Blueprints for Success: Episode 35 with Scott Brooker.

Hosted by Deirdre Caren on Agora Insights' Blueprints for Success: Enterprise Architecture - Information Concepts, Value Proposition, Skills and Mindset of Enterprise Architects.

Introduction

I had the pleasure of chatting with Scott Brooker, Head of Global Enterprise Architecture at Premier Tech, a seasoned enterprise business architect and analyst with a strong track record in driving strategic initiatives and fostering innovation within organizations.?

We explored the critical role of enterprise architects in navigating the complexities of business architecture. With over 26 years of experience in the field, Scott shared his insights on the importance of information concepts, the value proposition of enterprise architects as guardians of institutional knowledge, and the essential skills and mindset for aspiring enterprise architects. His perspectives remind us afresh how these elements contribute to successful outcomes in today's dynamic business environment.

Let's get started...

Background

Scott's journey into enterprise architecture has been shaped by his commitment to understanding the intricacies of business and technology. Based in Quebec, Canada, Scott has dedicated his career to fostering collaboration and clarity within organizations. At Premier Tech, he has focused on integrating business architecture with enterprise architecture to create a cohesive framework that drives strategic initiatives. A noteworthy example of this integration can be seen in a recent project where Scott's team worked to redefine the terminology used within their business applications. By shifting from referring to equipment as "assets" to "customer equipment," they were able to better align their information management with customer needs. This change not only clarified the purpose of their data but also enhanced the overall value proposition by ensuring that all stakeholders had a shared understanding of the terms used. By clarifying this change communication and collaboration improved?across the organization.

Corporate Change and Mergers:?Scott shares an early experience from his career when he worked in a corporate change team, specifically during a merger of four different telephone companies. This experience taught him the importance of understanding how organizations function and the roles within them. He realized that while they successfully aligned business processes, there was a lack of need for a corporate change team afterward. This experience highlighted the necessity for business analysts and architects to seek clarity around business outcomes and desired deliverables to prevent naivety in future projects.

Three Key Topics

1. Information Concepts

Scott highlighted the significance of information concepts in enterprise architecture. He explained that these concepts serve as a common language that enables teams to communicate effectively. He stated, "Without alignment around information concepts, you end up having a bunch of people collecting a bunch of information and then trying to connect it all together." This misalignment can lead to confusion and inefficiency. By establishing clear definitions and frameworks for information, organizations can enhance collaboration and ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding project goals and objectives. Scott iterates these three Cs: Communicate to calibrate. Calibrate to collaborate.

2. The Value Proposition of Enterprise Architects as Guardians of Institutional Knowledge

Scott articulated the essential role of enterprise architects as custodians of institutional knowledge. He explained, "We are the guardians of the institutional knowledge," emphasizing the importance of collecting and curating information that informs decision-making. By creating relationships among various data sets, enterprise architects provide valuable insights that help leaders understand customer needs, stakeholder expectations, and market dynamics. Scott's perspective reinforces the idea that enterprise architects are not just technical resources; they are strategic partners who enable organizations to make informed decisions and drive value.

3. The Skills and Mindset Needed for Aspiring Enterprise Architects

For those looking to enter the field of enterprise architecture, Scott offered valuable advice. He emphasized the importance of curiosity and a strong foundation in both business and technology. He stated, "If you're a curious person, you're gonna make a great architect." Aspiring architects should focus on understanding core principles of business analysis and architecture, as this knowledge will empower them to communicate effectively with stakeholders. Additionally, Scott encouraged seeking mentorship and being open to introspection, as these practices foster personal and professional growth.

• The Role of Storytelling in Skills Development:?Scott emphasizes the need for a return to storytelling as a critical skill for business analysts and enterprise architects. He notes that while technical skills and the generation of artifacts (like project plans and requirement documents) are important, the art of conversation and storytelling is becoming a lost skill. He believes that storytelling helps in articulating ideas and engaging others, which is essential for effective communication in a business context.
• Adapting to AI and Skill Development:?Scott discusses the impact of AI on the industry and the necessity for professionals to adapt their skill sets. He points out that while AI can generate content and artifacts quickly, individuals must still develop soft skills, critical thinking, and reasoning abilities. He stresses the importance of being prepared for massive changes and knowing what to learn in response to these shifts. "The onus is on us to have precision of language" Scott emphasized because "AI is going to feed AI?at a much faster pace than we can do..."
• Managerial Courage:?He speaks about "managerial courage" as a vital but often overlooked skill. This involves having the courage to ask critical questions like "Why now?" and understanding the implications of not taking action. This perspective is important for business analysts and architects to avoid becoming mere order takers and instead act as thought leaders who drive meaningful conversations.

Ten Learning Points

1. Information concepts provide a common language for effective communication within teams.

2. Misalignment around information can lead to confusion and inefficiency in projects.

3. Enterprise architects serve as guardians of institutional knowledge, enhancing decision-making.

4. Curating and connecting data sets is essential for providing valuable insights.

5. A strong foundation in business and technology is crucial for aspiring architects.

6. Curiosity drives innovation and fosters a culture of learning.

7. Why? Why Now? and How? are all critical questions.

8. Understanding core principles of business analysis and business architecture?is essential for effective communication.

9. Introspection helps identify areas for growth and improvement.

10. Strategic orientation and direction with the ability to execute is a combination to be sought after because enterprise architects play a strategic role in aligning organizational objectives with project outcomes.

Close

Reflecting on my conversation with Scott, it is evident that the role of enterprise architects is evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly changing business landscape. By focusing on information concepts, safeguarding institutional knowledge, and cultivating the right skills and mindset, enterprise architects can drive meaningful change within their organizations. Scott's insights serve as a valuable guide for both current and aspiring professionals in the field, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, clarity, and strategic thinking.

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About Scott

Scott Brooker is the Global Enterprise Architecture Director at Premier Tech, where he has been instrumental in integrating business architecture with enterprise architecture for over five years. Scott has developed a strong foundation in business analysis, application architecture, and enterprise architecture. He is known for his emphasis on fostering curiosity, collaboration, and clarity within organizations. Connect with Scott on LinkedIn.

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