Breaking barriers Leadership in Combining Business Analysis and Regulatory Compliance Worlds
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
By Iryna Sizikova
When I was promoted to the role of Chapter Lead of Business Analysis & Documentation at a global healthcare company, I knew I was stepping into a highly complex and demanding arena. The healthcare industry is governed by a labyrinth of regulatory frameworks—each with unique rules and standards depending on the region. My mission was to define the role of a Business Analyst in this intricate, high-stakes environment and build a foundation that seamlessly integrates regulatory compliance into business analysis practices.
The Challenge: Merging Business Analysis with Regulatory Rigor
The biggest hurdle was reconciling the two worlds—business analysis, which often prioritizes agility and innovation, and regulatory compliance, which demands precision, consistency, and exhaustive documentation. I had to quickly familiarize myself with frameworks across different jurisdictions, including the United States (FDA, HIPAA), the European Union (GDPR, MDR), Canada, and Australia.
It wasn't just a professional challenge—it was also a personal one. I found myself in rooms full of experts, needing to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively. I had to translate dense regulatory language into actionable, traceable business requirements. My work involved ensuring seamless traceability from requirements through design, implementation, and testing, while developing and improving internal processes, documenting them thoroughly, and training employees and new hires alike.
Building Confidence and Capability
Early on, I realized I couldn’t navigate this journey alone. To build my confidence and sharpen specific skills, I found two mentors: a TV news presenter who helped me refine my public speaking, and a regulatory compliance manager who guided me through the intricacies of compliance. Their support gave me the clarity and courage I needed.
To further hone my presentation skills, I began attending Toastmasters meetings every week. At first, it was intimidating to speak in front of strangers, but with time, I grew more comfortable expressing my thoughts and sharing insights. These regular speaking engagements not only improved my communication but also prepared me for larger audiences—both within and outside the organization.
Sharing Knowledge and Inspiring Others
Alongside my day-to-day responsibilities, I began writing scientific articles about the role of Business Analysts in regulated industries. I tackled topics like requirements traceability, documentation best practices, and compliance integration. The response was overwhelmingly positive—some of my articles received over 4,000 views. It was clear there was a hunger for practical, real-world insights in this space.
I expanded my outreach further. As a member of the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), I started presenting to chapters around the world, sharing what I had learned and fostering global discussions. I also became a podcast guest, telling my story and encouraging others in the industry to embrace the intersection of compliance and business analysis.
Through these activities, I not only contributed to the broader community but also grew professionally and personally. I became more confident, more connected, and more knowledgeable. I also embraced artificial intelligence tools, which significantly streamlined research, documentation, and even presentation preparation.
The Lessons That Stuck With Me
Throughout this journey, I’ve learned a few powerful lessons that I now carry with me into every new challenge:
1. Every challenge leads to new beginnings.
What initially felt like a steep uphill battle turned out to be a launchpad for a rewarding career shift. The hardest part was starting—but once I did, each small win built momentum.
2.It takes time and effort to achieve something meaningful and build trust.
There are no shortcuts. Gaining the trust of colleagues, understanding complex regulations, and building effective processes all took deliberate, sustained effort.
3. There’s always room for improvement and further development.
No matter how far you’ve come, there’s always more to learn. Continuous improvement is not just a professional mantra—it’s a personal one, too.
What I Would Do Differently
If I could go back and do one thing differently, it would be to focus more on networking from the beginning. Building new connections has proven to be a critical accelerator for both learning and opportunity. At first, I underestimated the value of expanding my professional circle, and that likely delayed some of the progress I eventually made.
Looking Ahead
My journey continues, and I remain committed to advocating for the role of business analysis in highly regulated sectors. I believe we are at a pivotal moment where industries must bridge the gap between compliance and innovation—and Business Analysts can lead that charge.
To anyone facing a similar challenge: know that the road may be tough, but it is also deeply rewarding. Find mentors, embrace public speaking, share your knowledge, and always remain curious. The path to growth often begins where comfort ends.
If you'd like to connect or learn more about my work, feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn. I’m always happy to exchange ideas and support others on their journeys.
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