Hosted by Deirdre Caren on Agora Insights’ Blueprints for Success – Business Analysis
Introduction
I recently had an engaging conversation with Jamie Champagne, a passionate and seasoned business analyst, speaker, and technical expert. Jamie shared her journey, experiences, and the insights that have shaped her career. Her excitement for the field and the role BAs fulfill was infectious.
We explored a variety of topics including the evolution of business analysis, critical skills for future business analysts and the impact of applying BA skills to our personal lives. These key areas are helpful to business analysts and growing professionals.
Let’s get started…
Jamie's Background
Jamie's journey into this field began in software development and technical training. Her natural curiosity and knack for asking "why" led her to a role as a technical business analyst, where she discovered her passion for connecting technology solutions with business needs.
Her company, Champagne Collaborations, allowed her to partner with growing organizations and entrepreneurs. Her strong background in business analysis, project management, process improvement and knowledge management has allowed her to work across industries with organizations around the world.
Today, Jamie is a respected speaker, trainer, and consultant in this field. When she's not collaborating with her business partners, Jamie can be found on a surfboard enjoying time with friends and family on Hawaiian waters!
Key Topics:
1. The Evolution of Business Analysis
We both agreed that business analysis has come a long way from its roots in IT and software development. The role has expanded to become crucial across various industries, organizations, and departmental levels. Jamie explained that business analysts were not just requirement gatherers but strategic thinkers who helped organizations navigate complex changes. These included playing a pivotal role in digital transformation projects. By acting as an objective and unbiased party, Jamie stated that BAs facilitated smooth transitions from paper-based systems to digital platforms.
Jamie noted that while some organizations were just beginning to recognize the value of dedicated BA roles, others were integrating their skills into various positions. She predicted a continued specialization in the field, with roles like cybersecurity analysts, data analysts, and enterprise analysts becoming more prominent. At the same time, there’s a growing need for business analysts who can work at a strategic level, helping to shape organizational direction and decision-making.
2. Critical Skills for Future Business Analysts
Jamie emphasized several key competencies which will be needed in our rapidly evolving business environment. I believe that many of these will be helpful to our BA community.
Adaptability and quick learning - the ability to grasp new concepts, technologies, and business domains is crucial. Agility - being comfortable with change and being able to pivot quickly is essential in today's business world. Productivity and fast delivery - with the increasing pace of change, analysts need to be able to produce results quickly and efficiently.
Collaboration - the ability to work effectively with diverse teams, both locally and globally, is becoming increasingly important. Strategic thinking involves understanding how individual projects and changes fit into the broader organizational strategy and this mindset is vital.
Jamie also stressed the importance of continuous learning and unlearning. As technology and business practices evolve, analysts must be willing to let go of outdated knowledge and embrace new approaches. Hybrid facilitation may be one of these for many business analysts.
"I am a certification junkie."
- Jamie Champagne
3. Applying Business Analysis Skills to Personal Growth
One of Jamie's most passionate insights is the value of applying business analysis skills to personal life and career development. She suggests that business analysts often fail to use their professional tools and techniques for their own benefit.
She recommends creating a personal business case when considering career moves or major life decisions; using stakeholder analysis techniques before attending networking events to maximize value; applying prioritization methods to personal goals and activities; developing a personal "enterprise architecture" to understand how different aspects of life and career fit together.
By treating personal development with the same rigor as professional projects, Jamie believes business analysts can achieve greater success and satisfaction in both their careers and personal lives.
10 Learning Points:
- Explore unexpected career paths in business analysis.
- Engage with professional communities for support and networking.
- Pursue certifications to deepen knowledge and advance your career.
- Stay updated on industry trends and role specializations through continuous learning.
- Develop effective hybrid facilitation skills for today's work environment.
- Unlearn outdated methods and embrace new approaches.
- Constantly ask "why" to drive better business outcomes.
- Focus on delivering business value, not just completing tasks.
- Adapt quickly to changes in the dynamic field of business analysis.
- Apply business analysis skills across various industries and roles.
Closing:
Jamie Champagne's insights remind us that business analysis is not just a job, but a mindset that can be applied to various aspects of life. In the context of the evolving nature of this profession, change and personal competencies, Jamie’s emphasis on continuous learning, adaptability, and self-reflection serve as an inspiration for professionals at all stages of their careers.
"Getting my CPBA introduced me to the community."
- Jamie Champagne
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Contact Deirdre Caren on LinkedIn
About Jamie
Jamie is beyond her "passionate BA" title and truly embodies business analysis and adding value to those around her every day. An accomplished speaker, author, and trainer, she enjoys sharing with others ways to improve their analysis skill sets, unique ways to look at the world, and how to be more productive with measurable results. She is an accomplished author with her book Seven Steps to Mastering Business Analysis, 2nd edition, and published courses on LinkedIn and Pluralsight.
Post sponsored by Agora Insights Ltd
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