In this powerful episode of Future Forward, we break one of the biggest stereotypes in the IT industry — that Business Analysts are only requirement documenters.

This conversation goes far beyond diagrams and documentation to explore how Business Analysts can move up the value chain and become truly strategic partners in digital transformation. From asking the right “why” questions to driving adoption, influencing leadership, and shaping enterprise-wide solutions, this episode uncovers what it really takes to evolve as a modern BA.

Our guest Vikas, a seasoned professional with 19+ years of experience across healthcare, clinical workflows, hospital operations, and digital health systems, shares his inspiring journey from Business Analyst to Product Manager and strategic leader. Through real-world healthcare examples, he explains how data, AI, storytelling, and strategic thinking can dramatically improve outcomes — from patient care to cost efficiency and large-scale transformation.

⏰ Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to Future Forward & episode introduction

00:45 – Why Business Analysts are often stereotyped in IT

02:10 – Introducing the guest: Vikas & his diverse healthcare background

03:05 – Vikas’ career journey: From medicine to business analysis & product management

05:10 – Why business analysis is more than documentation

06:45 – Evolution of the Business Analyst role over the last decade

08:30 – Using data, AI tools & insights for real-world impact

10:20 – Thinking strategically: Cost-benefit & client value

12:05 – The importance of asking “WHY” in business analysis

15:10 – Real healthcare example: Turning reports into actionable outcomes

19:00 – How BAs can move up the value chain

21:10 – Three critical skills for strategic BAs: Listening, collaboration & learning

24:20 – Mindset shift from traditional BA to strategic partner

27:30 – Transition from Business Analyst to Product Manager

30:10 – What does “strategy” really mean in real projects?

33:40 – Role of BAs in digital transformation initiatives

36:15 – Cost-benefit analysis, feasibility & adoption challenges

39:50 – Adoption as the key success metric in transformation projects

42:30 – Aligning business goals with features & solutions

45:40 – Tools & frameworks BAs can use (Excel, AI, prototypes)

49:10 – Importance of design thinking for Business Analysts

53:00 – Why data analysis skills matter (without coding fear)

56:30 – AI as an assistant, not a replacement for BAs

59:40 – Mindset, continuous learning & strategic thinking

1:02:30 – Strategy, leadership & influencing without authority

1:06:00 – Power of storytelling in driving adoption

1:10:30 – Future of Business Analysts in the next 5 years

1:14:20 – How BAs can stay relevant in the AI era

1:18:00 – One powerful advice: “Be the change”

1:21:10 – Practical first steps to becoming a strategic BA

1:24:00 – How to connect with Vikas

1:25:30 – Episode wrap-up & closing remarks

🎙️ Hosted by:

Abhishek Srivastava, Founder & CEO, Techcanvass

🌟 About Our Guest:

Vikas Sinha, Product Strategy | Healthcare IT Leader,Core Mobile, Inc

19+ years of experience in healthcare transformation, clinical data platforms, and enterprise digital solutions

🔗 Connect with Vikas on LinkedIn

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikash-sinha-97864610/

🎧 Listen Now:

Apple Podcasts: https://tnvs.in/y8zndc9z