As technology, including artificial intelligence reshapes industries and agile practices redefine roles, the business analyst is evolving from requirement gatherer to strategic innovator. This panel explores the emerging skillsets, mindsets, and career paths that will define tomorrow’s analysts—those who bridge data, design, and decision-making to drive real impact.
About the Facilitator
Ryan Folster is a Business Analyst and Product Professional from Johannesburg, South Africa. His strong focus on innovation as well as his involvement in the Business Analysis community have seen Ryan develop professionally from a small company, serving a small number of users, to large multi-national organisations. Having merged into Business Analysis through the business domain, Ryan has developed a firm grounding and provides context to the methodologies applied to clients and projects he is working on. Ryan has gained exposure to the Human Resources, Asset Management as well as Financial Services sectors, working on projects that span from Enterprise Line of Business Software to Business Intelligence and Compliance.
Ryan is also heavily involved in the local chapter of IIBA®, having previously served as the chapter president he currently serves as a non-executive board member. Ryan is passionate about the role a Business Analyst plays within an organisation, and is a firm believer that the role will develop further in the future and become a crucial aspect of any successful business.
About the Panellists
Makopi Nkopodi is a seasoned Product Executive with a proven track record of driving transformation at the intersection of business, customer, and technology. Her career spans across banking, telecommunications, and public service, and in every context, her mission remains consistent: to foster product-led cultures that unlock genuine customer value and fuel sustainable business growth.
She currently leads a product management practice, guiding large organizations through the shift from project-based delivery to empowered, outcome-driven product teams. Her expertise includes digital transformation, customer experience design, product management coaching, and the implementation of scalable, modern operating models.
Makopi believes that great products are born when strong capability meets clear strategy. She focuses on embedding long-term capability, aligning diverse stakeholders, and ensuring the customer remains at the heart of every decision. She brings a distinctive blend of strategic insight, technical fluency, and a deep passion for helping teams thrive in complex environments.
Connect with Makopi if you’re on a journey to modernize delivery, elevate product capability, or create lasting impact through customer-centered innovation.
Riaz Moonda brings a wealth of experience across a diverse range of industries, having played an active role in numerous projects spanning both the private and public sectors. His professional journey includes impactful contributions to the motor industry, the financial sector, and beyond, showcasing his adaptability and broad domain expertise.
Throughout his career, Riaz has collaborated with a wide array of individuals and teams, consistently driving success across all initiatives and tasks undertaken. His ability to navigate complex environments, foster strong working relationships, and deliver results has made him a trusted contributor in every setting.