Business Analysis As A Way of Life

4 min readNov 14, 2023

Allow me if you will, to take you back to my beloved scene in the most beloved movie of all blacks on this rock we call home — earth. The Black Panther 🙅🏿‍♂️.
Remember the scene where T’Challa returns from travel and his lovely sister Shuri asks about the performance of the suit as she is about to introduce him to the new upgrade that has an energy redistribution feature but T’Challa says “The suit works fine”. Shuri’s response was “Because it works fine doesn’t mean it can’t be improved😂”

That right there, my dear readers is the basic concept of business analysis!

This revelation came to light during a chance encounter on a bus(one of my late-night travels), where I met a seasoned business analyst, with 15 years of experience, who shared insights that transcended the boundaries of a mere career. The crux of our conversation echoed a profound truth: Business analysis is not just a professional path or a methodology for building great products, improving business processes, or bridging the gap between business needs and technological solutions; it’s a way of life.

At its essence, business analysis is the art of gathering information to understand the current state (as-is), envisioning the desired state (to-be), conducting gap analysis(comparing “as-is” against “to-be), and delineating the requirements for improvement. This process isn’t confined to boardrooms or software development; it’s a dynamic lens through which we can scrutinize and enhance every facet of our lives.

Consider the analogy of Shuri in Black Panther, unveiling the upgrades to T’Challa’s suit (by the way I so much loved the prank of throwing T’Challa across the room with the energy redistribution feature😂🤣). “Because it works, does not mean it cannot be improved,” she wisely remarked. Similarly, applying the principles of business analysis to our personal finance, health, career, product development, business processes, governance, and public administration becomes a compass for perpetual improvement. This was Shuri’s guiding star to keep pushing the boundaries of innovation.

Life’s Business Analysis Cycle: As-Is, To-Be, and Beyond

In adopting a business analysis perspective, one embraces a cyclical mindset. Begin by assessing the current state (as-is) — understand where you stand in various aspects of life. Then, envision the desired state (to-be) — delineate the goals, dreams, and future you aspire to achieve. Finally, conduct a gap analysis — identify the disparities between the two and define the requirements for change.

Perpetual Growth: The Essence of Business Analysis Living

Living life with a business analysis approach means seeing stagnation as an anathema. The perpetual pursuit of improvement becomes ingrained in your daily existence, woven into the fabric of your being. Whether it’s refining personal habits, optimizing workflows, or envisioning a healthier lifestyle, the business analysis mindset propels you toward constant growth.

Unlocking Potential: A Society’s Collective Business Analysis

Extend the lens, and it’s evident that societies too can embody the ethos of business analysis. Governance structures, public policies, and societal norms can be analyzed, gaps identified, and requirements defined for a collective evolution toward a better future and better community or evolution of democracy. It’s a blueprint for societal progress.

Embracing Change: The Heart of Business Analysis Philosophy

Change is the only constant in life, and a business analysis approach equips you to not just adapt but to embrace change eagerly. It’s a philosophy that acknowledges the impermanence of the as-is, sees potential in the to-be, and navigates the gaps with strategic requirements for a brighter future.

From Stagnation to Beauty: The Promise of Business Analysis Living

Living with a business analysis perspective is akin to choosing the path of perpetual evolution. Stagnation becomes inconceivable, and the beauty of one’s potential is unveiled. The once-daunting gaps between as-is and to-be become exciting opportunities for growth, ensuring that every day is a step toward excellence.

Get Olufemi Chris’s stories in your inbox

Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.

Remember me for faster sign in

In the symphony of life, let the principles of business analysis be your guide. As you conduct your personal gap analysis and define your requirements for growth, remember that life, like any well-analyzed business or product process, holds infinite possibilities for improvement. Embrace it, analyze it, and live it with the spirit of a perpetual business analyst.

With Love
Olufemi Chris ❤💰✌