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.