Top 4 Business Analysis Live Episodes of 2023
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect the perspectives of IIBA.
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What are the most common job interview questions for business analysis professionals?
How do you make those routine meetings more productive?
What are the top skills every business analyst should master?
And can ChatGPT help?
If you’ve ever asked yourself these (and other) business analysis-related questions, 2023 was your lucky year.
That’s because Susan Moore, Scott Bennett, and guests had the answers in their terrific podcast, Business Analysis Live! If you didn’t get a chance to tune in, listen now or watch the episodes on our YouTube page.
As we say goodbye to another year, here are the top four most popular episodes (in order) for your listening pleasure. Enjoy!
1. ChatGPT and Business Analysis
Let’s start with the most popular episode of 2023, which focused on the latest tech craze sweeping the business world—artificial intelligence, and specifically generative pre-trained transformers (GPT).Emal Bariali joined Susan Moore and Scott Bennett for a fascinating conversation on the power of GPT and its implications for business analysis. The trio explored the opportunities, risks, and limitations associated with this awe-inspiring tool.
With the right experts and safeguards in place, AI can be used to boost productivity in ways yet to be imagined. Well worth a listen.
2. Top 9 Business Analysis Skills
Drawing from the 2022 Global State of Business Analysis Report, the hosts count down the top nine business analysis skills and answer listener questions in this popular episode.From creative thinking and leadership to facilitation and decision-making, these skills take time to master—but they’re not necessarily learned at the same rate. Depending on your own style and preference, you might lean into some more than others.
Knowing what you like doing is important, as is the drive to never stop expanding your skill set no matter how accomplished you are.
3. Business Analysis Job Interview Questions
The third-most popular episode of the year tackles a subject most of us are familiar with: job interview questions.With the help of Yulia Kosarenko, author of Business Analyst: A Profession and a Mindset, Susan and Scott examine typical questions that business analysis professionals might encounter and how to approach them.
Preparation is key, so don’t show up cold! Research the company and its expectations for the role. There are also plenty of resources online that go over behavioural questions and technical questions, as well as interview strategies.
Know your career successes and failures so that you can recall them easily when prompted. Also remember to remain positive and neutral when answering questions that may not be favourable to you. Humility goes a long way.
4. How to Run Effective Meetings
If you’re someone who feels that meetings are a waste of time, or that they’re not as effective as they could be, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.The duo goes guest-less this time to explore how to improve your meetings. This includes stating the objective from the outset, including a detailed agenda, inviting the right attendees, managing your time effectively, and sharing meeting documentation.
Meetings are fundamentally about making decisions, so always consider whether it’s even needed. Sometimes your objectives can be met by email or chat. Don’t waste the valuable time of your colleagues if there’s an effective alternative right under your nose.
For remote meetings, don’t forget the golden rule: cameras on! Non-verbal communication can often be stronger than verbal communication, and it’s the best way to build empathy, trust, and strong relationships.
More to Come
This was a landmark year for Business Analysis Live! as many business analysis professionals discovered it for the very first time.It was streamed in 91 different countries, showing the broad appeal of the topics Susan and Scott tackle every two weeks. A big thank you to all the special guests who contributed to its popularity by sharing their insights and experience.
Even with everything they’ve covered, there’s still a backlog of podcast topics the team can’t wait to discuss in the year ahead. As always, don’t hesitate to add a comment on their YouTube page about a topic you want them to explore. And don’t miss the upcoming best-of episode on January 3.
See you all in 2024—same time, same place!
Explore fresh and candid conversations on a wide array of business analysis topics with the Business Analysis Live! podcast.
About the Author
Robert McClements is the Communications and Media Relations Specialist at IIBA. With over six years of communications experience at non-governmental organizations, he contributes to IIBA’s marketing and communications efforts in support of the business analysis profession and community. Residing in his hometown of Montreal, Robert enjoys spending time with his family, listening to music, and reading.
