Best AssistKD Podcasts (2025)

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Trilogy Pete: The Digital Solutions Series 19:52

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6d ago19:52

19:52

AssistKD’s Product Strategy Director Pete Thompson is the author of the new BCS Digital Solutions series. In this BA Brew Pete, explains how he saw the need for an up to date, comprehensive body of knowledge for business and IT professionals, and talks about the process of writing the three books – Defining Digital Solutions, Designing Digital Solu…

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Business Service Architecture (feat. Debra Paul and Jonathan Hunsley) 24:37

21d ago24:37

24:37

hat is Business Service Architecture, and why is it important to business change professionals? In this BA Brew, Debra Paul and Jonathan Hunsley, authors of Business Architecture: A Comprehensive Guide, answer these question, and more. All too often, services and products just don’t work, resulting in poor outcomes for customers and other stakehold…

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The 100th BA Brew (feat. Fabricio Laguna) 40:50

4M ago40:50

40:50

For the 100th Brew we decided to do something completely different. Fabricio Laguna joins the Crew for an in real time SWOT analysis of the BA profession – captured heroically by Jonathan on Mural – and available to download as a PDF here. Watch out for when everyone shares the one thing they would do to take the profession forward… (did anyone say…

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The Effective CEO (feat. Byron Morrison) 33:43

4M ago33:43

33:43

Everyone who watches this leadership focused BA Brew with Byron Morrison can think of someone they’d like to share it with. It’s packed with nuggets of wisdom from the author of ‘The Effective CEO 2.0’, including… At 2’ 41 – how to deal with overwhelm At 7’ 19 – moving from ‘doing’ to ‘leading’ At 14’ 01 – are you setting your team up for success… …

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The BASF vs A Tailored Approach (feat. Danny Kalkhoven) 31:44

4M ago31:44

31:44

BA Brew guest Danny Kalkhoven warns against sticking too strictly to business models (such as the BA Service Framework) and recommends adapting them to context. Jonathan is impressed by Danny’s inspired analogy – applying a business model without context is like turning up at a building site with a shiny new drill and asking where you can use it. D…

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Adopting AI: A Business Analyst's Journey 30:24

5M ago30:24

30:24

What AI tools do you use as a BA? Business change consultant Mick Brian is an early adopter and expert on the subject. In this thought-provoking BA Brew, he discusses the challenges and rewards of introducing an LLM (Large Language Model) into a large organisation. Topics covered include: why the input of BAs is essential when introducing AI tools;…

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Mischief Management (Feat. Karen Newnham) 29:44

5M ago29:44

29:44

Have you ever wrestled with a box of tangled cables and leads… or tried to get the knot out of the chain of a necklace? Some business change problems can be as challenging. Change expert and BA leader Karen Newnham joins the crew to discuss engaging with stakeholders to tackle complex, persistent problems (otherwise known as ‘Mischief Management’.)…

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Cybersecurity and Business Analysis (Feat. Bindu Channaveerappa) 29:38

6M ago29:38

29:38

What’s all the fuss about cybersecurity? And why do business analysts need to understand it? Cybersecurity and business analysis expert Bindu Channaveerappa is the special guest on this week’s BA Brew, where she argues that an understanding of cybersecurity is now integral to the work of the BA. “When we create the value, why leave the security to …

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Business Architecture – A Comprehensive Guide 23:43

6M ago23:43

23:43

This BA Brew focuses on the newly published ‘Business Architecture: a comprehensive guide.’ Authors Jonathan Hunsley and Debra Paul and contributing author Victoria Banner discuss the ‘why’ of the book; the joy of collaborating and sharing ideas; and some of their favourite content including: - leveraging capability to meet goals and outcomes using…

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The Games People Play (Feat. Mandy Green) 34:09

7M ago34:09

34:09

Difficult stakeholders or colleagues? Help is at hand! How we (and others) react in response to challenging situations at work – especially where there is resistance to change – is explained by the Transactional Analysis model. This week’s special guest, and an expert on #transactionalanalysis, is Leadership Development Consultant and MD Mandy Gree…

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Customer Experience Analysis 21:38

7M ago21:38

21:38

In AssistKD’s latest Business Analysis podcast the team discuss why every touchpoint of the customer journey matters... and how a deeper understanding of the customer experience can only benefit organisations and the wider economy. Kerry, Mike and Jonathan get some serious mileage out of a restaurant analogy and Mike gets extra brownie points for m…

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Can an MBA help your BA career? (feat. Christina Tan) 32:17

8M ago32:17

32:17

Are you a Business Analyst considering your next career move? Our latest BA Brew considers an academic route for BAs and how a Master of Business Administration (MBA) postgraduate degree could revitalise your career. AssistKD’s Debbie Paul and Lisa Hudson are joined by IIBA UK Director and Transformation Consultant at Burendo Christina Tan to talk …

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Seasons Greetings from the BA Brew Crew 7:49

8M ago7:49

7:49

In AssistKD’s 2024 BA Brew Christmas message the Crew discuss what they are most looking forward to about Christmas and share some very cheesy jokes. Lisa and Kerry are excited about Christmas Day; Mike (or is it Santa?) is going to parkrun, Pete does not need any more socks, and Jo is looking forward to playing Cards Against Humanity with her 90-y…

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The BA Market (feat. Michelle Shakesheff & Jamie Toyne) 24:15

9M ago24:15

24:15

Do we need a rebrand of the business analyst role? Experts in the field Debra Paul, Jamie Toyne and Michelle Shakesheff put their heads together to discuss the current BA market, and the ongoing implications for BAs. Topic discussed include: the current demand for BAs; recruitment challenges; the need for a broad BA skillset; rebranding the BA role…

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The Double Diamond (feat. Liza Laya) 27:37

10M ago27:37

27:37

The Double Diamond approach is a popular (and fun) design thinking technique designed to help you generate ideas; problem solve; challenge and even reverse assumptions. Our latest BA Brew with Jonathan Hunsley, Lisa Hudson and special guest Liza Laya introduces the framework – discussing its uses, benefits and some real-world applications. Liza Lay…

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Character Crafting (feat. Helen Holder) 23:36

10M ago23:36

23:36

Have you heard of Character Crafting and how it can be used to build resilience and leadership skills? In this enlightening chat our special guest, Helen Holder, discusses the positive character traits and behaviours central to the BA role… and how we can develop and maintain them. Topics discussed include: the Personal Strength inventory; characte…

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BA Apprentice of the Year (feat. Lorna Mylett) 22:24

10M ago22:24

22:24

Do you love a success story? BA Apprentice of the Year 2024 Lorna Mylett is this week’s special BA Brew guest. She shares her experience of the Business Analyst Apprenticeship supported by her employers DWP, and AssistKD. Topics discussed include: learning and applying new skills and understanding; the value of learning as part of a group and havin…

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Creative Thinking 28:47

11M ago28:47

28:47

Tricky business problem? Get those (creative) thinking caps on! In this week’s BA Brew the Crew discuss how creative thinking can help business change professionals challenge the status quo, think expansively and come up with effective solutions. Questions addressed include: What is creative thinking? How can you create an environment for creative …

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Psychological Safety (feat. Emma Lee) 35:40

11M ago35:40

35:40

If you have ever wanted to know more about psychological safety this brew is a one not to be missed. Jonathan Hunsley and Philippa Thomas are joined by Emma Lee (Chief Psychologist at Matthew Syed Consulting and registered psychologist) to discuss this important topic. Collectively they explore questions such as: ▶️What is psychological safety? ▶️W…

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History of the BA Conference (feat. Shane McGlynn, Rachael Levermore and James Archer) 30:52

12M ago30:52

30:52

In this special BA Conference Europe BA Brew, AssistKD CEO Debra Paul is joined by three BA Conference legends: Shane McGlynn, Rachel Levermore, and James Archer (who started the ball rolling in the first place!) The BA Conference Europe is Europe’s foremost Business Analysis conference, which has evolved over the past 16 years to over 500 attendee…

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Learning Styles (feat. Cat Warren) 28:23

1y ago28:23

28:23

Are you an Activist, a Theorist, a Pragmatist or a Reflector? Our latest BA Brew could help you find out and get the most from your learning. The Brew Crew are joined by former Apprentice and now BA at the Environment Agency Cat Warren to talk about some of the different learning models (Kolb, Bloom and Honey and Mumford). They look at how the diff…

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BAQT with Jo Frances and Jonathan Hunsley 27:09

1y ago27:09

27:09

This BA Brew is AssistKD’s second BA Question Time. Many of the questions focus on role clarity, a hot topic for BAs. Mike Williams is host, with expert panellists Jo Frances and Jonathan Hunsley providing the answers and insights. This week’s questions are: ❓What is the difference between a Business Analyst and a Business Architect? ❓What is the d…

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The Benefits, Risks and Opportunities of AI in Business Analysis (Feat. Donald Farmer) 28:50

1y ago28:50

28:50

If you’re concerned about the impact of Artificial Intelligence on your business or your job, this BA Brew is a must-watch. Debra Paul and Pete Thompson discuss the benefits, risks and opportunities with Donald Farmer – one of the foremost thinkers, researchers and presenters in the field. Topics discussed include: automating processes; cost saving…

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Bravery in Business Analysis (Feat. Kay Hardy & Charlie Payne) 37:07

1+ y ago37:07

37:07

This BA Brew is all about bravery, asking what bravery is and how we can develop it. Charlie Payne and Kay Hardy join the Brew Crew to try to answer these questions and more. The discussion includes: how elements of police training can also apply to business analysis; a great skiing analogy; building resilience; psychological safety; power poses; a…

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Agile Business Analysis (2nd Edition) 25:58

1+ y ago25:58

25:58

If you are interested in Agile, you won’t want to miss this. This BA Brew is all about the second edition of ‘Agile Business Analysis: Practical guidance for IT professionals’ by Lynda Girvan and Debra Paul. Watch as the authors discuss what readers can expect from the revised and updated edition, including: ⭐ the latest Agile developments ⭐ new te…

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BAQT - The Brew Crew answer your Questions! 33:02

1+ y ago33:02

33:02

In this special edition of our BA Brew, it’s BA Question Time! Mike Williams presides as AssistKD’s Fiona Bruce with Debra Paul and Jonathan Hunsley as the panellists. This week’s questions are: ❓Should BAs understand commerce/business? ❓How can a BA team of 20 balance sharing knowledge and experience as a team with time on their own projects? ❓How…

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How to start your BA career (feat. Timothy Clark & Michelle Shakesheff) 24:47

1+ y ago24:47

24:47

In our latest brew Jonathan Hunsley and Nicole Alderton are joined by Michelle Shakesheff and Tim Clark of Close Bros to share their thoughts on getting started in a BA career. They share insights on the different modes of learning available to build the professional toolkit, the importance of mentoring and stepping out of your comfort zone to take…

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The Human Element (Feat. Helen Holder) 22:34

1+ y ago22:34

22:34

The pandemic and new technology have changed the way we work, but how are we responding as humans? Special guest Helen Holder considers the human element of our professional lives in this fascinating BA Brew. Topics include: how we respond to our work, interact with stakeholders and deal with change; the personal attributes of BAs, business archite…

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Business Analysis and AI (Feat. John Wisner) 33:19

1+ y ago33:19

33:19

Artificial Intelligence: a powerful ally with mind-blowing potential… or a threat to our jobs? @John Wisner joins the BA Brew crew for a lively discussion on where we are right now, and the possibilities and challenges ahead. Topics include: AI and automation; brainstorming with AI; machine learning and data analytics; asking AI the right questions…

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Black-Belt Business Analysis (Feat. Daniel Squire) 30:09

1+ y ago30:09

30:09

Daniel Squire and Jonathan Hunsley are passionate about business analysis… and martial arts (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Taekwondo respectively). In this fascinating BA Brew, they discuss some of the misconceptions about martial arts and the many parallels between the disciplines. Topics include: situational awareness; control, discipline and practice;…

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The Benefits of the In-House Consultant (feat. Liz Calder) 30:17

1+ y ago30:17

30:17

In... or out? This BA Brew looks at the differences and common ground between the in-house and the external BA consultant roles. Our special guest is Liz Calder, highly experienced BA and IIBA UK Chapter President. Topics covered include: different agreements and expectations; skills sets; organisational culture and implicit rules; organisational k…

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The Institutionalised BA (Feat. Chris Pyatt) 22:17

1+ y ago22:17

22:17

When business analysts work at one organisation for a long time, they can lose sight of their value and transferable skills. They may even find it difficult to move on. This BA Brew In this BA Brew Chris Pyatt talks about how BAs can regain their professional confidence. Topics covered include: the ‘comfort zone’ of subject matter and organisationa…

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Neurodiversity: The BA Survival Guide 31:56

1+ y ago31:56

31:56

Neurodiversity is a word we hear, but how much do we really understand it and recognise neurodivergence in ourselves and others? Only by better understanding can we support and champion people with neurodiversity and appreciate what they can offer the BA community. In this awareness-raising BA Brew, guests Nicola Pinkney and Paul Haywood share some…

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BA Brew Christmas Message 2023 11:06

1+ y ago11:06

11:06

In AssistKD’s 2023 BA Brew Christmas message, the Crew compare their favourite Christmas songs and share their highlights of the year.

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The Strategy and Architecture Rant (Feat. Vicky Rothwell) 32:17

2y ago32:17

32:17

Editor Tom found this BA Brew ‘mind-blowing’ and we think you will too. If you have ever felt ‘put in your box’ as a BA, you need to hear what Enterprise Architect and Strategy Delivery Consultant Vicky Rothwell has to say. Vicky challenges business analysts to push for a strategic role, to be bold with our BA toolkits and to build our understandin…

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Self Assessment and Development Tools (Feat. Corrine Thomas) 23:05

2y ago23:05

23:05

Self-assessment and development tools provide useful insights which can benefit individuals, teams and organisations. This BA Brew features special guest Corrine Thomas (business analysis leader, coach, mentor, writer and author) and looks at some of the tools including MBTI Myers Briggs, StrengthsFinder, Engage, Strengths Profile, the Strengths De…

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Stepping Beyond the BA Toolbox (Feat. Pip Hall) 31:26

2y ago31:26

31:26

Newly crowned IRM UK Business Analyst of the Year winner Pip Hall joins the Brew Crew this week. Pip talks about her BA journey and those key life skills to be found beyond the standard BA toolbox. The inspiring and heartwarming chat covers what we can learn from our hobbies, interests and relationships; the importance of empathy and why Pip thinks…

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Concise and Coherent Communication (Feat. Miruna Ursache) 23:18

2y ago23:18

23:18

In this fascinating BA Brew, business consultant and communications specialist Miruna Ursache talks about the different ways we communicate, and the power of understanding where our personal communication styles, habits and patterns come from. Miruna is the founder of training and coaching company Refraiz, and has led fun, interactive communication…

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The Secret Life of Presenters: Practical Presentation Tips 19:02

2y ago19:02

19:02

Between them, our Brew Crew have decades of presentation-giving experience. In this eye-opening chat they share some useful and practical advice… and a few embarrassing stories. From testing the tech to the best throat pastilles, discover some handy hacks and hints to make sure your presentations go without a hitch. Find out about AssistKD’s Presen…

1
Brainy Glue: A Novel Approach to Business Analysis (feat. Ian Richards & Filip Hendrickx) 20:45

2y ago20:45

20:45

It took Ian Richards and Filip Hendrickx five days and an entire wall of Post-It notes to create the storyline for the business novel Brainy Glue. It then took them three years to write it, around their many commitments. In this BA Brew, Filip and Ian talk about the main themes explored in the novel – business analysis, innovation and change… and h…

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How to Become a Business Analysis Professional (Feat. Victoria Banner and Joe Newbert) 34:15

2y ago34:15

34:15

How do you become a BA professional? In today’s BA Brew, the crew talk about their respective journeys and business analysts can gain certifications, increase their skills and raise the standard of their business analysis work. Topics covered include: Training and development in business analysis; the pros and cons of the multiple-choice question a…

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The AI Brew (Hosted by ChatGPT) 40:02

2y ago40:02

40:02

🤖💼 The Future of Work: AI & Human Collaboration 🤝 This week's BA Brew is taking a futuristic turn, as we host an exclusive session led by a ChatGPT Avatar! Yes, you heard that right—a digital entity ready to explore, engage, and enlighten us on the potential and pitfalls of AI in the workplace. Join us to dive into topics like: How AI is reshaping …

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Advice That Got Us Through Life (Feat. Julie Walker) 19:00

2y ago19:00

19:00

You know you’ve had great advice when you remember it and feel inspired by it throughout your life. This week the Brew Crew and special guest Julie Walker share some valuable gems of wisdom – including how to eat an elephant (one bite at a time). Julie Walker is the author of the historical novel ‘Bonny & Read’, about the lives of the famous women …

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50 Mighty Words to Grow your Business (Feat. Felicity Cowie) 36:13

2y ago36:13

36:13

Communications failure is behind most business disasters, where people are afraid to admit they don’t fully understand what they are supposed to be doing, and why. Luckily, our latest BA Brew guest is on the case. In this fascinating discussion, Felicity Cowie –communications consultant, multi-award winning investigative news journalist and former …

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Imposter Syndrome: Are you an imposter in BA clothing? (Feat. Jo Fahy) 23:52

2y ago23:52

23:52

This week our intrepid crew are joined by Jo Fahy to talk about Imposter Syndrome, something 80% of us admit to having experienced. The discussion includes what Imposter Syndrome is; the many ways it can manifest itself; personal experiences; gender and age factors; why a little self-doubt is useful but a lot is prohibitive; the power of being auth…

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Be More Pirate Feat. Alex Barker and Julie Walker 28:08

2y ago28:08

28:08

This week we welcome two very special guests aboard the good ship BA Brew. 🏴‍☠️Novelist Julie Walker shares the incredible story of notorious female pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read while facilitator, speaker and author Alex Barker encourages us to learn from the Be More Pirate’s pirate code (see below). Are you brave enough to find your inner pira…

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Customer-centric Change (Feat. Sushma Sundaran) 23:14

2+ y ago23:14

23:14

This week the Brew Crew discuss why the customer should be at the centre of any change initiative. Their special guest is Sushma Sundaran, a Senior Technology Delivery Manager at the Home Office, with extensive experience of customer-centric change. Topics covered include: listening to, understanding and meeting diverse customer needs; customer jou…

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RE Practices (Feat. Karl Wiegers and Candase Hokanson) 28:02

2+ y ago28:02

28:02

Karl Wiegers and Candase Hokanson join the Crew this week to chat about requirements practices. Answering the need for a shorter book on requirements, their new book ‘Software Requirements Essentials’ focuses on the 20 core practices essential for software and systems projects. Topics covered in the Brew include: the requirements engineering framew…

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The BA Story (Feat. Lee Fewkes) 23:50

2+ y ago23:50

23:50

Are you a business analyst with a story to tell? In this BA Brew, Lee Fewkes tells the Crew why he created The BA Story, where business analysts can share their BA stories and insights. Topics covered include: The power and connection of the personal story; how no two business analysts are the same; how it feels to reflect on your career challenges…

1
Whose Persona is it Anyway? 23:45

2+ y ago23:45

23:45

How can you make your customers or end users feel real, empathise with them and better understand what they really want and need? In this Brew Kerry, Mike and Pete discuss the power of Personas, and how BAs can create and use them effectively. The chat covers: what are Personas; avoiding stereotypes; customer research; using photos and names; how P…