I recently connected with Fabricio Laguna, aka The Brazilian BA. Fabricio is a passionate and pioneering business analyst from Brazil. During our conversation, we had a thought-provoking discussion on how artificial intelligence stands to shape the field of business analysis in the years ahead. While AI promises to transform many aspects of business, Fabricio sees emerging technologies as elevating, not eliminating, the crucial human role of the business analyst. 

Background

Armed with his bachelor's in computer science in the 1990s, Fabricio moved on to his MBA in Business Administration and has kept on building his portfolio into the Business Analysis space. He now has over 25 years' experience as a business consultant, instructor, and as an international speaker. It's easy to see that Fabricio is passionate about spreading the best practices and principles of business analysis to a global audience. He is currently a Senior Advisor to the President and CEO at IIBA®, the leading association for business analysis professionals where he reviews, advises and creates high quality business analysis content. He led the official translation of the BABOK® Guides v2 and v3 into Portuguese.

Fabricio is the founder and partner of Gigante Consultoria, a consulting and training firm that specializes in business analysis, project management and systems analysis.  He is also a YouTuber AKA The Brazilian BA - and an online teacher, who produces engaging and informative videos, articles, classes and lectures on business analysis topics. He has the ability to explain complex things in a charming and approachable way.

As an internationally respected expert, Fabricio observes that several key adaptations, already underway, will allow business analysts to thrive in an AI-enabled future. The required skillset is shifting from technical specialization toward more holistic business acumen. Communication, adaptability and creative problem solving are moving to the fore. The scope of business analysis is also broadening beyond IT needs toward more direct strategic impact. And despite some regional variations, a global community is forming around best practices.

Fabricio shared a number of insights and learning points which I captured here in three key topics and ten learning points. 

Three Key Topics:

 1. Elevating Strategy Above Execution

Fabricio stressed the growing need for business analysts to focus less on completing distinct tasks, and more on actively driving desired outcomes. “If you're just motivated to accomplish a set of tests, that's not ‘very nice’. If you see the outcome on the other side, and the outcome is something that is connected to the purpose of the business and the organization, THAT VIEW changes the way you work.” 

Keeping organizational priorities front and center will become increasingly vital.  Fabricio also discussed the need for business analysts to elevate their level of specialization and understanding of business to meet the increasing complexity of problems.

2.Embracing AI's Potential to Augment Analysis  

While artificial intelligence can automate certain routine BA functions, Fabricio believes specialized AI tools will take business analysis to the next level. Advanced systems capable of intuitively updating architecture diagrams, identifying connections between initiatives, simulating process changes and more would enable much deeper and more dynamic analysis. However, human skills remain essential to interpret the business context and validate machine outputs.

3. Cultivating Uniquely Human Skills

As new technologies transform capabilities, business analysts should hone intrinsically human strengths around creative problem solving, emotional intelligence, adaptability and strategic thinking. Fabricio noted,

“We need to level up to deal with higher, complex, business problems. We are going to talk about business on a higher level.”

AI may reshape business analysis, but the profession is not going away.  Given the pace at which technology is advancing, Fabricio stressed the need for continuous learning and adapting. He shared insights on how young professionals entering the field should approach their careers, focusing on the importance of understanding the business context and being outcome driven.  He shared that as he was given challenges by his bosses, he noticed that his mind was changing.  

10 Learning Points:

1. Embrace AI as a tool, not a replacement, to enhance productivity and focus on higher-level tasks. Validate outputs through a human lens.
2. Discuss needs in terms of business outcomes over technical requirements. Then focus on business outcomes, rather than just completing tasks, to add real value and progress in your career.
3. Seek to understand why processes or rules exist before advocating change. Ask “why” questions.  
4. Validate and verify AI outputs to ensure accuracy and maintain the human context in decision-making. Connect decisions directly back to core business objectives and priorities.
5. Continuous learning and adaptation are crucial in keeping up with technological advancements. Early adoption breeds advantage. Maintain an open and adaptive mindset throughout your career.
6. Understand the business context deeply to provide insights that go beyond data gathering and documentation.
7. Develop competencies in systems thinking, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving.
8. Utilize AI to manage and update business knowledge assets, such as blueprints and process charts.
9. Recognize the importance of specialization in business understanding to tackle complex problems effectively.
10. Intentionally build relationships across teams, levels and organizations. Engage with the community and share knowledge to stay informed and connected.
11. Sharpen creative problem solving and emotional intelligence even as technical skills automate. 

In closing......

Fabricio's passion for business analysis, teaching and speaking leaves a distinct impression! He brings alive that business analysis is indeed a dynamic field undergoing immense change. However, when BAs combine AI capabilities with expanding human skills, next-generation business analysts can attain even greater strategic influence within their organizations. 

The conversation with Fabricio was fascinating and it provided a clear vision of the future of business analysis. It's evident that as AI becomes more integrated into our work, the role of business analysts will evolve to focus on outcomes, validation, and strategic thinking. This shift presents an opportunity for professionals to raise their skill levels and contribute to business success in more meaningful ways.

Feel free to share what resonated in our Blueprints for Success Podcast or comment with any questions!