The Better Business Analyst Podcast

But “the business” isn’t a person. It doesn’t make decisions. And it certainly doesn’t own the consequences. In this episode, Benjamen breaks down why abstract language like “the business needs” quietly destroys accountability, hides real trade-offs, and leads to bloated, expensive solutions. You’ll learn: Why vague language is a red flag in analysis and strategy How “the business” masks customer impact, revenue decisions, and risk The real role of a Business Analyst as a decision enabler—not a note taker Practical language shifts that instantly improve clarity and outcomes If you’re tired of unclear requirements, endless compromise, and projects that drift, this episode will change how you listen in meetings—and how you respond. Because great analysis doesn’t start with what the business wants. It starts with customers, revenue, and risk.

Traditional business cases are slowing organisations down — and most of them were never telling the truth anyway. They’re political documents dressed up as analysis, full of predictions nobody can validate and assumptions nobody ever checks. In this episode, I break down why business cases have become relics, what modern companies are using instead, and how you can shift your organisation toward faster, clearer, evidence-driven decision making. We cover: • The five fatal flaws of traditional business cases • Why companies like Amazon, Atlassian, and Spotify use lightweight decision tools • What an Opportunity Canvas is and how it replaces months of “business casing” • Real stories of failures caused by business cases… and wins created by canvases • Practical steps BAs and leaders can take right now If your organisation is still writing 30-page business cases, this episode will give you the tools — and the confidence — to push for a better way.

Custom ERP implementations aren’t “just another project.” They’re an organisational reconstruction. They expose every broken process, every data issue, every shortcut, and every assumption the business has been getting away with for years. In this episode, I break down the real approach Business Analysts need to take when stepping into a custom ERP implementation — the most complex and high-stakes work you’ll ever do as a BA. You’ll learn: Why ERP isn’t a system upgrade — it’s an operating-model rebuild How to analyse end-to-end processes properly (not the PowerPoint version) Why configuration choices are more dangerous than code How to avoid the traps that sink ERP projects globally The exact steps BAs must take to deliver a stable, future-proof ERP foundation The BA mistakes that quietly destroy ERP financial integrity What “good” looks like in process design, data design, and readiness If you want to sharpen your skills, avoid ERP nightmares, and confidently lead in the most challenging BA environment — this episode is a must-listen. — Follow the Better Business Analyst Podcast on Spotify Visit bbai.institute for tools, training, and courses

Salesforce can transform a business — or turn into another expensive tool nobody actually uses. The difference almost always comes down to how the Business Analyst approaches the implementation. In this episode, I break down the practical, no-nonsense approach BAs should take when dropped into a Salesforce project: understanding the real business problem, mapping processes properly, setting clear scope, writing usable user stories, sorting out data, managing configuration vs customisation, and driving adoption through testing and change management. If you’re a BA, product owner, or IT leader working with Salesforce (or about to), this episode gives you the blueprint to keep the project grounded in business value — not shiny objects.

In this episode, Benjamen Walsh breaks down how advanced connectivity — from 5G and 6G networks to IoT and edge computing — is reshaping the world of business analysis. Discover where the biggest opportunities lie for BAs and strategic leaders: in connected data, process optimisation, and the new skills that will define digital transformation in the decade ahead.

We all say we’re doing human-centred design — but what happens when the “human” turns out to be our internal process, not our actual customer? In this episode, Benjamen Walsh dives into how real innovation starts with the customer’s job to be done — not our internal agenda. Learn how to spot fake HCD, how to reframe discovery around customer value, and why true innovation lies in understanding why people do what they do, not just how we think they should.

In this episode of The Better Business Analyst Podcast, Benjamen Walsh revisits one of his most powerful models — The 4P+ Framework: People, Processes, Projects and Products. You might have heard of it before, but this time we’re going deeper. Discover how the best business analysts connect these four dimensions to move from task taker to value creator — shaping outcomes, not just outputs. Benjamen unpacks each “P” with real-world examples, practical talking points, and mindset shifts you can apply immediately. Whether you’re working on digital transformation, agile delivery, or strategic analysis, this episode will help you see your work — and your impact — in a whole new way. 🎯 Learn how: People define the problems worth solving Processes reveal the inefficiencies and opportunities Projects deliver structured change Products create lasting business value …and how they all loop back in the 4P+ cycle of continuous improvement. Tune in and elevate your BA thinking today.

Every great strategy needs someone to turn it into action — and that’s where Business Analysts shine. In this episode, Benjamen Walsh explores how BAs can bridge the gap between strategic intent and delivery execution. Learn the deliverables, tools, and thinking frameworks that make you the “missing middle” every organisation needs. Listen now on The Better Business Analyst Podcast.

Ever felt like your Jira projects are running on autopilot with no clear link back to business outcomes? You’re not alone. In this episode, Benjamen breaks down Jira’s new Goals feature — what it is, how it works, and why it finally gives Business Analysts, Product Owners, and Delivery Teams a way to connect work to strategy. We’ll explore: How Jira Goals change the way we track progress Practical examples of linking initiatives and OKRs Common pitfalls and smart workarounds The role of the BA in bringing clarity, context, and alignment If you’ve ever been asked “how does this project tie back to our business goals?” — this episode is for you. 🎙️ The Better Business Analyst Podcast — practical insights for real-world BAs, every week.

In this episode of the Better Business Analyst Podcast, Benjamen Walsh shares 10 things every BA should know about Git, GitHub, and Continuous Delivery/Integration. From version control for requirements to collaborating via pull requests, and even how GitHub can be your go-to place for the latest AI models and open-source tools — this episode breaks down the essentials every modern BA needs. Perfect if you’re working in agile teams, or just want to boost your technical confidence.

The leap from delivery to strategy is the real career game-changer for Business Analysts. In this episode, Benjamen Walsh's shares his Top 10 ways to become a Strategic BA — from mastering financial acumen and building senior stakeholder trust, to telling stories with data and using enterprise analysis techniques. We’ll explore real case studies from Netflix, Toyota, Spotify, Amazon, Tesla and more — showing you exactly how BAs move from documenting requirements… to shaping direction.

In this episode, Benjamen breaks down the Top 10 ways AI, and especially Microsoft Copilot, is already transforming the BA role. From requirements elicitation and process modelling to risk management and benefits tracking, we’ll look at how secure, enterprise AI tools can become your daily co-pilot. This is about the AIBA — the AI Business Analyst. The next step in our evolution as BAs.

Job hunting can feel like a full-time job — one day you’re full of hope, the next you’re wondering if anyone even saw your CV. In this episode of The Better Business Analyst Podcast, Benjamen Walsh shares his Top 10 job-seeking strategies tailored for Business Analysts, IT professionals, and strategic leaders. From crafting personalised cover letters to staying visible on LinkedIn, and from working with recruiters to managing your own energy, these are the proven approaches that will help you stand out and stay resilient during your search. Tune in for practical tips, real examples, and encouragement for your journey to the next role. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify.

From waterfall to agile — and now to continuous discovery. In this episode of the Better Business Analyst Podcast, we explore the next big shift in how Business Analysts create value. Continuous discovery means staying connected to users, stakeholders, and data throughout the delivery cycle — not just at the start. You’ll learn: Why traditional discovery isn’t enough anymore Practical steps to embed continuous discovery in your BA work Real-world examples of how discovery-as-a-habit prevents wasted effort and increases business value This isn’t about doing more work — it’s about doing smarter work. 🎙️ Better conversations. Better decisions. Better Business Analysis.

The BA as Storyteller: 10 Ways Narrative Shapes Better Outcomes Business Analysts aren’t just requirement gatherers — we’re storytellers. In this episode of the Better Business Analyst Podcast, Benjamen Walsh explores how narrative can transform workshops, requirements, benefits, business cases, and even your career. You’ll hear 10 powerful ways to use storytelling in BA work, complete with real-world examples from energy, government, and education projects — where the right story, metaphor, or user journey shifted outcomes. 💡 Key lesson: Data and documents may inform, but stories inspire action. If you want to become a BA who influences, not just documents, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Better Business Analyst Podcast, Benjamen Walsh unpacks the Jobs To Be Done (JTBD) framework—a powerful way to understand what customers and stakeholders really need. Forget features—this is about outcomes. Tune in for 10 practical lessons and tips on applying JTBD to requirements, strategy, and solution design. With real-world examples like FitNation, Uber Eats, and everyday BA scenarios, this episode gives you the toolkit to shift from “what do you want?” to “what job are we solving?”

Managing a product in an enterprise isn’t like working in a start-up. It’s bigger, slower, more political – and far more complex. But when you get it right, you can influence strategy, steer multi-million-dollar roadmaps, and create products that impact thousands, even millions, of users. In this episode of The Better Business Analyst Podcast, Benjamen Walsh shares ten essential truths about enterprise product management – each with a practical tip, a real-world example, and key talking points you can use immediately. You’ll learn: Why enterprise products are ecosystems, not just features How to manage a crowd of stakeholders with competing priorities The role of data in winning roadmap decisions Why compliance, change management, and continuous improvement are non-negotiable How to be both the visionary and the translator for your product Whether you’re a product manager, business analyst, or leader responsible for delivery at scale – these insights will help you survive and thrive in the enterprise world. 🎧 Listen now and get the survival strategies you need for your next big product challenge.

Every new BA makes mistakes — but the best ones learn fast. In this episode, Benjamen Walsh shares the 10 most common missteps new business analysts make, along with practical fixes, tools, and real examples to help you get it right. From jumping into solutions too soon to being afraid to ask “dumb” questions, this is your shortcut to becoming the BA your team needs — faster. 🎧 Subscribe, share, and tune in weekly for more practical insight from The Better Business Analyst Podcast.

Shadow IT: The Secret Weapon – Top 10 Ways Business Analysts Can Use It For Good Think Shadow IT is just a security risk? Think again. In this week’s episode of The Better Business Analyst, I’m breaking down the Top 10 ways Shadow IT can actually help you become a better BA and drive smarter business change. We’ll cover: Spotting Shadow IT – What it is and where to find it Understanding Why It Happens – The hidden gaps it exposes Balancing Risk and Reward – The real dangers (and hidden upsides) Innovation in Disguise – How unofficial tools spark new ideas Pain Point Radar – Why Shadow IT is your best early warning system Mapping the Underground – Surfacing and tracking shadow tools safely Building Trust – Turning “gotchas” into open conversations From Hack to Prototype – Turning grassroots solutions into real value Triaging What to Keep, Kill, or Scale – Practical decision-making tips Citizen Development – The rise of low-code and how BAs can lead the way Tune in for stories, practical examples, and the honest, no-fluff take on how to turn those rogue spreadsheets and apps into your secret weapon for business improvement. Ready to see Shadow IT in a whole new light? Listen now.

What’s it really like working as a Business Analyst in local government? In this episode of The Better Business Analyst Podcast, I’m drawing from real-world council experience to unpack 10 truths every BA should know before stepping into this space. Whether you're mapping legacy processes, digitising citizen services, or navigating political oversight—this sector demands clarity, patience, and sharp analysis. We’ll cover: Governance and red tape Burnt-out staff and underfunded tech Why “community impact” is your real KPI And most importantly—how to deliver meaningful, lasting value to the people who rely on these services every day. 🎧 Hit play and let’s demystify local government—one BA insight at a time.