The Space Between The Questions

Answers have never been easier to generate, thank you, AI. Good questions, thoughtful conversations and sound judgement are a different matter.

One of the greatest contributions a Business Analyst can make is creating the conditions for conversations in which analytical, critical, creative and systems thinking can emerge. This interactive session invites participants to examine their own thinking patterns, assumptions and biases, and consider how these influence the conversations they facilitate.

Through practical activities, participants will explore questioning, listening and facilitation techniques they can apply immediately in their organisations to build shared understanding, explore the right problem and enable better decisions.

Together, we will explore soft skills — often the hardest skills — and why they matter for Business Analysts seeking to influence, lead and create meaningful impact.

This is not a session for sitting back and listening. Come prepared to think, participate, question your assumptions and expand your comfort zone.

Key Takeaways

• Facilitate stakeholder conversations that foster analytical, critical, creative and systems thinking.
• Recognise and address barriers that limit effective thinking in yourself and others.
• Apply practical questioning and listening techniques to surface thinking, challenge assumptions and build shared understanding throughout the Business Analysis process.

About the Speaker

Sheetal Gordhan is the founder of Shakti, where she designs and facilitates learning and conversations that create space for people and teams to pause and notice, question what they think they know, explore different perspectives and move forward with greater awareness, clarity and intention.

She brings more than 30 years of experience across technology, mobile innovation, project management, Agile, organisational development and professional learning, and holds a Master of Philosophy specialising in Inclusive Innovation from the University of Cape Town.

Sheetal lectures and facilitates accredited Business Analysis and Project Management programmes, working with emerging and experienced professionals to develop technical and professional capability.

Her work is people-centred, participative and practical, combining facilitation, reflection and application rather than relying on formulaic or off-the-shelf solutions. Her long-standing philosophy captures the approach simply: Stop. Reflect. Restart.