Listening Through Ambiguity: Lessons from Laura Brandenburg

Bhavana Tadiboina
Apr 17
2 min read

“It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about listening through ambiguity and guiding others toward clarity.”That one line from Laura Brandenburg perfectly captures the essence of real-world project management.

In Episode 9 of Coffee & Project Management, I had the honor of speaking with Laura Brandenburg, CBAP®, ACBA—Founder & CEO of Bridging the Gap. Through her flagship program, The Business Analyst Blueprint®, Laura has helped over 100,000 professionals build practical, real-world business analysis skills. But what stood out most during our conversation wasn’t just her frameworks—it was her philosophy.

Project Managers and Business Analysts: Not Rivals, but Partners

We started with a question many students wrestle with: Where does a project manager’s role end and a business analyst’s begin? Laura’s answer was refreshing: “Start by sitting down and defining how you want to collaborate. Forget textbook definitions—focus on what works for this project.”

In other words, don’t get stuck in job titles. Clarity and alignment come from conversation, not from charts or role descriptions.

The Mistake Many PMs Make: Skipping the “Why”

New project managers often dive into execution—tasks, schedules, and deadlines. But Laura urges us to zoom out and ask: Why are we doing this?“What’s the problem we’re solving? What value are we delivering?”This mindset shift—from implementation to intention—is what separates project coordinators from strategic leaders.

Visuals Over Verbiage: Tools That Spark Conversation

Documents are great. But they don’t build alignment—conversations do. And what sparks those conversations? Visuals.Wireframes, process maps, mockups—even rough sketches. These tools aren’t just “nice to have”—they’re essential for avoiding costly misunderstandings later. As Laura said, “When stakeholders see it, they respond. You get clarity before it’s built—not after it’s broken.”

Ambiguity Is the Norm. Listening Is the Edge.

Perhaps the most powerful part of our discussion was Laura’s take on soft skills. While textbooks talk about “communication,” Laura focused on a skill often overlooked: listening.“Early in a project, nothing is clear. And that’s okay. Your job is to hold space for ambiguity and help reduce it step by step.”

It’s this emotional intelligence—this ability to stay grounded in the gray—that sets exceptional PMs apart.

Her Advice to Aspiring PMs? Don’t Go It Alone.

Many of us feel the pressure to “figure it all out” on our own. Laura’s advice? Don’t.Find a coach. Join a community. Surround yourself with people who’ve been there. That support isn’t optional—it’s how you grow with confidence.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a student or aspiring project manager struggling to connect classroom theory to real-world practice, this episode is a must-listen.

Laura reminds us that the best project managers aren’t defined by certifications or tools. They’re defined by their ability to collaborate, to ask the right questions, to listen, and to lead with empathy. Because in the end, project management isn’t about following the book—it’s about delivering value, building clarity, and growing with your team.