Pamela Paterson
International Best-Selling Author, Business Systems Analyst, Project Manager
Ottawa, Canada
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Pamela Paterson, MS, CBAP, PMP, is a speaker, best-selling author, and senior tech consultant specializing in business systems analysis and project management. With a strong background in systems engineering and experience working with over 100 organizations, Pamela has delivered workshops, webinars, and presentations worldwide and authored 10 books, including two international best-sellers. Pamela has also taught project management for over ten years in Toronto, Canada. In 2023 and 2024, she stands out as one of the most active speakers on Sessionize. For more details, visit her LinkedIn profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelapaterson/, or contact her at pamelatheba@gmail.com.
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Business Analysis Without Business Analysts
What happens when your software project doesn’t have a business analyst, but still needs business analysis? In today’s fast-paced tech projects, business needs and requirements don’t disappear just because the BA role isn’t filled. In this session, you’ll learn the essential business analysis techniques and approaches that anyone on the project team can use to bridge the gap. We’ll explore practical methods for engaging stakeholders, eliciting requirements, and validating business needs. You’ll see how to “translate” stakeholder conversations into information that can be used successfully.
Can be presented in a talk or workshop
The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Visual Information on Tech Projects
Wouldn't it be fantastic to get more out of your stakeholders? You could "ask once" and get the information without going back and forth over emails or having endless meetings. Learn how this is possible through the power of information design: the art and science of making complex information clear, accessible, and actionable. Learn how you can get clarity out of complexity, faster decision-making, better stakeholder alignment, and reduced cognitive load. Close the gap between your information and your stakeholders' understanding of it through information design.
Can be presented in a talk or workshop.
Why Stakeholder Management Fails Without Systems Thinking
This session explores how adopting a systems thinking approach with stakeholders and team members can transform your ability to handle complex tech projects by viewing people as interconnected, dynamic systems. You will be guided through practical techniques to identify root causes, understand relationships between various components, and recognize how changes in one area impact the whole system. With systems thinking, you will learn to improve problem-solving, decision-making, and adaptability, leading to more effective project outcomes and enhanced collaboration. This session is ideal for tech professionals seeking to enhance their strategic thinking when working with people and adopt a holistic, integrated approach to their work.
Can be presented in a talk or workshop
The Geometry of Dysfunction: Mapping Stakeholder Chaos
In this session, we explore stakeholder dynamics through the lens of geometric shapes that illustrate relationships and influence. A single dot represents freedom and agility, but also instability. Add a second point and form a line—anchored, directional, and defined by dual tension. Introduce a third, and a triangle emerges, offering complexity and strategic potential. By recognizing the "shape" of your stakeholder environment, you can better understand the forces at play; identify leverage points; detect balance, power, and tension; develop and shift networks; and adapt your strategy for greater impact. Enhance your ability to think systemically about relationships, influence, and structures, beyond traditional org charts or static stakeholder maps.
Can be presented in a talk or workshop
Don’t Throw Out the Documents! Just Make Them Lean and Mean
Imagine project documentation that people actually want to read: concise, purposeful, and easy to use. Too often, documents become bloated, filled with jargon, and ultimately ignored. We’ll explore how to apply systems thinking concepts, from identifying the real purpose of a document to designing it for clarity, efficiency, and long-term usability. Through practical strategies and examples, you’ll learn how to start documentation projects with clear intent and stakeholder alignment, use lean practices to strip away the waste, and maintain documents over time so they remain current, accurate, and trusted. Whether you’re writing requirements, technical guides, or project reports, you’ll walk away with a roadmap to create “lean and mean” documents—succinct, effective, and sustainable.
Can be presented in a talk or workshop
Control the Room: Nonverbal Hacks to Keep Stakeholders On Track
“The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.” – Peter Drucker. In our fast-paced tech environments, we recognize that stakeholder meetings can quickly spiral out of control, leading to feature creep, shifting priorities, dominant voices, and concerns that are overlooked or buried. Do we risk interrupting our stakeholders and alienating them, or is there a better way, without saying a word? This session dives into the silent skillset we all need: nonverbal strategies to manage group dynamics and drive productive collaboration. You’ll learn how to refocus discussions when they go into rabbit holes, balance assertive voices with quieter ones, build credibility and presence through subtle cues, and influence decision-making without derailing trust or rapport. Join us to master the art of silent leadership in tech.
Can be a talk or workshop
Collaboration Is a Lie Without Trust: How to Actually Connect with Stakeholders
“He who wishes to secure the good of others has already secured his own.” – Confucius. Stakeholders are far more likely to support your project when they feel a genuine connection with you. But how do you develop rapport when so many of us only have relationships through screens and never meet our stakeholders? And how do we do it authentically and honestly? Nobody likes a greasy, transactional salesperson, right? We need our stakeholders for the long haul. This session explores practical methods for building authentic rapport that leads to effective collaboration, shared ownership, and excellent outcomes.
Can be presented in a talk or workshop
Nuance Is Not Optional: Why Your Project Fails Without It
Quote: “There are no facts, only interpretations.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
In tech environments, nuance is a game-changer. A single word in a requirement, a subtle shift in tone during a review, or a moment of silence in a stakeholder sync can make all the difference. Teams thrive on collaboration, but misinterpretation can derail velocity, trust, and outcomes. This session examines how subtle shifts in language, framing, and perception can impact team dynamics, stakeholder engagement, and project delivery success. Learn how to identify nuance and use it to create more effective phrasing and "asks", create psychological safety, and encourage better team collaboration.
Can be presented in a talk or workshop
Stakeholders Hate Questions—Here’s Why and How to Fix It
Quote: “The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their proper name.” – Confucius
In tech projects, *how* you ask is often more important than *what* you ask. A poorly framed request can trigger resistance, misalignment, or scope creep, while a well-structured ask can unlock clarity, buy-in, and move the project forward. Learning the art of language sequencing can guide dialogue, shape decisions, and lead to better collaboration. This session guides you in structuring your communication to achieve maximum impact. You will learn how to craft questions that encourage the flow of information, spot and correct problematic phrasing, and apply structured patterns that improve interactions with stakeholders.
Can be a talk or workshop
The Power of Consistency: Building Trust and Reliability with Stakeholders
Quote: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle
In tech projects, speed without clarity is chaos. Inconsistent facilitation, shifting communication styles, and unpredictable stakeholder interactions can erode trust and stall progress. It can also cause stakeholders to tire and disengage. But consistency—when applied deliberately—becomes a strategic asset. It builds psychological safety, strengthens stakeholder confidence, and accelerates decision-making. This session explores how you can use consistency to create alignment, reduce friction, and drive outcomes. Stakeholders crave consistency and reliability to create trust and engagement. Don't let your stakeholders check out because of the chaos of inconsistency. Join us to learn easy strategies to keep their trust and engagement.
Can be a talk or workshop
How to Make Your Stakeholders Talk: Techniques from Professional Interviewers
On tech projects, we rely on our stakeholders to provide us with information. We cannot move our projects forward without them. But in a world where they are overloaded, disengaged, or shy, how do we encourage them to speak up? We use techniques from the experts. Professional interviewers know how to create rapport with new stakeholders, draw information out of those who are silent, and have stakeholders make space for them even when they're busy. Engaging stakeholders in conversation is a critical element of elicitation. It is not just a soft skill; it is a strategic capability. Learn techniques for eliciting timely and relevant stakeholder feedback, creating a safe and open environment for honest communication, and tools and practices to keep elicitation focused and on track.
Can be presented in a talk or workshop
Why Empathy Alone Won’t Save You from Difficult Stakeholders
Managing stakeholder relationships is a crucial aspect of successful software projects, but dealing with difficult stakeholders can be particularly challenging. What do we do when one voice dominates others? Or stakeholders check out because they're too busy or not interested? In this session, we will explore advanced strategies to effectively manage and navigate these complex interactions, including identifying and understanding the root causes of stakeholder difficulties, techniques for building trust and rapport, communication strategies to address and resolve conflicts, and tools and methods to manage stakeholder expectations and demands.
Can be presented in a talk or workshop
Beyond Q&A: Plan and Conduct Stakeholder Interviews Like a Pro
Everything we do on tech projects begins with getting information from somebody else. Consider this: whether we are scoping out our work, gathering requirements, understanding the process, testing, or undertaking another task, everything begins with an interview. Whether a single stakeholder or a group, knowing how to conduct an effective interview will enable us to gather the information and data we need to do our work. The more our stakeholders can trust in our skills, the more information they will contribute. We all know of excellent interviewers, but how do we do it ourselves? What kinds of questions do we ask and when, and for which stakeholder and scenario? Are there certain question types that are better suited for individuals than for groups? At the same time, how do we document responses accurately and efficiently? Join us to learn the answers from an expert in stakeholder interviewing.
Can be presented in a talk or workshop
Get Rid of the Waste! How to Lean Six Sigma Your Stakeholder Communication
Did you know that 80% of meeting attendees are doing something else? How many times have you found yourself sitting in a meeting and tuning out part way through, hoping for the end? There is a better way to prepare and run meetings by capitalizing on Lean Six Sigma techniques applied to a communication context. Learn how to run effective meetings that result in better outcomes with less time wasted. Get rid of the communication waste that weighs you down, and join Pamela Paterson, a senior business systems analyst consultant, who has designed unique communication methods that work with stakeholders on tech projects.
Can be presented in a talk or workshop
Present to Win: Strategies for Presenting to Stakeholders
Ever sat through a presentation that lost you halfway through? You’re not alone—and in tech, that disconnect can cost more than attention. It can erode stakeholder trust, compromise decision-making, and hinder project progress. Presentations are an opportunity for us to showcase our abilities in front of a group. They are tools for alignment and collaboration. Your ability to communicate visually is crucial to advancing your project. In this session, you will learn how to structure sessions that engage stakeholders, boost collaboration and feedback through better information design, and turn passive audiences into active contributors.
Can be presented in a talk or workshop
Project Management Institute Ottawa Valley Outaouais: Making Your Stakeholders Talk
Feedback from Organizers: "On behalf of the entire PMI OVOC team, I want to extend our sincerest thanks for delivering such an engaging and insightful session this morning on "How to Make Your Stakeholders Talk: Techniques from Professional Interviewers." Your presentation was incredibly practical and interactive, providing our members with valuable techniques they can immediately apply. The feedback we've already received has been overwhelmingly positive."
International Institute of Business Analysis Denmark
This session explores how artificial intelligence can assist us in the stakeholder requirements process. From identifying stakeholders and eliciting information to creating, reviewing, and approving requirements, Pamela Paterson demonstrates how AI can streamline and enhance each phase of business analysis.
AgilePrague
The Agile Prague Conference is the first agile conference in the heart of Europe. It’s a place where practitioners can share their insights, get inspired, and connect with others. Every year, we bring in experienced speakers from different areas to share their stories. Agile Prague Conference is creating a unique collaborative environment where participants not only listen to the speakers but are encouraged to approach them and have a conversation together.
IIBA Vancouver: Leveraging AI in the Stakeholder Requirement
International Institute of Business Analysis Vancouver: Leveraging AI in the Stakeholder Requirement Feedback:
"Very informative and helpful presentation"
"I enjoyed this presentation very much"
"Lots of great tips"
"I believe you are an inspiration"
"Fantastic session"
International Institute of Business Analysis BBC (Building Business Capability) Conference
Largest business analysis conference in the world. Presented a session on stakeholder interviewing.
DDD Europe, EventCentric, Data Mesh Live - 2025 Sessionize Event
Update Conference Krakow 2025 Sessionize Event
BA & Beyond 25 Sessionize Event
ScanAgile25 Sessionize Event
OBAC Business Analysis Summit
Review of Enhancing IT Project Success Through Effective Information Design:
I had the privilege of moderating a session where Pamela spoke on the topic of Information Design, and I must say, her expertise is truly exceptional. Pamela has a remarkable ability to break down complex concepts into actionable insights, making them not only easy to understand but also immediately applicable.
Her session was packed with practical tips on improving communication, emphasizing how to structure and present information effectively to drive better decision-making and project outcomes. What stood out most was her engaging delivery and her passion for empowering professionals to elevate their communication skills.
Pamela’s session left a lasting impression, and I can confidently say that anyone who has the opportunity to learn from her will walk away inspired and better equipped to succeed. She is a true thought leader in her field, and I highly recommend her for any speaking or consulting engagements.
DatafestAfrica 2024 Sessionize Event
International Institute of Business Analysis (Kentucky and North Carolina)
Beyond Q&A: Plan and Conduct Stakeholder Interviews Like a Pro webinar
2024 All Day DevOps Sessionize Event
Transforming Business Analysis with Journalistic Insights: Pamela Paterson Podcast
Transforming Business Analysis with Journalistic Insights: Pamela Paterson
In episode 37 of Blueprints for Success, we meet journalist-turned-business analyst Pamela as she discusses business analysts' role in AI, stakeholder interviewing, and job search strategies. She discusses her upcoming book on stakeholder interviewing, which uses journalistic methods to improve the process.
International Institute of Business Analysis Vancouver
Silence Stakeholders When Needed & Make Them Talk When It Matters Most
Nerdearla 2024 Sessionize Event
Domain-Driven Design Europe 2024 Sessionize Event
Newcrafts Paris 2024 Sessionize Event
Building Business Capability (International Institute of Business Analysis Global Conference)
Largest business analysis conference in the world. One of the highest-attended sessions at the conference. Standing room only.
Project Management Institute Ottawa
Cognitive Science Techniques to Improve Presentation Success
International Institute of Business Analysis Saskatchewan
Interviewing is a vital technique for business analysts to gather information from stakeholders. Whether it's a single stakeholder or a group, conducting intelligent interviews is key to obtaining the data needed for creating requirements and developing processes. The more stakeholders trust in this process, the more valuable information they contribute. This calls for intelligent interviewing skills that foster trust and collaboration. But how do we become excellent interviewers ourselves? What questions do we ask, and when and for whom? Join us to explore these questions and more with Pamela Paterson, CBAP, a seasoned business analyst and communications professional who specializes in preparing stakeholders for media interviews.
Project Management Institute (PMI Global)
Project managers know that effective stakeholder management is the cornerstone of project success. However, in our ever-evolving field, traditional approaches to stakeholder engagement may no longer suffice. Join us in this thought-provoking webinar where we'll delve into the intricacies of stakeholder interviews.
In this dynamic presentation, we will explore how stakeholder interviews, when done right, can transform your project management game. You'll gain insights into advanced techniques and strategies that extend beyond the usual Q&A sessions. Learn how to extract valuable perspectives, foster deeper connections, and unlock the full potential of your stakeholders’ expertise.
Pamela Paterson, MS, CBAP, PMP will draw from real-world experiences, offering practical advice and sharing impactful case studies that showcase the true potential of stakeholder interviews. Whether you're a seasoned project manager or just starting out, this webinar will provide you with a fresh perspective on stakeholder interviews.
Join us for an enlightening journey into the realm of stakeholder interviews and equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to reimagine your project management approach. Don't miss this opportunity to distinguish yourself in your profession and lead your projects with renewed confidence and success.
International Institute of Business Analysis (London)
Career Strategies to Beat the HR Bots
Project Management Institute Global Webinar
4500 registrants for this online webinar about stakeholder interviewing
Update Conference Prague
Session about interviewing stakeholders, and how to optimize the interview process to obtain good requirements.
Engaging Virtual Meetings Podcast
Where do virtual and hybrid conferences, like yours, go for engagement that will blow your attendees away? Pamela Paterson is interviewed by John Chen, one of the top 3 digital event strategists in the world.
Azure Back to School 2023 Sessionize Event
International Institute of Business Analysis (Global) Essential Communication Skills
About 1500 registered attendees for this global session about essential communication skills for successful stakeholder engagement.
DeveloperWeek Latin America 2023 Sessionize Event
Agile & Beyond 2023 Sessionize Event
George Brown College (Guest Speaker)
Guest speaker at George Brown College in Toronto regarding #1 international best-selling book Get the Job: Optimize Your Resume for the Online Job Search
International Institute of Business Analysis Global
Interviewing Stakeholders: How to Get the Most (and Best) Requirements. 850 registered attendees.
SQLBits 2023 - General Sessions Sessionize Event
Power BI Summit 2023 Sessionize Event
Update Conference Prague 2022 Sessionize Event
International Institute of Business Analysis (Kentucky)
Speaker re: elicitation and collaboration with stakeholders -- top strategies for success
dataMinds Connect 2022 Sessionize Event
Iowa Business Analysis Development Day (iBADD Conference)
Business analysis conference re: stakeholder management and collaboration, eliciting software requirements, and remote working strategies
International Institute of Business Analysis (London)
Keynote speaker: Where Do I Go From Here?
Business Analysis Magnified 2022 (Puerto Rico and Birmingham)
Keynote speaker for this annual conference
International Institute of Business Analysis (New Zealand)
Speaker re: best practices for requirements
International Institute of Business Analysis (Albany, New York)
Speaker re: requirements in a remote world
International Institute of Business Analysis (Ireland)
Speaker re: removing remote communication blockers and managing stakeholders in a remote environment
International Institute of Business Analysis (Hawaii)
Speaker: creating requirements during constant change
International Institute of Business Analysis (San Francisco Bay Area)
Speaker re: creating requirements in a remote world
Teammate Live Conference (Phoenix)
TeamMate Live connects you to industry thought leaders, TeamMate's deep-domain experts, and peers from your industry and similar organizations. In 2022, we'll be meeting in person in Scottsdale, Arizona. Join us and earn dozens of CPE credits while learning best practices and techniques that will drive efficiency in your day-to-day audit work.
International Institute of Business Analysis (Edmonton)
Speaker re: creating requirements in a remote world
International Institute of Business Analysis (North Carolina)
Topic: Dealing with Difficult Stakeholders
Annual Festival of Business Analysis (Australia)
Speaker re: creating requirements remotely
International Institute of Business Analysis (Philippines and Kentucky)
Speaker regarding requirements and remote working
Toastmasters International (Guest Speaker)
Guest speaker
Society for Technical Communication (Toronto)
Keynote speaker on several occasions for various topics
HRPA (Human Resources Professional Association) Seminar (Toronto)
Speaker for international best-seller Get the Job: Optimize Your Resume for the Online Job Search
IEEE Seminar (Toronto)
Speaker for international best-seller Get the Job: Optimize Your Resume for the Online Job Search
Cannexus 2015
Speaker providing information on international best-selling book, Get the Job: Optimize Your Resume for the Online Job Search
Editors Association of Canada National Annual Conference (Toronto)
Speaker for international best-seller Get the Job: Optimize Your Resume for the Online Job Search
SIPO Conference (Toronto)
Speaker for +300 attendees for SIPO (Spreading Ideas, Providing Opportunities)
SIPO Conference (Toronto)
Speaker for SIPO (Spreading Ideas, Providing Opportunities) along with other speakers such as Bob Proctor.
University of Guelph Interuniversity Day
Keynote speaker to career development specialists regarding best strategies for resume and career development
City of Toronto Professional Development Seminar
Speaker for international best-seller Get the Job: Optimize Your Resume for the Online Job Search
Toastmasters Annual Conference District 60 (Toronto)
Speaker for international best-seller Get the Job: Optimize Your Resume for the Online Job Search
Society for Technical Communication Conference (Rochester, New York)
Keynote speaker for international best-seller Get the Job: Optimize Your Resume for the Online Job Search
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