Can cultural diversity supercharge your BA practice? Discover how language, empathy, and global perspectives unlock deeper stakeholder engagement.In this episode, I’m joined by Lungile Mnguni, a lead business analyst and business analysis community leader. September 24th, the date we recorded this episode, is Heritage Day in South Africa—a perfect moment to explore the rich intersection of culture and business analysis. Lungile and I explore how cultural diversity is a strategic advantage. From language and empathy to respect and inclusion, we discuss how these elements shape stakeholder engagement and team dynamics. This conversation is a celebration of what makes our global business analysis community so vibrant—and why cultural awareness is a must-have skill in your business analysis toolkit.Whether you're a seasoned BA or just starting out, this episode will inspire you to rethink how culture and connection drive performance, collaboration, and growth.🎙️Episode Highlights• Heritage Day and cultural celebration in South Africa• The role of language and respect in stakeholder engagement• Emotional intelligence and the spirit of Ubuntu• Continuous learning as a global BA skill• Volunteering and community building• Navigating titles vs. actual BA work• Tips for working with culturally diverse teams• Why joining professional communities matters🔗 Resources• Connect with Susan on LinkedIn• Connect with Lungile on LinkedInBusiness Analysis Live is hosted by Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager with the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). We talk with business analysis professionals about business analysis topics and answer questions from our live audience. If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to hit that Like button, subscribe to the channel, and share it with your friends. Your support helps us keep bringing you great content!The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis. As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.iiba.org/#BusinessAnalysis #CulturalDiversity #GlobalBACommunity

What do “Rethink, Reconnect, Revolutionize” mean for business analysis? Find out in this special episode of Business Analysis Live! 🎉Join host Susan Moore for this special episode of Business Analysis Live as we celebrate this year’s Festival of Business Analysis conference in Australia and New Zealand with inspiring conversations, fresh perspectives, and a look at what’s new for 2025.This episode dives into the “Three R’s” of business analysis—rethink, reconnect, and revolutionize. We meet the conference organizers, Luigi Bini, president of IIBA Australia and Abi Sachithanantham, Director of Branch Events & Marketing for IIBA Australia. Then we talk to four speakers to get a sample of the talks that are shaping the future of our profession. From antifragility to the “data dance,” to essential human skills in the age of AI, you’ll get a taste of what this year’s festival has to offer!2025 Festival of Business AnalysisThe online portion of the festival starts on Mon, Oct 13 and ends Fri, Oct 17.

The in-person portion begins on Mon, Oct 20 and ends Fri, Oct 24 and will take place across New Zealand and Australia, with events in multiple cities and a flagship closing day in Sydney featuring keynote speakers, panels, and global IIBA leaders.

Get your tickets, find the agenda and learn about the speakers at the Festival of Business Analysis.

🎙️Episode Highlights• Hear about this year’s Festival of Business Analysis organized by IIBA Australia• Rethink, reconnect, revolutionize our thinking about business analysis • Anti-fragility and thriving in disruption with Jan De Vries• Data governance and “mastering the data dance” with Dr. Joe Perez• Business analysts as leaders with Filip Hendrickx• Practical tools for BA planning with Kathy Berkidge

🔗 Resources· Connect with Susan on LinkedIn

· Find IIBA Australia on LinkedIn

· Connect with Jan on LinkedIn

· Connect with Dr. Perez on LinkedIn

· Connect with Filip on LinkedIn

· Connect with Kathy on LinkedIn

Business Analysis Live is hosted by Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager with the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). We talk with business analysis professionals about business analysis topics and answer questions from our live audience. If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to hit that Like button, subscribe to the channel, and share it with your friends. Your support helps us keep bringing you great content!The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis. As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.iiba.org/#BusinessAnalysis #FestivalOfBusinessAnalysis #Leadership

What is a Solutions Architect, and how do you become one? In this episode, Susan Moore sits down with Solutions Architect, Sachin Bhoria, who shares his journey from business analysis to solutions architecture. We dig into the technical and human skills needed for the work and the surprising role that curiosity and trust play in solving business problems.

If you’ve ever wondered how this role bridges strategy and technology—or if you’re considering it as your next career step—this conversation is full of insights you won’t want to miss.

🎙️Episode Highlights• What does a Solutions Architect do?• Your transferable skills from business analysis• The role of curiosity in solutions architecture work• Working with a tech stack (hello Microsoft!)• Building relationships and stakeholder trust• Spotting opportunities for process improvement• Certifications and career tips• Balancing business needs with technical solutions🔗 Resources• Connect with Susan on LinkedIn• Connect with Sachin on LinkedIn• Listen to episode #56 Launching Your Business Analysis Career with guest Sachin Bhoria• Listen to episode #81 What is a Functional Consultant? with guest AJ HawleyBusiness Analysis Live is hosted by Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager with the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). We talk with business analysis professionals about business analysis topics and answer questions from our live audience.

If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to hit that Like button, subscribe to the channel, and share it with your friends. Your support helps us keep bringing you great content!

The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis. As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.

Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.iiba.org/

#BusinessAnalysis #SolutionsArchitect #CareerGrowth