific moment or experience that sparked your interest?

I started my career with a keen interest in IT and technology. My first business analysis role gave me exposure to how projects really work, how teams collaborate, and how solutions take shape. What truly caught my attention was the communication gap I kept noticing between the business and technical sides. They were often speaking different “languages,” and that disconnect—although unintentional—led to frustration, delays, and missed opportunities to define the right requirements early on.

There wasn’t a single defining moment, but I naturally found myself drawn to that middle ground—asking questions others hadn’t thought about asking, clarifying assumptions, and helping both sides understand each other better. That instinct to bridge gaps is what led me into business analysis. Over time, I came to appreciate the versatility of business analysis, how it can add value at any level, whether tactical or strategic. That range keeps the work engaging and constantly evolving.

Today, my focus has shifted away from my own career. It’s more about helping others find their path, grow into their potential, and raise the standard for what our profession can be. I also try to give back to the community whenever I can, whether through mentorship, volunteering, or simply sharing what I’ve learned.

You’ve earned five IIBA certifications, including all four specialized ones (CPOA, CBDA, AAC, CCA). What motivated you to pursue them, and how have they helped you grow as a professional?

Continuous learning is essential in business analysis, and IIBA certifications represent the gold standard. I began with the Certification of Capability in Business Analysis (CCBA) to establish a solid professional foundation. As my career evolved, the specialized certifications became relevant, helping me expand my skill set and add greater value across different industries and projects.

The CCBA boosted my confidence as a business analysis professional, while the specialized certifications enabled me to lead important conversations and take initiative in areas beyond traditional business analysis work. For me, certifications aren’t just credentials. They’re part of a wider commitment to continuous learning and staying current in a changing field.

You’ve worked in such a wide range of industries—finance, banking, manufacturing, agriculture. How has moving between these sectors shaped the way you approach your work?

The core business analysis professional skills are highly transferable, and every experience adds value. Each industry and company brings its own unique expectations and approach to the role, which can be challenging but also enriching. Navigating these differences has taught me to be adaptable and flexible, tailoring my methods to fit the context while relying on a solid foundation of business analysis principles.

Moving across sectors has broadened my perspective and reinforced the idea that clear communication, understanding stakeholder needs, and focusing on delivering value remain central—regardless of the industry. Each role has helped me grow, sharpen my toolkit, and approach problems with fresh eyes.

As a senior consultant with extensive experience mentoring others, what’s your approach to helping teams keep projects on track and aligned with big-picture goals?

Clear communication and transparency are essential. I support team members, especially those newer to the role, by helping them step back from the details and understand how their work contributes to the overall objectives. Trust grows when you show genuine interest in their challenges and goals, leading to more effective mentoring. When issues arise, addressing them early and openly helps prevent escalation and keeps projects on course.

I also encourage critical thinking and ownership, guiding colleagues to find solutions through thoughtful questioning rather than simply providing answers. This helps maintain focus on the bigger picture while progressing day-to-day tasks.

You’ve been volunteering with the IIBA Editorial Committee for five years now. What’s been the most interesting or surprising part of reviewing articles from other professionals?

Volunteering with the Editorial Committee has been rewarding. The review process involves providing feedback, suggesting rewrites, and helping refine the content to meet professional standards.

One of the most interesting aspects has been seeing how the topics reflect global trends, especially in IT and AI. There’s also a noticeable focus on regulatory work and the evolving scope of the business analysis role—something that aligns with the growth of specialized certifications. It reinforces how much more business analysis professionals do beyond just writing requirements.

With every article I review, I gain a new perspective, and that really keeps me engaged. I learn from the way others think, solve problems, and frame their insights. In many ways, I feel I benefit just as much—if not more—than the authors themselves.

While I mostly edit alone, I also enjoy the collaborative side, like regular catchups and occasional co-edits.

You lived and worked abroad for over a decade, starting your business analysis career in the UK. Since returning to the Czech Republic, you’ve continued in the field, now working with Siemens in Prague. How has that international experience influenced the way you work today?

I built my career from the ground up in the UK, where the business analysis profession is well-established and widely recognized, especially in the tech sector. That strong foundation gave me not just the skills but also the confidence and clarity to truly understand the business analysis role.

In the Czech Republic, the profession isn’t always as clearly defined. Outside of the business analysis community, the role is often misunderstood or blended with others, particularly in local companies. Working at Siemens, though, I’m part of a highly multicultural environment, even more so than in the UK, which gives me the international feel I value.

Living abroad reshaped the way I set expectations, particularly the ones I place on myself. I aim for high-quality outcomes and hold myself to a standard I’ve developed over years of working across different industries, teams, and company sizes. That variety taught me how to adapt quickly and apply what I’ve learned in new settings.

Interestingly, one of the biggest challenges after returning home wasn’t cultural, it was linguistic. Switching back to Czech at work felt unfamiliar, even though it’s my native language! That’s partly why I sought out an international company where English is the primary working language.

You’re currently studying for the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) certification, while also balancing work and family life. What’s your advice for others trying to juggle it all?

As a new mum, I found that studying during maternity leave was a great way to stay mentally engaged. I used the time when my baby was asleep to keep up, which helped me stay relevant while away from work. Now, with even less free time, I’m grateful I made good use of that quieter period.

Planning has been key for me. I break my goals into smaller, manageable tasks and reward myself along the way. Those small wins keep motivation high. The CBAP is the premier certification in our field, and that alone keeps me focused and driven. I’ve learned not to rush the process, which is about truly understanding and applying knowledge based on experience.

My advice for others is to have a strong “why” to keep you going. Make a clear plan and try to apply new concepts in your daily work or even outside it. Practical use cements learning far better than theory alone. Employer support is helpful, but you’re ultimately doing this for your own career growth.

Engaging with peers through study groups or informal “brown bag” sessions has also been invaluable for me. It’s motivating and enriches the learning experience.

Risk and security management are big parts of your skill set. What do you think are the biggest challenges companies face in this area, and how can business analysis professionals make a difference?

One of the biggest challenges is that risk—especially around security and compliance—is often overlooked in the early phases of projects. It’s rarely explicitly included in the scope or brief, and many professionals simply aren’t trained to spot potential issues, even when they’re obvious. That’s where a vigilant business analysis professional can make a real impact.

During discovery and analysis, we’re in a strong position to identify potential risks early and translate them into actionable requirements. Whether it’s about preventing the sharing of personal identifiable data over email, avoiding the misuse of local Excel files, or managing access rights appropriately, these are all patterns we need to recognize and flag early.

Collaboration is key. Risk and security professionals are both stakeholders and subject matter experts, so involving them from the beginning is essential. Understanding relevant standards, asking the right questions, and ensuring non-functional requirements are addressed helps us build more resilient solutions.

It's about raising awareness and being proactive, not just ticking boxes.

When you’re not busy teaching, volunteering, or leading, how do you spend your free time?

As a new mum who’s recently returned to work, true downtime is a rare luxury! Most of my free moments are spent walking with the baby and our dog. It’s a simple routine, but it gives me a chance to reset and reflect. I’m a coffee enthusiast, and I’ve grown to appreciate the joy of a good coffee chat and walk with fellow mums.

I’ve always loved reading, travelling, cooking, and baking. While there’s not as much space for those hobbies at the moment, I know I’ll return to them as life settles into its new rhythm. Working part-time means squeezing a lot into fewer hours, so work tends to stay on my mind more than it used to. If energy allows, I’ll catch up after bedtime.

It’s not always easy, but I find purpose and fulfillment in what I do, and that helps carry me through.

In 2025, we’re spotlighting the versatility, value, and far-reaching impact of talented business analysis professionals like Kristyna through Analysis Everywhere. If you need some inspiration for sharing your own story, visit our website for more information.

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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