Pamela Paterson
International Best-Selling Author, Business Systems Analyst, Project Manager
Ottawa, Canada
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Pamela Paterson, MS, CBAP, PMP, is an internationally recognized best-selling author and senior IT consultant specializing in business analysis and project management. With experience working with over 100 organizations, Pamela has delivered workshops, webinars, and presentations worldwide and authored 10 books, including two international best-sellers: Creating Requirements for Software Projects and Get the Job. Known for her dynamic and award-winning speaking style, she brings a wealth of knowledge from her extensive experience in systems engineering and teaching project management 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/.
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Topics
Enhancing IT Project Success Through Visual Information Design
Wouldn't it be fantastic to get more out of your stakeholders? You could "ask once" and get the requirements without going back and forth over emails or having endless meetings. Learn how this is possible through information design. This presentation explores the transformative power of information design in the development process for IT projects. By applying principles of information design, project teams can achieve higher levels of clarity, engagement, and efficiency. Visual tools such as flowcharts, structured templates, checklists, and data visualization techniques ensure that every aspect of the requirements is covered and easily understood by the project team. This session will delve into practical strategies for incorporating information design into your development process. Join us to discover how a well-designed information approach can lead to more precise requirements, better stakeholder alignment, and ultimately, the successful delivery of IT projects.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the principles of information design and their application in IT projects.
- Learn how to create and use visual documentation.
- Discover techniques for engaging stakeholders through designed information.
Can be presented in a talk or workshop.
Improve Quality in Requirements Using Business Analysis Techniques
Poor requirements are the number one reason IT projects fail, yet how do we create high-quality requirements when stakeholders don't know what they want? Through proven business analysis strategies. Business analysts are specialists in requirements and have well-honed strategies to improve quality at the requirements stage, creating efficiencies throughout the entire SDLC. Not only will stakeholders be more pleased with the requirements, but they will also be more satisfied with the end solution.
Remote Stakeholder Collaboration: Navigate Your Way to Success
Excellent stakeholder collaboration has been cited as one of the key success factors in optimizing and managing projects. It is critical to our success that we understand and navigate stakeholder collaboration effectively. The problem is, how do we do it? How do we overcome inherent problems such as zoomed-out, stressed out stakeholders who don’t participate? What are the different types of stakeholders and how do we deal with each of them? What are the best techniques for each stakeholder type? Join us to learn the top techniques for effective stakeholder collaboration from Pamela Paterson, an expert and international best-selling author in business analysis.
Responding to RFPs: Strategies to Win
Learn the keys to crafting winning RFP responses that secure funding from Pamela Paterson, an award-winning writer and speaker with years of experience in writing, evaluating, and responding to RFPs up to $2B. This session will reveal proven strategies for understanding requirements, creating compelling proposals, and showcasing your value to position your organization as the top choice.
Mastering Systems Thinking: The Key to IT Project Success
Join Pamela Paterson, a renowned global author, speaker, and expert with a master's in IT in systems engineering, for an in-depth webinar on systems thinking. This session will explore how adopting a systems thinking approach can transform your ability to handle complex IT projects by viewing them as interconnected, dynamic systems rather than isolated tasks. Pamela will guide you through practical techniques to identify root causes, understand relationships between various components, and recognize how changes in one area impact the whole system. You’ll learn how to improve problem-solving, decision-making, and adaptability, leading to more effective project outcomes and enhanced collaboration. This webinar is ideal for IT professionals seeking to enhance their strategic thinking and bring a holistic, integrated approach to their work.
Stakeholder Geometry: Slicing and Dicing Dynamics for Effective Elicitation
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.
How to Make Your Stakeholders Talk: Techniques from Professional Interviewers
Navigating stakeholder communication is a critical skill in IT, yet it often feels like walking a tightrope. Striking the perfect balance between encouraging stakeholders to share their insights when needed and ensuring they don't overwhelm the process at other times is a nuanced challenge. Join us as we provide actionable techniques and insights tailored for software projects aiming to optimize stakeholder interactions. This session will cover how to create a structured communication flow that encourages productive input without letting discussions spiral out of control.
Key topics include:
- Techniques for eliciting timely and relevant stakeholder feedback.
- Methods to create a safe and open environment for honest communication.
- Tools and practices to keep conversations focused and on track.
- Strategies to manage and limit unproductive or excessive stakeholder input.
- Balancing diverse perspectives to enhance project outcomes without compromising efficiency.
By the end of this session, you'll be equipped with practical strategies to ensure your stakeholders provide valuable contributions at the right times while maintaining the focus and momentum of your projects. Whether you’re a developer, project manager, or team lead, this session will help you refine your stakeholder communication skills and improve your project's success.
This session can be presented in a one-hour talk, 2 hour workshop, or a half-day session.
Mastering Stakeholder Dynamics: Expert Techniques for Handling Difficult Stakeholders
Managing stakeholder relationships is a crucial aspect of successful software development, but dealing with difficult stakeholders can be particularly challenging. In this session, we will explore advanced strategies to effectively manage and navigate these complex interactions. You will learn how to transform challenging stakeholder relationships into productive collaborations that drive project success.
Key topics include:
- Identifying and understanding the root causes of stakeholder difficulties.
- Techniques for building trust and rapport with challenging stakeholders.
- Communication strategies to address and resolve conflicts.
- Tools and methods to manage stakeholder expectations and demands.
- Leveraging negotiation and influence tactics to achieve project goals.
- Case studies and real-world examples of successfully managing difficult stakeholders.
By the end of this session, you will be equipped with practical, expert-level techniques to handle difficult stakeholders with confidence and ease. You will gain insights into turning potential roadblocks into opportunities for enhanced collaboration and project advancement.
Leveraging AI in the Stakeholder Requirements Process
Traditional requirements elicitation methods often face challenges such as incomplete information, miscommunication, and time constraints. In this context, artificial intelligence (AI) offers the transformative potential to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and depth of requirements elicitation processes. This presentation explores how AI can be effectively utilized to elicit, analyze, refine, and model requirements for software projects. Attendees will gain insights into AI-driven techniques and tools that streamline requirements elicitation, reduce ambiguities, and improve stakeholder communication.
Key Topics Covered:
- Introduction to AI (ChatGPT or Copilot) in requirements elicitation
- Benefits of integrating AI into the requirements elicitation and management process
- AI-driven techniques for requirements elicitation and management
- Addressing common challenges in adopting AI for the requirements lifecycle
By the end of this session, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of how AI can revolutionize the requirements process, leading to more precise, efficient, and stakeholder-aligned software development outcomes.
Creating Requirements with Stakeholders in a Remote World: Overcoming Barriers and Finding Success
Working with stakeholders and creating requirements for IT projects is one of the biggest challenges we have in a remote environment. What do we do, when we can’t rely on “hallway” networking and face-to-face interpersonal skills? A completely remote or hybrid environment can block the flow of communication with our stakeholders. There is a need for us to have a sense of personal agility, whether their workplace culture is agile or not. So, how can we, whether remote or not, continue to deliver the value expected in requirements creation and maintenance amid this constant change? Join us and learn the answers.
Beyond Q&A: Plan and Conduct Stakeholder Interviews Like a Pro
Interviewing is a key technique to elicit information from stakeholders on IT projects. Whether a single stakeholder or a group, knowing how to conduct a professional interview will get us the information and data we need to create requirements, develop processes, and do our other 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 some question types that are better used with individuals than with groups? At the same time, how do we document responses accurately and efficiently? Join us to learn the answers from Pamela Paterson, an IT business analyst and best-selling author.
60 min talk that can be adjusted by event
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 IT business analyst consultant, who has designed unique communication methods that work with stakeholders on IT projects.
Present to Win: Strategies for Stakeholder Success
Ever sat through a presentation that lost you halfway through? You’re not alone—and chances are, the presenter didn’t know how to truly connect with their audience. In IT, where workshops and presentations drive everything from requirements gathering to process development and project management, knowing how to engage stakeholders isn’t optional—it’s essential. That means being intentional about how we plan, design, and deliver every session. When you level up your skills as a visual presenter, you not only capture attention—you boost collaboration, improve elicitation, and help set your projects up for success.
Talk or workshop
DDD Europe, EventCentric, Data Mesh Live - 2025 Sessionize Event Upcoming
Update Conference Krakow 2025 Sessionize Event Upcoming
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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