Please note that this event has been rescheduled to the 3rd February 2026.
In-person session with Robert Snyder: Imitating the Empathetic Arts
The International Institute of Business Analysis UK Chapter (IIBA UK) is delighted to welcome you to an uplifting and thought-provoking session that explores how business analysis professionals can draw inspiration from the empathetic arts. What better way to start the year than with fresh ideas, creative energy, and a chance to shake off the winter blues?
Why attend this session?
As Business Analysis professionals, it’s common to casually hear (or casually use) references to the performing arts. These phrases include: following a script, winging it off-script, and being “in sync.”
How far could we take this metaphor of the performing arts? Why would we lean into the arts?
This session proposes a suite of culture traits that we can use if we want to imitate a symphony, an improvisation ensemble, a dance couple, and a theatre production. We’ll explore two more people-centric metaphors: parenting and the martial art of Aikido.
To many, empathy is a buzzword. Let’s pursue rigor, habits, culture, economics, and the inspiration of these arts to make empathy part of our muscle memory. We’ll learn that empathy and discipline are not opposing forces. They are fantastic partners that give you a collaborative advantage and career mobility.
Themes we'll explore
- Parenting
- Aikido
- Improvisation
- Music
- Dance
- Theatre
Learning Objective
- Gain fresh language, metaphors, and inspiration to help you imitate the empathetic arts in your professional practice.
Agenda:
- 6:00 - 6:10 PM: Chapter announcements and author introduction
- 6:10 - 7:00 PM: Featured session with Robert Snyder: Imitating the Empathetic Arts
- 7:00 - 7:05 PM: Comfort break
- 7:05 - 7:45 PM: Featured Session with Robert Snyder: beginner's salsa lesson, exploring non-verbal communication and collaboration
- 7:45 - 8:00 PM: Open discussion and insights taken from the culture of partner dance.
- 8:00 - 8:45 PM: Networking and refreshments.
Please note: the venue does not have step-free access. If you have accessibility needs, please contact us.
Investment
- IIBA members: free registration - log into your IIBA account to access full discount.
- Non-IIBA members: £10 per person.
Speaker
Robert Snyder is the founder and president of Innovation Elegance, LLC. His thirty-year career spans roles such as developer, project management, change management, sales enablement, and the performing arts. His career path includes corporate roles, consulting roles, startups, PMP, and Agile certifications. He’s performed in numerous vocal, dance, and theatre ensembles. Robert earned his BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois and his MBA in Strategy from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Robert is publishing a series of books on innovation methodology.
- “Innovation Elegance: Transcending Agile with Ruthlessness and Grace” (available now)
- “Innovation Portfolio: Five Verbs Shape Your Team’s Legacy” (available now)
- “Elegant Leadership: Distinguishing the Good, the Bad, and the False” (coming up in 2026!)