Celebrating Black History Month: Ask Questions Like a Six-Year-Old

February invites us to pause and reflect as we recognize Black History Month—a time to honour perseverance, resilience, and contributions that have shaped our communities, our professions, and our shared future.

I grew up in southwestern Ontario, about 25 minutes southeast of Detroit. From an early age, I was surrounded by friends of colour—classmates, neighbours, and lifelong friends. That proximity shaped my worldview in ways I am deeply grateful for. I was also privileged to grow up in Dresden, Ontario, where my grandparents pastored a church and operated an old-age rest home. Dresden is historically significant as the home of Uncle Tom’s Cabin and part of the Canadian side of the Underground Railroad—a place where freedom, courage, and hope intersected in tangible ways.

Because of this upbringing, I not only enjoyed rich friendships across cultures, but I also heard firsthand about the challenges many of my friends and their families faced. These stories were not abstract. They were real, personal, and formative. They brought into focus the perseverance of a people who, despite being historically suppressed and marginalized, continued to demonstrate strength, dignity, and determination. Black History Month reminds us that these stories are not just history, they are lived realities that deserve acknowledgement, respect, and continued learning.

That spirit of learning brings me to a seemingly unrelated but deeply connected lesson from my professional life.

When I facilitate requirements or process-improvement workshops, I often encourage participants to ask questions like a six-year-old. My grandson is six, and when he asks a question, I’ll give what I believe is a complete and thoughtful answer. Almost immediately, he follows up with another question, usually why my answer is valid or how it actually works. There’s no malice in his questioning. No intent to challenge authority. Just genuine curiosity and a desire to understand more deeply.

Over the past month, as I’ve been working closely with business leads and subject-matter experts, I’ve found myself intentionally adopting that same posture. Asking the next question. Seeking clarity. Exploring why a step exists, how pain points truly arise, and where automation might meaningfully help. When done in a quiet, respectful, and non-threatening way, these questions uncover better insights, more complete processes, and stronger outcomes for everyone involved.

Curiosity when paired with humility and respect, is a powerful tool. It strengthens understanding, builds trust, and leads to better decisions.

A Call to Support Our Community

As we look ahead, I want to close with two important reminders and invitations.

First, we are still seeking Study Group Leaders and Mentors. Traditionally, we run a spring BABOK® study group, but due to a shortage of study group leaders, we’ve had to postpone this until the fall. This program offers members an incredible value—35+ hours of qualifying professional development for just $75, compared to external programs that can cost $1,000 or more. In addition, we have members who are new to the business analysis profession and are actively looking for mentors to help guide their journey.

If you are able to serve in either capacity, please reach out to me directly at
president@calgary.iiba.org

Second, please mark your calendars for our upcoming events:

• February 26 – Annual General Meeting

• March 10 – Angela Wick: The NextGen BA – Your BA Role Is Changing!

• March 26 – Roger Burlton: Business Processes as a Foundation

• April 23   – Ola Ifidon: Sell Me!

• April 25   – Resume & LinkedIn Workshop

• May 9     – Recruiter Speed Dating: Meet Calgary recruiters with a fresh resume

As always, thank you for being part of this vibrant, thoughtful, and growing community. Let’s continue to learn from history, ask better questions, and support one another as we move forward—together.