Our September Professional Development Day was a tremendous success, thanks to our engaging and insightful speakers — Dr. Gary Edwards, Dianna Pieper, Marcus Udokang, and Paula Maychruk — who each brought their unique perspectives on the evolving world of business analysis, artificial intelligence, and personal wellness.
A heartfelt thank you also goes to all of our attendees for your energy, questions, and participation throughout the day. And special thanks to Inaam Khorfan, our talented event photographer, for capturing the spirit of the day in every frame.
Dr. Gary Edwards opened the day with “AI at Speed: Moving Fast Without Breaking What Matters,” sharing his deep experience from the analytics and research world. He reminded us that “data never speaks for itself” — context, culture, and human judgment still matter most. His session revealed how AI is transforming research and data analysis, highlighting both its potential to accelerate insight and the real-world risks of security, privacy, and governance.
Dr. Edwards encouraged BAs to see AI not as a threat but as a tool for empowerment, one that enhances — rather than replaces — our analytical instincts.
Next, Dianna Pieper, in “The Evolving Analyst: Leveraging AI in Project Success,” explored how today’s analysts can integrate AI ethically, securely, and effectively. She outlined the landscape of language models — from GPTs to multimodal systems — and how they’re reshaping productivity and decision-making across organizations.
Dianna demonstrated practical tools and governance considerations for responsible AI adoption, underscoring how BAs can act as translators between innovation and business outcomes. Her message was clear: the evolving analyst embraces AI literacy, critical thinking, and continuous improvement to help organizations adapt intelligently.
Marcus Udokang built upon that theme in “How AI Transforms BA Deliverables: From Models to Matrices.” He illustrated how generative AI supports analysts in creating artifacts such as use cases, user stories, and matrices more efficiently, while maintaining the creative and human elements that underpin sound analysis. From design prototyping to storytelling, Marcus showed that AI is no longer just a future tool — it’s today’s collaborator, enabling BAs to deliver faster, deeper, and more informed insights.
Paula Maychruk closed the day powerfully with “From Burnout to Balance,” reminding us that even in a fast-moving AI-driven world, protecting our energy is vital. She shared data on the growing prevalence of burnout, explained how chronic stress affects the body, and offered three practical strategies — “sacred appointments,” “slowing down,” and “mindfulness practices” — to restore personal well-being and professional balance.
As the seasons change and the rhythm of life shifts — with schools settling into routine, projects turning over, and contracts evolving — we’re reminded of the importance of resilience and community.
Whether you’re navigating new roles, studying for certifications, or supporting your peers, I wish you well in your continued journey as a business analysis professional. I also want to express my heartfelt support for Alberta’s teachers and educators who shape the future through our children and students.
As always, your IIBA® Calgary Chapter leadership team is here to help — please reach out anytime at president@calgary.iiba.org or call/text me directly at 403-818-9670.
— Reg Cracknell, CBAP®, PMP®
President, IIBA® Calgary Chapter
