In the picturesque setting of Keswick, surrounded by still waters and majestic fells, I had the pleasure of walking and chatting with Sinead Torley for Sukany4 - The Podcast. As a Principal Business Consultant, a passionate volunteer, and founder of the Cumbria BA Network, Sinead is a powerhouse balancing work, family, and her own personal growth.
Balancing Work and Family
Sinead’s day started as many working mums’ days do—dropping her children at a summer club before diving into her various commitments. As a full-time business consultant, her role demands focus and dedication, but flexibility is a key component of her schedule, allowing her to prioritize both her career and her family.
“It’s a balancing act,” Sinead says, “but I make sure to carve out moments for both work and childcare, ensuring I’m present where it matters.”
Sinead’s ability to juggle her career while volunteering for the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) and running the Cumbria BA Network exemplifies her drive to connect and empower others in her industry.
The Cumbria BA Network: Building Connections Locally
The Cumbria BA Network is a testament to Sinead’s passion for fostering community. With Cumbria’s rural nature often creating a “travel tax” for networking and professional development, Sinead’s vision was to create a local hub where professionals could connect without leaving the county.
“It’s about bringing opportunities closer to home,” she explains. “The corporate culture here is different—people switch off at 5:00 p.m., and weekends are more sacred than in cities. So we’ve been experimenting with formats like lunchtime virtual events and in-person meetups to see what works best.”
A Journey into Business Analysis
Sinead’s path into business analysis began, as with many in the profession, serendipitously. Starting her career in testing, she discovered her knack for working with people and improving processes.
“I didn’t know what business analysis was at first,” she admits. “It was a colleague who suggested it, and once I looked into it, I realized I’d already been doing many of those tasks—capturing requirements, improving processes, and collaborating with teams to find better solutions.”
Over the years, Sinead has evolved into a strategic thinker, bridging gaps between technical teams and end-users. Her ability to translate complex requirements into actionable solutions is a hallmark of her work, but she’s quick to emphasize that business analysis is about much more than documentation.
“It’s about looking holistically at the people, processes, and technologies involved in change,” she says.
Challenges and Insights in Business Analysis
Our conversation touched on the evolution of business analysis, from its underrecognized beginnings to its growing importance today. Sinead highlighted the need for organizations to involve business analysts early in projects—at the strategic level—rather than later when issues arise.
She’s currently working on a talk for the upcoming European BA Conference in September, where she’ll discuss service definitions in business analysis. “It’s about documenting what we do, the value we provide, and helping teams understand where BAs fit in,” she explains.
This talk is a culmination of her recent efforts to formalize the role of business analysts within organizations. “It helps both BAs and their stakeholders understand the boundaries and responsibilities of the role,” Sinead says, adding that it can also empower analysts to push back against tasks outside their scope.
Finding Balance in Life
Outside of work, Sinead embraces an active lifestyle. From paddle boarding on sunny days to creating a home gym routine, she prioritizes physical and mental health.
“Walking clears my head,” she shares. “It’s often when I solve problems without even realizing it.”
She also enjoys baking, reading, and learning Spanish through Duolingo, setting an example for her kids that lifelong learning can be both fun and fulfilling.
Looking Ahead
With her conference talk approaching and plans to expand the Cumbria BA Network, Sinead’s calendar remains full. But true to her philosophy, she’s taking it all in stride.
“I don’t always have a grand plan,” she laughs. “Opportunities tend to present themselves, and I just go with it. That approach has worked for me so far.”
Sinead’s story is one of curiosity, connection, and a commitment to improving the world around her. Whether she’s helping businesses streamline their processes, building a network for analysts in Cumbria, or solving problems while strolling by the sea, her passion for people shines through.
Thank you for joining us on this walk with Sinead. Don’t forget – there’s more to come! Stay tuned for our next exciting instalment, where we’ll be walking and talking with another incredible guest. Make sure to follow, subscribe, and share Sukany4 - The Podcast, so you don’t miss out on the next chapter of inspiring stories.
Until then, take care, and we’ll see you on the next walk!
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