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 strategyHow “the business” masks customer impact, revenue decisions, and riskThe real role of a Business Analyst as a decision enabler—not a note takerPractical language shifts that instantly improve clarity and outcomesIf 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 nowIf 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 rebuildHow to analyse end-to-end processes properly (not the PowerPoint version)Why configuration choices are more dangerous than codeHow to avoid the traps that sink ERP projects globallyThe exact steps BAs must take to deliver a stable, future-proof ERP foundationThe BA mistakes that quietly destroy ERP financial integrityWhat “good” looks like in process design, data design, and readinessIf 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 SpotifyVisit 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 solvingProcesses reveal the inefficiencies and opportunitiesProjects deliver structured changeProducts 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 progressPractical examples of linking initiatives and OKRsCommon pitfalls and smart workaroundsThe role of the BA in bringing clarity, context, and alignmentIf 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.