Tariffs are not just economic instruments—they’re strategic signals. For business analysts, Trump's latest trade measures are more than policy—they’re a masterclass in navigating disruption, identifying leverage, and transforming systemic friction into strategic insight.

Integrating least privilege into business analysis is critical for developing secure, well-governed systems. When role modeling is handled early, business analysts help reduce unnecessary access, reduce compliance gaps, and improve operational efficiency throughout the organization. Analysts can make substantial contributions to access governance throughout the system lifecycle by leveraging tools like CRUD matrices, role-function overlays, and access review templates. Access modeling, when it is used as part of core business analysis, improves audit readiness, enhances regulatory compliance, and reduces the risk of privilege misuse before it becomes a major issue.

A reader wrote to me with questions regarding a development project that he thought involved too many requirements and too little flexibility around requirement priorities. (You’ve never heard of such a thing before, right?) 

By adopting the General Contractor mindset and the practices described in this article, you move from “requirements writer” to builder of business value. The next time someone questions the need for a BA, invite them to imagine a skyscraper with no contractor on site. Once they picture the chaos, they will hand you the hardhat—and the authority—to orchestrate delivery the way only a seasoned GC‑style Business Analyst can.

In business analysis, success is not only measured by the projects you complete but by the respect you earn along the way. Institutional respect may give you power, but interpersonal respect gives you influence—and the most successful professionals know how to harness both.

As you continue to advance in your career, remember that the real leaders aren’t just those with the most impressive titles, but those who inspire the deepest respect. By building both forms of respect strategically, you’ll not only advance your career but also create lasting impact in your organization.