Check out this Notebook LM AI-generated podcast and infographic on the evolution
of Business Analysis based on nine years of BA & Beyond speaking proposals. Next to a 15-minute
overview, we also share a lively debate: Are we and our profession moving forward and shaping our world,
or trying to hang on and stay relevant?
Which topics became less or more important throughout the 9 years?
How do or hope candidate speakers see the role and impact of BA evolving?
How do candidate speakers see BA tools, techniques, approaches, skills, and competencies evolve?
The conversation has moved from Big Data and analytics to Generative AI, LLMs, and AI agents. BAs are no
longer debating replacement by AI, but learning how to partner with it — as a thinking companion, quality
validator, and accelerator of insight.
From efficiency to responsibility
Operational optimisation has expanded into sustainability, ethics, and social impact. Topics now span Green
IT, circular economy thinking, regulatory compliance, and responsible AI — positioning BAs as ethical
stewards of decision-making.
From soft skills to human resilience
Communication skills have deepened into neuroscience, mental health, burnout prevention, and psychological
safety. The BA toolkit increasingly includes brain-based communication, resilience, and practical wisdom in
ambiguity.
From requirements to leadership
The BA has evolved from documenter to strategic leader, trusted advisor, and change catalyst — shaping
coherence across business, technology, and risk rather than operating in delivery silos.
From projects to products
There's a clear shift toward product thinking, discovery, outcomes, and value realisation. BAs now help
answer not just what to build, but whether it should exist at all.
From delivery to adoption
Success is measured less by outputs and more by adoption, meaning, and human-centric change — with empathy
becoming a core delivery capability.
From documents to shared understanding
Techniques have moved toward visual, collaborative, and psychologically informed practices: live modelling,
visual storytelling, behavioural science, and improv — all aimed at better sense-making.
From manual work to AI-augmented practice
Daily BA work is increasingly AI-enabled: custom GPTs, automated modelling, stress-testing requirements,
and faster knowledge transfer.
The BA profession has matured from doing the work to shaping how work happens — technically, ethically,
and humanly. Curious to see what the next 9 years bring.
