"Practice makes perfect." We've all heard it. The phrase is centuries old tracing back to its origins in Latin. This sentiment, in some form, shows up in every language. In Dutch it is, "Practice gives birth to art." A rough translation from Mandarin is, "Practice gives birth to skill."
Perfection is not the point of this phrase. Perfection is not really the goal. Sir Winston Churchill said, "They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they'd make up their minds." He also said, "Perfection is the enemy of progress'. There is a great article by Ami Ostman in Psychology Today which quotes the Chesterton phrase for its title, "Anything Worth Doing is Worth Doing Badly".
But I digress. There is an old French phrase that translates, "It is by forging that one becomes a blacksmith." The focus of this ancient advice is on practice. C. S. Lewis said, "No one can teach riding so well as a horse." Nike says, "Just do it." Practice is about action, about repetition, about persisitence.
Mike Jones, President, IIBA Calgary Chapter
Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP®), Agile Analysis Certification (IIBA®-AAC)
Mike has been active in the Calgary Chapter over several years, most notably as a 'Mentor' in the Mentorship program. He held the position of Director of Education from January 2018 until October 2019 and moved into the role of President in November 2019.
January 27th, 2021 through to April 14th, 2021 (12 weeks) - Chapter Virtual Event
Led by Certified Business Analysis Professionals, join other business analysts in a weekly study group session to work towards taking your IIBA certification, whether in ECBA, CCBA or CBAP.
Non-Members: $50.00 CAD
Chapter Members: Free!
(see email for discount code - to be sent out by Jan 15th, 2021)
Saturday, Jan 30, 2021 | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM MST
Career Action Workshop
Chapter Virtual Event
You're invited to participate in a virtual workshop - a workshop to learn how to use the Business Analysis Competency Model to analyze and identify areas for professional development.
Participants will be able to access their skillsets and create an action plan for the year, and help Business Analysts identify the behaviours & techniques that determine their competency in the business analysis profession!
Non-Members: $10.00
Chapter Members: Free! (see email for discount code - to be sent out by Jan 15th, 2021)
Eno Eka, Director of Education, IIBA Calgary Chapter
Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP®), Agile Analysis Certification (Certification (IIBA®-AAC)
Eno Eka is an award winning Business Analysis Consultant & Career Coach who is passionate about helping professionals start & grow successful business analysis careers.
Her work as a global mentor & coach has brough her 10 awards in the past 2 years for helping over 5,000 professionals with their career transition & progression.
She has been recognized by Forbes, IIBA®, RBC Women of Influence, Canadian Immigrant Services, the United Nations & others.
Five Minutes with Your Chapter Treasurer
What motivated you to volunteer with IIBA Calgary Chapter?
I recently obtained by CBAP and had a desire to get more involved. I am interested in making new acquaintances and gaining experience working on a board. I feel that spending time with like minded people that care deeply about the business analysis profession would elevate my knowledge, skills and interest. I also think it can be an intersting and fun way to contribute and give back.
What value does your Board position/portfolio provide to members of IIBA Calgary Chapter?
The value of our portfolio is to provide transparent stewardship of chapter financials for our local members.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
My favorite vacation spots have changed over the years. My current favorite vacation spot is the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. My wife and I love to spend time on the water and enjoy the laid back lifestyle with family and friends that live in the area.
Although it is not a vacation spot, we love to rent card and road-trip. We have toured all over North America and Europe with our 'Lonely Planet' books and a loose itinerary.
What book/podcast would you recommend to our members?
'Good to Great' by Jim Collins. It is an older book from my business school days, but it is still relevant and resonates with me today. I also enjoy reading biographies. I find it fascinating to learn how people's lives and contributions to the world have unfolded.
What tip, trick, or advice can you suggest that will help your fellow BA's succeed?
Be curious, inquisitive and approachable to everyone you work with. Build as many relationships as you can, and nurture them. Have some fun.
Corey Hyndman, Treasurer, IIBA Calgary Chapter
Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP®)
Corey has over 15 years experience with ERP systems implementations, upgrades and sustainment activities. His current area of focus is configuration and implementation of cloud ERP Workday.
Corey has a passion for continual learning, and enjoys practicing the BA craft. He decided to volunteer with IIIBA Calgary Chapter to meet new acquaintances and give back to the profession that has been very rewarding.
Solvera Solutions - Todd Vogelgesang, Director, Business Analysis
& our Chapter Vice President, Reg Cracknell
Reg Cracknell Question: How have you seen the practice change over the last year?
Todd Vogelgesang Response:Internally Solvera supports our practitioners through Communities of Interest (COI) for each of our services lines, be it Consulting or Solution Services. These have been a core foundation at Solvera for many years and has evolved with service expansion and the need for specialized skills. Each Community of Interest is in place to support the practitioner’s professional development in each discipline (i.e., business analysis), keep everyone up to date on industry best practices, and provide BA community support within the COI and other areas within Solvera and for our clients.
For several years Solvera has been a Corporate member of International Institute of Business Analysis™ (IIBA®) which provides us with a great deal of up-to-date BA professional resources. Our practitioners are excited, interested and enthused about the new certifications IIBA now offers in Agile Analysis*, Business Data Analytics*, and Cybersecurity Analysis*. Solvera provides ongoing training support for IIBA Certifications, in addition to other important skills such as AGILE, Change Management, and ITIL. We provide our practioners with a training road map to guide their continued professional development in their existing areas of expertise, and new specialty areas as mentioned above. Over the past year we’ve seen a move to more on-line training and conferences, and rising emphasis on key areas such as cyber security, data analytics and Agile delivery. Each year we also look forward to the annual release of trends in the profession of business analysis as it keeps Solvera up to date, which we bring forward through service delivery.
Reg Cracknell Question: What positive outcomes have you seen from the above approach?
Todd Vogelgesang Response: Solvera has not skipped a beat throughout the pandemic. We had an expedited corporate wide roll-out and adoption of Microsoft Teams, which is our primary communication tool for remote work. One of our Senior BAs developed and provided some in-house training for remote facilitation of elicitation in addition to some dos and don’ts. This information was also made available to all Service Lines as it was valuable for many of our resources working remotely. We have, in many instances seen an increase in productivity. Having fewer meetings has enabled our resources to spend more time accomplishing deliverables and a little less time in meetings.
Solvera has seen a positive response internally and externally as our practitioners have stepped up to fulfil the needs of our clients. Along with these benefits, our staff now enjoys the added benefits of working from home, including shorter commute and perhaps dressing a little more casually.
* Agile Analysis Certification (IIBA®AAC), Certification in Business Data Analytics ((IIBA®CBDA), and Certificate in Cybersecurity Analysis (IIBA®CCA)
Your Chapter and Professional Development Day Sponsors
IIBA® Calgary Chapter
PO Box 2474 Station M
Calgary, AB T2P 0M9
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