Episode 31 highlights perfectly the impact the structure, strategy, and cultural intelligence that results from a well designed and supported Business Partnering function.

I was joined by Stuart Fairweather, IT Business Partner for a Japanese pharmaceutical manufacturer, to explore how he built and embedded a Business Partnering Framework across EMEA - and what it takes to make it stick.

1️⃣ Building the Framework

Stuart and his Head of IT Business Partnering designed a phased rollout plan that positioned BRMs as the focal point for IT-related queries. The result? A clear, trusted bridge between IT, the PMO, and business leadership - ensuring every project aligns with strategy and purpose.

2️⃣ Beyond the Buzz

When it comes to AI, Stuart’s approach is grounded in pragmatism. He cautioned against chasing trends without business context, instead focusing on practical, value-driven applications that enable real growth.

3️⃣ Tracking What Matters

His team uses a SharePoint-based Business Partner Tracker - a simple yet powerful tool for managing relationships, capturing demand, and communicating IT value. It’s become a visible proof-point of how structured BRM engagement accelerates trust and delivery.

4️⃣ Global Perspective, Local Respect

Having worked extensively in Japan, Stuart shared how cultural intelligence underpins effective partnership - listening first, respecting hierarchy, and adapting communication styles to suit the audience. It’s a reminder that the best BRMs are learners before they are leaders.

Watch full episode here;

🎧 https://youtu.be/RaI-pkf6pso

This episode shows how structure, discipline, and cultural awareness can turn business partnering from concept to capability - creating clarity, connection, and measurable impact across regions.

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• Bridging Two Worlds – Why ITBPs are translators and “marriage counsellors,” bringing business and IT together through people skills, not just technical know-how.

• From Transactional to Strategic – Maryam’s shift into digital transformation, portfolio prioritization, and 2026 strategic planning.

• Proving IT’s Value – Using a value matrix to show IT’s impact on revenue and customer experience, and the implications of IT reporting directly to the CFO.

• Defining the Role – Why frameworks, stakeholder understanding, and adaptability are essential for ITBPs to succeed.

Maryam’s story is a powerful reminder that the ITBP role is about more than delivery — it’s about vision, influence, and demonstrating IT’s value as a true business partner.

Our Guest, Maryam Jawad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryam-jawad-259101a0/

#ITBusinessPartner #CIO #BRM #TheBusinessPartnerPodcast

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• Building Credibility – Christina’s journey from a technical background to BRM leadership, supported by certifications, community, and perseverance.

• Protecting the Function – How to safeguard BRM during leadership changes by proving ROI, aligning to strategy, and influencing major initiatives.

• Demonstrating ROI – Using rigorous financial models to validate proposals, save millions, and strengthen BRM credibility.

• Evolving the Role – From operational delivery to enterprise advisory, plus driving cultural change through mentorship, “culture crews,” and preparing BAs for leadership roles.

Christina also shares her excitement about opening BRM Connect (22-Sep) and her vision for empowering the next generation of BRMs.

If you’re looking for practical strategies to prove BRM value, protect the role, and drive cultural change, this episode is packed with insights.

Ready to join the conversation? Join our Community for further insights from peers and experts within the field: www.bpn.goagora.org

#ITBusinessPartner #CIO #BRMConnect #BusinessRelationshipManagement

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What happens when a CIO truly sees the value of Business Relationship Management?

In this episode, I’m joined by Bob Thiele, CIO of the City of Fort Wayne, and Megan Diehm, IT Business Relationship Manager, to unpack the BRM role from a CIO’s perspective. Together, they share how trust, sponsorship, and proof of value turned BRMs into one of IT’s most strategic assets.

We cover:

• Proving the Model – from project management roots to 200% process improvements

• Earning Sponsorship – building trust through ROI, cost reduction, and alignment

• Reaping the Benefits – how BRMs enabled faster decisions and stronger collaboration

• Raising the Profile – elevating BRMs from “order-takers” to trusted advisors

This is a real-world example of how CIO leadership + BRM excellence can transform IT’s role in driving strategy, innovation, and outcomes that matter.

🎧 Listen on Apple / Spotify

📹 Join the #BusinessPartnerNetwork conversation: https://bpn.goagora.org/

#BRM #CIO #Leadership #ITBusinessPartner #TheITBusinessPartnerPlaybook

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Ricardo shares how his team drives value across five business units and ten geographies — balancing strategy, transparency, and trust in an industry navigating disruption.

We cover:

Strategy & Portfolio Management – charging models, KPIs, and value measurement

From Gatekeeper to Connector – evolving perceptions of BRM

OKRs & Transparency – breaking silos and boosting motivation

Career Journey – lessons from development, product ownership, and analysis

Industry Challenges – oil & gas underdogs, renewables, and investor expectations

This episode highlights how BRMs can act as connectors, building trust while enabling transformation in even the most complex and regulated sectors.

You can also find a write-up of this podcast on the Business Partner Network https://bpn.goagora.org/

#BRM #ITBusinessPartner #Leadership #Strategy #TheITBusinessPartnerPlaybook

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Megan shares how her team implemented Notion to track relationships, analyze trends, and demonstrate value — shifting conversations from cost to impact. We also dig into:

• Building high-trust teams with problem-solving models and book clubs

• Balancing tools vs. skills in BRM success

• Public sector challenges and why CIO sponsorship matters

• How curiosity and accountability remain the core of the BRM role

📹 Watch now and join the #BusinessPartnerNetwork conversation: https://bpn.goagora.org/

#BRM #ITBusinessPartner #Leadership #TheITBusinessPartnerPlaybook

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In this episode of the IT Business Partner Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dan Verona, Business Integration & Relationship Manager at the College of American Pathologists. Dan shared his journey from analytics and development into the business partnering space, where his focus has shifted from tactical operations to driving strategic collaboration.

Find Dan here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danvorona/

As always, we’re really keen to hear how you capture and showcase your BRM wins! Please share. We don’t bite. Unless we’re super hungry. Do you see similarities between BRM and sales in your own practice? Let’s share experiences and insights in the comments. Or better still, on the #BusinessPartnerNetwork – where all these podcasts, write-ups and general BP conversations are being held https://bpn.goagora.org/

#BRM #Leadership #TheITBusinessPartnerPlaybook

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Welcome to episode 24! Exploring trust, technology alignment, and how one public sector BRM team is using Notion to amplify value.

In this episode of the IT Business Partner Podcast, I spoke with Megan Diehm, a Business Relationship Manager at Resultant, who leads a team serving the public sector in Fort Wayne, US. With five years in the BRM role and a background in project management, Megan shared how her team is maturing their practice, building strategic influence, and embracing new tools to work smarter.

1️⃣ Notion for BRMs – From Concept to Impact

Megan gave a behind-the-scenes look at implementing Notion as their workflow management hub - replacing SharePoint and Loop. Centralized information, AI features, and integration with Microsoft tools have created transparency, improved trend identification, and helped the team deliver more value to stakeholders.

2️⃣ Building Trust from the Ground Up

Starting with entry-level conversations, Megan works to understand each department’s mission, vision, and culture. She hires for curiosity and soft skills over technical expertise - creating a team that builds trust through empathy, consistency, and a people-first approach.

3️⃣ The Public Sector’s Tech Shift

From evolving infrastructure and application needs to the growing role of AI, Megan stressed that agility and human expertise must go hand in hand. She predicts that the next two years will be about better defining success metrics while adapting tech for diverse public sector requirements.

4️⃣ Clear Communication Wins

Whether simplifying policy documents or breaking down technical jargon, Megan and I agreed: clarity builds trust. In cybersecurity especially, shifting from “restrictive” to “protective” policies has transformed how users perceive governance.

5️⃣ Strategic Recognition from Leadership

Under new leadership, Megan’s team earned strong CIO support by multiplying his impact - acting as trusted partners who enable his vision. Focused BRM training with Jeff Warren has strengthened the team’s confidence, alignment, and strategic positioning.

6️⃣ Advice for BRMs in the Field

Megan shared her guidance for those facing challenges: have the tough conversations, check your blind spots, focus on the 80/20 priorities, and build credibility with small wins. Resilience and consistent presence matter more than quick victories.

You can Find Megan here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/megandiehm/

Our conversation showcases how BRMs can blend human connection with modern tools to create real, measurable impact - especially in complex, mission-driven environments like the public sector.

Ready to chime in?

Are you using tools in your BRM practice? We’d love to hear! In this case, it made a huge difference to an already impressive BRM capability. And its helping showcase the value of Business Partnering, which is still, sadly, a huge struggle in so many organizations.

#ITBusinessPartner #BRM #DigitalTransformation #TheITBusinessPartnerPodast #BusinessPartnerNetwork

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Welcome to episode 23! A journey into grey space, stakeholder influence, and the evolving impact of business partnering at scale.

In this episode of the IT Business Partner Playbook Podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Gavin Galloway, an IT Business Partner at Rolls-Royce (US). Gavin joined the role mid-pandemic in 2020 - without much prior exposure to business partnering. He has since carved a thoughtful, strategic path through mentorship, reflection, and persistence.

1️⃣ Navigating the Grey Space:

Gavin describes the BRM role as living in the “grey” - where formal authority doesn’t exist, but influence is everything. He shared how he had to quickly develop a working knowledge of frameworks, stakeholder dynamics, and organizational complexity - all while remote.

2️⃣ Stakeholder Management Tools & CRM Thinking:

To stay on top of exec needs and business priorities, Gavin uses tailored stakeholder templates - acting like a CRM for relationship tracking. He stressed the importance of documenting lessons and insights, so new team members don’t have to start from scratch.

3️⃣ Value Through Financial Fluency:

We explored how financial understanding can elevate a BRM’s value. Gavin’s self-taught approach to aligning tech and finance has helped him earn trust and influence key investment decisions.

4️⃣ Collaboration & the Power of Face-to-Face:

Gavin and I discussed the real-world impact of in-person interaction for building trust, especially in global teams. From cultural understanding to spontaneous innovation, these touchpoints often accelerate delivery and deepen relationships. Gavin is now working on a white paper to help quantify this value.

5️⃣ Enabling Future BRMs:

We explored training and mentoring approaches within Rolls-Royce, emphasizing the need for vertical knowledge, hands-on learning, and passing down experience purposefully. Gavin also acknowledged that not every BRM journey looks the same - and that’s okay.

6️⃣ Breaking Silos & Creating Space:

We challenged the idea of BRMs as gatekeepers and instead framed them as connectors. Gavin shared how he’s learned to let go of “owning” the relationship and instead enable others to flourish through collaboration.

Listen to the full episode to hear how Gavin is influencing change, redefining value, and helping to shape the future of BRM at one of the world’s most iconic engineering organizations.

This episode reflects the evolving, high-stakes nature of BRM work - especially in complex, regulated sectors like defence. It’s about agility, emotional maturity, and using every insight as fuel for influence.

#BRM

#BusinessPartnerNetwork

#Leadership

https://bpn.goagora.org/

Find our Highlights and podcast article on the BPN. Gavin will also be sharing his whitepaper here, once approved.

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Welcome to episode 22! Government, governance, and the real-world evolution of BRM. 

🎙️ In this episode of the IT Business Partner Playbook Podcast, I had a fantastic conversation with Steve, a Business Relationship Manager working in the UK government’s Department for Transport. We explored the unique dynamics of public sector BRM work - where formal structure meets human connection - and how Steve is navigating both with practical wisdom and an eye toward innovation. 

💡 Key Highlights: 

1️⃣ From Project Delivery to Strategic BRM: 

Steve shared his career journey from local and central government roles into business partnering, describing how he's redefined his role from traditional delivery into strategic influence. With support from leadership, he’s been able to set boundaries, clarify value, and build credibility. 

2️⃣ Data-Driven BRM in Action: 

We discussed the challenge of leveraging existing data (like software usage and delivery metrics) to offer more strategic insights to the business. Steve shared how trust and understanding play a vital role in getting traction across diverse teams - from infrastructure to digital. 

3️⃣ The Advisory Evolution: 

Steve is shifting from service provider to trusted advisor - balancing steering group involvement with a continuous effort to stay connected to broader business priorities and policies. 

4️⃣ AI & Practical Tools: 

Steve is using AI (like ChatGPT) to support bid reviews and stakeholder insights, while recognizing the need for critical oversight. We also explored the development of an insight library - a simple but powerful way to share knowledge, sharpen strategic thinking, and plan more effectively. 

5️⃣ Mentorship, Networking & Growth: 

From mentoring future BRMs to engaging with major players like Google and Microsoft, Steve brings a people-first mindset to every interaction. His advice? Stay curious, communicate openly, and use BRM competencies as your guide for continuous development. 

You can find Steve on LinkedIn Here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-conlon-b935bb137/

This episode is packed with honest insights from the front lines of government BRM. If you're a BRM navigating complexity, or a leader looking to understand the strategic potential of the role - this one’s for you. 

📢 Your Turn: 

Are you building a BRM capability in a highly governed or regulated environment? How are you using AI or data to support your stakeholders? I’d love to hear your stories - let’s keep learning from each other. 

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In this episode of The IT Business Partner Playbook, I’m joined by Jay – a seasoned IT professional whose career path has taken him from typewriter repairs to enterprise-level strategy.

Jay brings deep insight into the evolving role of Business Relationship Management and the reality of embedding value practices inside complex organizations.

🔹 From Tech Troubleshooter to Strategic Partner

Jay shared his unconventional start in IT and how it shaped his approach to partnership, empathy, and communication. His transition into a Business Relationship Manager role was both opportunistic and intentional – and filled with practical lessons for anyone making the leap from operations to strategy.

🔹 Standing Up a BRM Function

We explored how Jay helped develop the BRM capability – with early support from the CIO and inspiration from the BRM Institute. Over time, they built their own frameworks, overcame resistance, and positioned themselves to influence innovation initiatives across the business.

🔹 Balancing IT and Business Relationships

Jay stressed the importance of staying close to both camps – business and IT. We discussed how credibility with delivery teams is often overlooked, and why BRMs and Business Partners must act as interpreters and translators, not just connectors.

🔹 Owning Value, Not Projects

Jay reflected on the need to rationalise demand early – starting with business intent and outcomes before bringing in technical teams. While BRMs don't manage projects, they do own the value – and play a critical role in protecting organizational resources.

🔹 Getting Business to Step Up

One key takeaway: technology projects fail when business ownership is missing. Jay and I spoke about how critical it is to involve stakeholders from the start, and how demand shaping and scope control are essential for long-term success.

🔹 From Tactical Wins to Strategic Influence

Jay shared how BRM success starts at the tactical level – solving real problems, building trust – and evolves into strategic collaboration once credibility is earned.

🔹 Mentorship and BRM Confidence

Jay also spoke passionately about mentoring emerging professionals, and how confidence, clarity, and a good elevator pitch can set a new BRM on the right track.

This episode is packed with practical insight – especially for Business Partners working to earn trust, build credibility, and move their organizations from firefighting to forward-thinking.

My thanks to Jay for joining me and sharing so openly in this conversation. You can find his linked in here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-benoit-brm/

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🎙️ “From Lawless to Strategic: Redefining the BRM Role with Dr. Shellie”

In this compelling episode of The IT Business Partner Playbook, I’m joined by Dr. Shellie Bowman, a thoughtful and experienced Business Relationship Manager whose career has spanned public leadership, program management, and business transformation.

Together, we explore what it means to truly understand the BRM role - and how to navigate the “lawless” spaces many of us find ourselves in when the path isn’t clearly defined.

🔹 Discovering the BRM Role

Shellie shared how he was already doing the work of a BRM long before holding the title - and why the title itself finally felt like “home.”

🔹 Building Credibility in Unfamiliar Territory

From gaining stakeholder trust to navigating IT politics, Shellie reflected on what it takes to sell the BRM value internally - and how certifications, while not perfect, can provide structure and credibility.

🔹 Failing Successfully & Financial Strategy

One of the standout moments: how Shellie worked with a CTO to cut running costs, boosting profits by almost 2% - and how that strategic win raised the profile of the BRM team.

🔹 Resilience, Thick Skin & Culture Change

We talked about the personal side of BRM work - why confidence, clarity, and relationship-building matter as much as frameworks and KPIs.

🔹 Strategy on a Page & Roadshows

Shellie shared practical tools like his “strategy on a page” approach, and how BRM leaders can run roadshows to evangelize their mission, align teams, and build community.

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From Scientist to Strategic BRM: A Journey of Value and Vision 

In this energizing episode, I sit down with Sahil, a former diagnostics scientist turned IT Business Partner, who shares how blending science, technology, and business helped him transform from a tactical problem-solver into a strategic advisor. 

Sahil’s journey offers a practical and inspiring look at how modern BRMs can earn trust, drive strategy, and connect people across the enterprise. 

1️⃣ The Career Shift 

Sahil walks us through his unexpected transition from the science lab to enterprise IT. What started as a passion for tech-enabled healthcare evolved into a full-fledged BRM career - proving that curiosity and a business mindset can open powerful doors. 

2️⃣ BRM as a Strategic Connector 

From working across regions and functions to scouting emerging technologies like AI, Sahil describes how BRMs can break silos and create alignment. His role isn’t just about translating - it’s about initiating, connecting, and driving innovation. 

3️⃣ The Role of Trust 

Before BRMs can influence strategy, they must first deliver tactical value. Sahil emphasizes how trust is earned incrementally: by showing up, solving real problems, and building credibility - especially in matrixed or decentralized organizations. 

4️⃣ Structures That Work 

Sahil shares how he balances stakeholder engagement, tech exploration, and relationship building - using his own time management framework. He also explains how organizations with strong PMOs and portfolio governance can amplify BRM impact without redundancy. 

5️⃣ People Before Process 

Throughout the episode, Sahil returns to a central theme: relationships come first. The best strategies fail without human connection. BRMs, he argues, must master the emotional and cultural dynamics that drive adoption, collaboration, and long-term value. 

✨ Whether you’re new to the BRM role or charting your path toward CIO-level influence, Sahil’s perspective is grounded, practical, and motivating. 

Which part hit home for you? Drop your thoughts below or message me if you’d like to share your own BRM journey on the podcast. 

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We're thrilled to introduce Miguel Cockburn as the new host of our upcoming Spanish-language edition of The IT Business Partner Playbook - a platform designed to bring authentic, regional stories to life across Latin America.

In this special episode, I speak with Miguel about his 30+ year career journey, from engineer to regional IT director and BRM capability champion. His story is one of evolution, trust-building, and quiet leadership across multiple countries, cultures, and business functions.

Covered in this episode;

🔹 Miguel shares how he moved from being perceived as “just IT” to becoming a valued strategic partner.

🔹 He reflects on earning trust in a matrixed organisation – where he compensated authority, with deep business knowledge.

🔹 He explains why focusing on people, outcomes, and value matters more than job titles or budget lines.

🔹 And he tells us what inspired him to put so much effort into supporting the Spanish community – including hosting this podcast.

Miguel’s calm, relational, and humble leadership style is exactly what this role, and this region, needs more of. I’m really excited to see where takes this platform!

📣 If you're a BRM or IT business partner working in Latin America, we want to hear your story!

In your language, on your terms.

Let’s build a space where Business Partners across the region can learn from each other and feel truly seen.

Find Miguel Here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguel-cockburn/

If interested in sharing your story in Spanish on the podcast, please reach out. Miguel and I would love to connect!

#BRM #LatinAmerica #SpanishPodcast

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Welcome to episode 17! In this heartfelt and insightful episode, I chat with Scott Hudson, an IT Business Partner in the US healthcare sector, about the real-world dynamics of partnership in a local hospital setting.

1️⃣ Evolving the Role - We discussed how Scott’s work is shifting from ticket-taker to trusted advisor, supported by a CIO who understands the value of BRM.

2️⃣ Building Trust at Every Level - From field engineers to directors, Scott shares how approachability and emotional maturity are the true indicators of impact.

3️⃣ Validation and Recognition - Why presence matters more than perfection, and how quiet success often speaks loudest.

4️⃣ Formalizing the Informal - Scott’s move toward structured value discussions and relationship-building rituals.

5️⃣ The Power of Personal Stories - A moving reflection on how authentic human connection, especially in hard times, can shape the way we show up at work.

Scott also opened up about the sometimes-isolating nature of the BRM role and the need for stronger peer connections, both inside and outside the organisation.

Listen or watch here (and don't forge to Follow/Subscribe, to avoid missing future episodes!);

Find our Guest, Scott Hudson, Here:

www.linkedin.com/in/scott-hudson-it

If you're navigating the evolving expectations of business partnering, or just looking for a fresh, honest voice in the BRM community, this episode should resonate with you.

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments, and feel free to reach out to me or Scott. And if you'd like to take part, get in touch! Not only are we helping the community, we're helping each other! I'm personally learning so much. But more importantly, by sharing and reflecting, our guests come away with fresh ideas they can take away and develop. Win Win Win!

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How Alina Chin built a BRM function from scratch, led 12 business units, and is navigating a BRM career transition

In this insightful and light-hearted episode of The IT Business Partner Playbook, I’m joined by Alina Chin, a seasoned Business Relationship Manager based in Canada, with a background in supply chain, customer relations, and building Virtual Relationship Management from the ground up.

Alina shares her BRM journey, the lessons she learned supporting a whopping 12 business units, and the challenges of navigating change after a sudden leadership shakeup.

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1️⃣ Building a BRM Function from the Ground Up

Alina walked us through how she established a VRM function from scratch—starting with informal conversations, building trust with senior leaders, and aligning IT with business units through structured engagement and cadence meetings.

2️⃣ Bridging the Business-IT Divide

From managing legacy issues to translating between business expectations and IT capabilities, Alina offered an honest look at the “marriage counseling” nature of the BRM role. She emphasized the need for empathy, communication, and a shared language.

3️⃣ Restructuring Realities and Career Transitions

Alina reflected on her experience when a reorg led to the departure of her biggest champion (the CIO). She shared how that impacted the BRM function and her decision to transition, offering relatable advice for others navigating uncertain moments in their careers.

4️⃣ Demonstrating Value with Tangible Outcomes

We talked about strategies to protect and promote the BRM role—through early stakeholder engagement, quarterly impact reports, and sharing success stories that tie directly to business outcomes.

5️⃣ Advice for Aspiring BRMs

Alina shared tips for those entering the BRM profession, including:

· Investing in frameworks from the BRM Institute

· Honing project management and soft skills

· Understanding the evolving expectations of the role

---

Looking Ahead: Alina’s story reminds us that resilience, relationships, and relevance are the BRM’s best tools. If you’re building—or rebuilding—a BRM career, this episode is packed with wisdom, empathy, and practical takeaways.

Listen in, and if this resonates, reach out. Let’s build the BRM community together.

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Welcome to episode 15! Building Influence, Managing Transitions, and Connecting the Dots with Michelle Momberg

🎙️ In this week’s episode of The IT Business Partner Playbook Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Michelle, a seasoned Business Relationship Manager with nearly three decades in IT—and a remarkable journey spanning retail and global law.

Michelle has been working as a BRM since 2017, and her story reflects the depth, complexity, and resilience required to succeed in this evolving profession.

1️⃣ Navigating Transitions in a Shifting Landscape

Michelle spoke candidly about her transition from a high-paced retail environment to the global legal sector, where she now serves as the sole BRM at Dentons—supporting 160 offices across 82 countries. From adapting to remote work and different time zones to aligning global needs, her journey reflects the adaptability and empathy that define high-maturity BRM roles.

2️⃣ Creating Business Value Through Connection and Clarity

Michelle shared her approach to mapping business processes, identifying improvement opportunities, and tracking progress through clear documentation and dashboards. We explored how BRMs act as connectors—linking needs to solutions—and how visibility and strategic alignment are key to demonstrating long-term value.

3️⃣ Lessons in Leadership, Sponsorship, and Staying Relevant

We dove into the importance of executive sponsorship and what it takes to embed BRM as a strategic function. Michelle reflected on the emotional and professional challenges of redundancy and finding new roles, offering advice on networking, stakeholder empathy, and keeping your skills sharp.

4️⃣ Community, Culture, and the Power of Perspective

From managing external vendors to navigating complex cultures, Michelle emphasized the need to understand what drives people—and how to bridge gaps with kindness, clarity, and confidence. We closed with a shared commitment to building a stronger BRM community, where connection and shared insight pave the way forward.

📹 Watch here →

📹 https://youtu.be/1msLLUZ_Qyk

Michelle reminds us that BRMs don’t just manage relationships—they illuminate paths forward. If you're navigating a transition or working to strengthen your role, let this episode be your reminder: dream big, connect deeply, and never stop learning.

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Welcome to our special episode! Navigating career transitions, resilience in the BRM profession, and lessons from the job market.

🎙️ In this special episode of The IT Business Partner Playbook Podcast, I sat down again with James Rowbotham a BRM veteran with over eight years of experience across multiple organisations.

James previously joined us in episode two, and today, he shares his journey through unexpected job loss, navigating the job market, and the realities of restructuring in the BRM profession. His story is one of resilience, adaptability, and the lessons learned along the way.

1️⃣ The Reality of Restructuring and Job Loss

James recounted his experience of joining a new organisation, only for the BRM function to be dismantled after just eight weeks. He highlighted the shock of redundancy and the importance of recognising that job loss has little bearing on personal performance.

2️⃣ Strategies for Demonstrating BRM Value

We explored how different companies view BRMs. James emphasised the importance of executive sponsorship in ensuring BRM longevity. A key takeaway was the importance of BRMs showcasing their impact. We discussed how solidifying BRM as a core function within a company, makes it less susceptible to cuts.

3️⃣ Lessons from the Job Search Process

James shared insights from his job hunt, including the challenges of interviewing in a competitive market. He stressed the importance of asking the right questions in interviews, to not only understand the role, but assess whether a company truly understands and values the BRM role.

4️⃣ Navigating the Emotional Side of Career Transitions

James spoke candidly about the emotional toll of job loss and the resilience needed to push forward. He emphasised the power of networking, continuous development, and staying confident in one’s skills and value as a BRM. He also reminded us to be open to different roles, and to always look for learning opportunities throughout the process.

Watch here →

📹 https://youtu.be/c4lPpt90620

🌟 Looking Ahead:

This episode is a reminder that career setbacks are not reflections of ability but rather opportunities to reassess, adapt, and grow. If you’re navigating a similar transition, please feel free to each out. You're not alone, and the best route to your next opportunity is via your network.

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Welcome to episode 13! Developing the BRM capability and driving strategic impact.

🎙️ In the latest episode of The IT Business Partner Playbook Podcast, I was joined by Mohammed Muslim, a Business Relationship Manager (#BRM) at Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar. Muslim shared his journey into BRM, the challenges of establishing the function in a large healthcare organisation, and the importance of community-driven learning.

1️⃣ Transitioning into the BRM Role

With over 28 years in healthcare and IT project management, Muslim’s transition into BRM was natural. He had always been a relationship builder, and while he initially wasn’t familiar with the title, he immediately felt at home in the role.

2️⃣ Building Awareness & Overcoming Challenges

Muslim and his team faced early struggles in defining the BRM function within a 40,000-employee organisation. The pandemic slowed adoption, and many stakeholders initially misunderstood the role. Through internal campaigns and executive sponsorship, they worked to increase awareness and reposition BRMs as strategic advisors, not coordinators.

3️⃣ The Role of BRMs in Strategy & IT Alignment

Muslim discussed the delicate balance of managing business expectations, IT capabilities, and governance. He shared how BRMs educate business leaders on IT constraints, and IT leaders on business needs, to ensure all initiatives deliver value and are aligned to strategy

4️⃣ The Power of Community & Collaboration

Muslim played a key role in the BRM World Tour in Qatar, helping BRMs across the region connect and share best practices. He emphasised the importance of networking with BRMs globally to drive maturity in the profession.

5️⃣ AI, Automation, and the Future of BRM

AI is transforming Muslim’s work, allowing him to automate parts of routine tasks like business case preparation—freeing up time to focus on relationships and strategy. He highlighted how AI is not a threat, but a tool to enhance BRM efficiency.

6️⃣ Looking to the Future

Muslim envisions the BRM function becoming as recognised as project management within a few years. He emphasised the need for certifications and structured training to gain credibility, and ensure organisations fully understand the value BRMs bring not only to the business, but their IT colleagues

𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 - >

📹

"𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴."

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to episode 12! Personal development, aligning with business, and embracing the rise of AI.

In the latest episode of The IT Business Partner Playbook Podcast, I was joined by Mohammed Aarif Shaikh, an IT Business Relationship Manager in the financial services industry in Saudi Arabia. Aarif shared his journey in shaping the BRM function from the ground up, the challenges of aligning IT with business priorities, and the future of business technology.

1️⃣ Defining the BRM Role from Scratch

Aarif was the first BRM hired in his company and took on the challenge of building the function from zero to fully operational. He shared how he followed BRM Institute strategies, working over six months to implement a structured approach that now delivers tangible value.

2️⃣ Balancing Business Demands and IT Capabilities

Managing multiple business units, Aarif ensures that IT requests are assessed, prioritised, and aligned with strategic goals. He discussed the demand process, working with vendors, and the importance of executive sponsorship in driving success.

3️⃣ Challenges and Professional Growth

Recognised as a top performer, Aarif highlighted how certifications in BRM, project and change management have helped him grow as a leader, and given him tools that can be utilised in his current role

4️⃣ The Future of AI and Robotics in Business

With his company investing in AI and automation, Aarif discussed how these technologies are reshaping operations, streamlining costs, and driving efficiency. He shared insights into proof-of-concept projects and the company’s approach to upskilling employees.

5️⃣ The Power of Relationships and Communication

Aarif emphasised that effective BRMs need strong interpersonal skills, preferring face-to-face discussions over email to prevent miscommunication. He also discussed networking with BRMs from other industries to exchange knowledge and best practices.

6️⃣ Looking to the Future

The BRM role continues to grow, with Aarif predicting an expanding team and increased focus on change management and business alignment. He shared strategies for stakeholder engagement and the importance of demonstrating the ROI of the BRM function.

𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 - >

📹 https://youtu.be/a4Ili2MvUIg?si=6oUdzSmZMBGDGytV

New episodes weekly

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to episode 11! Navigating the transition into Business Relationship Management and the evolving role of BRMs.

🎙️ In this episode of The IT Business Partner Playbook Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Meghana Garg, a former technical specialist who transitioned into Business Relationship Management (BRM). With experience across multiple industries, Meghana shared how BRMs are shaping business strategy, converging IT and business functions, and tackling critical challenges that other roles don't have the bandwidth for.

1️⃣ From Tech to BRM: A Journey of Adaptability

Meghana shared how she moved from a technical role into BRM, discovering her passion for building relationships and driving strategy. She reflected on the need to navigate different personalities, balance operational and strategic priorities, and communicate effectively across business and IT teams.

2️⃣ BRM as a Strategic Force

We explored the evolution of the BRM role, emphasising how it has become more strategic—particularly in organisations where IT service operations are well-structured. Meghana highlighted how BRMs play a crucial role in shaping business planning cycles, influencing leadership, and driving innovation.

3️⃣ Executive Sponsorship and Business Partnering

A recurring theme was the importance of executive buy-in. Meghana and I discussed how BRMs should focus on innovation and transformation rather than just operational support, but this can't happen with leadership support. She also shared the challenges of working alongside traditional roles (project managers, architects etc) who may not fully grasp the BRM function.

4️⃣ The Intersection of Business, IT, and Strategy

We dug into the role of business analysts and project managers—how they complement BRMs, and where tensions can arise. Meghana provided insights into overcoming resistance from teams reluctant to take ownership of IT enabled projects, and how BRMs can help provide the necessary confidence for them to do so

5️⃣ BRMs as Relationship Builders and Change Agents

Meghana emphasised that BRMs must be proactive, people-centric, and adaptable, constantly anticipating business needs. We also explored the growing trend of BRMs attending industry events to stay ahead of emerging challenges and best practices.

6️⃣ Thriving in a BRM Role: Lessons Learned

We discussed overcoming challenges in BRM, from handling difficult conversations to staying confident in complex environments. Meghana shared her insights on developing resilience, managing expectations, and learning to be comfortable in uncertainty.

Watch here →

📹 https://youtu.be/lQZib28trSA

This episode further reinforced the importance of business relationship management as a strategic enabler. If you're looking to transition into this field, or are already there, Meghana’s insights will help you understand what is required to make it a success

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ In this episode of The IT Business Partner Playbook Podcast, I had a great conversation with Rolan Somerville, CBRM, from Tucson Electric Power.

Rolan is a former application developer turned Business Relationship Manager (BRM). With experience in business analysis, product management, and now BRM, Rolan shares his insights and the lessons he's learned during his journey

💡 Key Highlights:

1️⃣ From Application Development to BRM: The Power of Relationship Building

Rolan's career path naturally led him to the BRM role, where he discovered the importance of proactive engagement. He shares how organisations that embrace BRM see better innovation and greater project success.

2️⃣ Breaking Down Silos and Encouraging Cross-Functional Collaboration

The BRM function is evolving, integrating with more internal functions, as well as external partners. Rolan highlights how BRMs bridge gaps between IT and business, ensuring strategic alignment and more effective execution.

3️⃣ Managing Digital Transformation and resistance to change

Technology adoption isn’t always easy—Rolan discusses the challenges of introducing digital solutions to hesitant teams. He emphasises the role of IT Business Partners in demystifying technology and positioning it as an enabler for success.

4️⃣ The Role of Empathy in IT Business Partnering

Empathy continues to be hailed as a core skill for BRMs. Rolan explains how understanding different perspectives and adapting communication styles help build trust and influence decision-making across the organisation.

5️⃣ The Future of IT Business Partnering: Adapting, Evolving and Institutionalising the capability

With BRM practices spreading across industries, Rolan and I discuss the challenge of demonstrating the value of BRM, the increasing focus on business outcomes, and how all functions must continue to shift toward a more strategic purpose.

Favourite quote;

"𝘚𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘉𝘙𝘔 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦"

Watch the full episode here →

📹 https://youtu.be/FjPMD1F5S3o

🌟 Looking Ahead:

This episode highlights the growing importance of Business Partners in driving business success. Does your organisation have a BRM capability? If so, is it fully utilised...?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to episode 9! Genuine connections, the future of business partnering, and stakeholder diplomacy

🎙️ In this episode of The IT Business Partner Playbook Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dennis Defteros, an IT Business Partner at Bausch + Lomb in the UK. With a background in finance and later IT, Dennis brings a wealth of experience in helping organisations navigate digital transformation, ensure project success, and drive strategic value.

💡 Key Highlights:

1️⃣ From Finance to IT: An uncommon journey for an IT Business Partner

Dennis shared his career transition from accounting to IT business partnering, reflecting on how strategic thinking and a focus on ROI help him deliver the most value from technology. His insights into cross-functional alignment are invaluable for anyone moving into a business partner role.

2️⃣ Shadow IT, Digital Transformation, and the Need for Oversight

We explored the risks of shadow IT—where teams set up systems without oversight—and the long-term impact of unmanaged resources. Dennis shared how his team is tackling these challenges, emphasising the role of governance, communication, and proactive engagement.

3️⃣ Building Relationships and Managing Stakeholders

A key takeaway from our conversation was the importance of in-person meetings. Dennis highlighted how regular check-ins and genuine connection with IT and business partners (internal, and external) are critical in nurturing relationships and ensuring project success.

4️⃣ Empathy, Strategy, and Business Ownership

Understanding business pain points is essential to driving meaningful change. Dennis discussed how empathy plays a crucial role in his approach—whether guiding business leaders through project management or balancing technology with business needs.

5️⃣ The Future of IT Business Partnering

We touched on the evolving nature of IT Business Partner roles, including the shift towards product management and the increasing pressure for ownership and accountability. Dennis also emphasised the importance of continuous learning to stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape.

🌟 Looking Ahead:

This episode reinforces the point that IT Business Partners are not just facilitators—they are strategists, innovators and problem-solvers. Is that how Business Partners viewed in your organisation? We'd love to know!

My favourite quote from Dennis, 

"𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑰𝑻 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒂 𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒇𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒄 𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆, 𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒄𝒖𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒃𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕"

Prefer to watch? Catch the full episode here;

📹

Keen to join an episode? Get in touch!

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Welcome to episode 8! Remembering your roots, playing to your strengths and catalysing change

🎙️ In the latest episode of the podcast, I was joined by Dalisu Buthelezi, a seasoned Business Relationship Manager at the South African Reserve Bank. This episode delves into the unique challenges and opportunities Business Partners face in bridging the gap between business and IT.

💡 Key Highlights:

1️⃣ The BRM Role: A Journey of Discovery

Dalisu shared his path into business relationship management, transitioning from business analysis and project management. His journey underscores the importance of self-driven learning and adapting to the dynamic needs of diverse teams.

2️⃣ Bridging Gaps Across Functions

We discussed how the BRM role is often misunderstood and how Dalisu tackles differing expectations between business and IT teams. His insights highlight the importance of clear communication in demonstrating the value BRMs bring to organisations.

3️⃣ Building Trust and Strong Connections

Dalisu emphasized the role of collaboration in cultivating trust across teams. We explored strategies for forging meaningful relationships and breaking down silos, with a focus on the human side of business.

4️⃣ Adapting and Innovating as a BRM

From managing virtual events during the pandemic to tailoring engagement models to meet customer needs, Dalisu showcased the flexibility and innovation BRMs bring to their organisations.

5️⃣ Future Tools and Strategies

We wrapped up by exploring ideas to support Business Partners, such as sharing common (not best) practices and simplifying approaches for greater impact.

Watch:

📹 https://youtu.be/crveSkwJwEc?si=IuzSCehnTYKXoovE

🌟 Looking Ahead:

This episode is a reminder of the pivotal role BRMs play in driving alignment and innovation. But it's also a reminder that without Leadership support, sponsorship and understanding, this critical capability will never fully utilised

My favourite quote from Dalisu, demonstrates both the purpose and flexibility of the role;

"𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝑩𝑹𝑴 𝒅𝒆𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒓"

📢 Join the Conversation:

How does your organisation define the role of a Business Relationship Manager? What strategies help you build trust and drive collaboration? Share your thoughts and insights!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to episode 7! Balancing life, building trust, and embracing the evolving role of technology.

🎙️ In the latest episode of the IT Business Partner Playbook Podcast, I was joined by Dawn Milward, a dedicated business partner and mother navigating the fast-evolving world of technology and higher education at Birmingham City University

💡 Key Highlights:

1️⃣ Juggling Roles: Personal and Professional

Dawn shared her journey of balancing a demanding career with raising two daughters, shedding light on the challenges working mothers face in the tech industry. She emphasized the importance of encouraging women to explore careers in IT and support them as they start their journeys

2️⃣ Building Connections and Driving Strategy

As a Business Partner, Dawn delved into the significance of understanding organizational needs and connecting with stakeholders to deliver strategic value. We explored tools that Dawn's team had developed to streamline project prioritisation and ensure continual alignment with university goals

3️⃣ Embracing Technology with Purpose

Dawn highlighted how technology can be both a challenge and an enabler, stressing the need for oversight and effective communication in business strategies. We discussed the evolving role of tech in customer-facing initiatives and the cultural shifts needed to succeed.

4️⃣ The Power of Trust and Positivity

Sharing personal experiences, we reflected on the importance of resilience, trust, and maintaining a positive outlook. Dawn’s insights remind us of the human side of business and the need to compartmentalize and find joy in daily moments.

5️⃣ Stories that Inspire

We ended with personal anecdotes about the wisdom of older generations and the invaluable lessons they can teach us, especially the younger generation —a heartfelt reminder to cherish diverse perspectives!

📹 https://lnkd.in/d8JmNeZ8

🌟 Looking Ahead:

This episode is a testament to the personal strength required in business relationship management. It’s an invitation to reflect on our own roles and how we can better connect, innovate, and inspire within our organisations.

"𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿, 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘂𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿".

📢 Join the Conversation:

How do you balance the personal and professional demands of your role? What strategies have you found effective in fostering trust and driving innovation? Share your thoughts and stories with us!

#Podcast

#BRM

#WomenInSTEM

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to episode 6! Elevating the BRM role, proving value and remaining authentic.

🎙️ In the latest episode of the IT Business Partner Playbook Podcast, I sat down with Bhupinder Siran, Associate Director at the University of Southampton, to delve into the evolving responsibilities of Business Relationship Managers (BRMs) and the unique challenges they face in a university setting.

💡 Key Highlights:

1️⃣ From BRM to Strategic Business Partner:

• Bhupinder shared how the role of BRMs has shifted from operational support to strategic partnership, emphasizing the power of clear terminology in shaping responsibilities and expectations.
• His team of four BRMs works closely with IT and the business to align initiatives with the university's goals.

2️⃣ Managing IT in Higher Education:

• We discussed the complexities of prioritizing IT initiatives in a resource-constrained environment, with a focus on addressing student needs and strategic alignment.
• Bhupinder highlighted the value of creating a stakeholder dossier to enhance understanding and foster collaboration.

3️⃣ Promoting and Establishing the BRM Role:

• Bhupinder emphasized the importance of patience, trust-building, and showcasing the BRM role through workshops, roadshows, and clear communication.
• Starting with a solid foundation and proving value is key to gaining buy-in and expanding influence within an organization.

4️⃣ Maintaining the BRM Mindset:

• Whether engaging directly with C-suite executives or working at a grassroots level, Bhupinder stressed the importance of finding synergies, staying curious, and remaining authentic in the role.
• For BRMs to thrive, alignment with an organization’s values and goals is essential.

🌐 Looking Ahead:

We also explored opportunities for growth, including hosting workshops, enhancing stakeholder communication tools, and increasing strategic engagement within the university. Bhupinder's insights offer inspiration for BRMs navigating complex organizations and striving to make a lasting impact.

📢 Your Turn:

What strategies have you found effective in elevating the BRM role in your organization? Share your experiences and join the conversation!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to episode 5! Exploring common challenges, innovation, and the power of curiosity.

🎙️ In episode 5 of the IT Business Partner Playbook Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bruna Rezende Rossin Collado, a Business Relationship Manager at Unilever in Brazil. Bruna brought invaluable insights into the evolving role of BRMs, stakeholder management, and the challenges of driving innovation within a global organization. Fortunately, she did this all in my home tongue, not hers...

💡 Key Highlights:

1️⃣ Evolving Role of BRMs at Unilever:

Bruna shared how BRMs are expanding their focus to support Unilever’s entire tech foundation team, ensuring alignment with the company’s overarching strategy. The role requires agility, a deep understanding of stakeholder needs, and a keen ability to influence without formal authority.

2️⃣ Stakeholder Management & Communication:

Bruna emphasized the importance of honest communication and building trust while navigating the challenges of balancing responsibilities and setting boundaries. Regular face-to-face interactions and workshops play a key role in uncovering critical insights and strengthening relationships.

3️⃣ Tech Tools & AI for Productivity:

From using Azure DevOps to track initiatives to leveraging AI tools for meeting-minute automation, Bruna highlighted how technology can streamline tasks and boost efficiency. We both agreed that embracing AI is effective for reducing repetitive tasks and making time for strategic thinking.

4️⃣ Upskilling & Community Engagement:

Bruna expressed her excitement about engaging more with the BRM community, exchanging insights, and exploring tailored training opportunities. Having had her entire team go through BRMP and CBRM, she's looking into how bespoke workshops can help embed the practices that are most relevant to their environment.

5️⃣ Challenges of Transitioning into BRM Roles:

Bruna shared her journey from project management to BRM, highlighting the steep learning curve and the importance of curiosity in understanding new perspectives. She emphasized the value of learning/training and staying connected to the BRM community for ongoing growth.

Watch or listen now!

📹 https://lnkd.in/dE9mcAat

🎧 https://lnkd.in/d5xzYfxk

🌐 Looking Ahead:

This episode captures the energy and potential of BRMs to drive meaningful business impact. As we continue to share stories from BRMs worldwide, we’re excited to foster deeper connections and inspire innovation across industries.

📢 Your Turn:

Have you faced similar challenges or breakthroughs in your BRM journey? Or are you curious about how BRMs contribute to business strategy? Let’s connect and keep the conversation going!

Next up, Bhupinder Siran...

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#BRM

🎙️ Highlights

In my conversation with Jag Sohal BRMP, a seasoned Senior IT Business Relationship Manager with 15 years of experience, we explored the evolving dynamics of BRM and the profound impact of authenticity, community, and innovation on workplace culture and success.

💡 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Jag shared personal insights on balancing life as a parent and professional, highlighting the value of resilience, adaptability, and authenticity in both roles.

2️⃣ Empowering Workplace Cultures

From organizing impactful Diwali celebrations to fostering diversity and inclusion, Jag emphasized the importance of creating environments where employees can express their authentic selves, leading to deeper connections and stronger engagement.

3️⃣ BRM as a Catalyst for Change

Jag discussed the power of fostering connections within and beyond the workplace, noting that their 23-strong BRM team is integral to NFU Mutual’s success. We also explored how initiatives like a monthly dashboard for IT Execs and a prioritisation process elevate transparency, alignment, and value creation.

4️⃣ Hybrid Work & Team Motivation

We discussed daily calls with fun quizzes, team charters for collaboration etiquette and social events to maintain connection.

5️⃣ Adapting and Leading with Humility

Jag highlighted the importance of adaptability, humility, and understanding unique organisational cultures. Whether it’s managing governance or building vendor relationships, a BRM must remain flexible and open to change.

🌐 Looking Ahead

This episode is a testament to the potential of BRMs to drive innovation, foster connection, and build resilient communities. We’re excited to feature more professionals like Jag who are shaping the future of BRM, so please get in touch if you'd like to take part!

💬 Have a listen/watch and let us know what resonated most with you from this episode. How do you see BRMs transforming their organisations? Can you imagine organisations transforming without them??

📹 https://lnkd.in/dDzdtkhQ

🎧 https://lnkd.in/d5xzYfxk

My sincere thanks to Jag for taking part in this episode. There is a lot more we could have talked about, so I'm sure we'll be chatting to Jag again next year!

Jag Sohal

https://lnkd.in/dfas3Rvc

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to episode 4! Managing expectations, human connection and learning from great leaders #BRM

This week on the podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Martin Crangle, a 30-year IT veteran who recently transitioned from an IT Business Relationship Manager (BRM) to an Operations Business Partner role. The conversation was rich with lessons on adaptability, relationship-building, and professional growth.

💡 Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ Adapting to Change

Martin shared how his technical expertise in IT—including roles in programming, project management, and business analysis—provided a strong foundation for his transition to BRM and, eventually, Operations.

He emphasised the importance of interpersonal skills in BRM roles and the value of resilience when stepping into unfamiliar territory.

2️⃣ Lessons from the BRM Role

- Setting Clear Boundaries: Ensuring escalation points are defined at the start of projects helps balance stakeholder needs and keep initiatives on track.

- Empathy & Communication: Martin highlighted regular check-ins with stakeholders as a key practice to maintain alignment and foster trust.

- Business-Led Projects: The role of IT is to support, not lead, projects, ensuring business partners take ownership.

3️⃣ Volunteering as a Growth Tool

Martin’s involvement in activities like running a football team and volunteering at the SAP UK & Ireland User Group has sharpened his people skills. Martin believes strongly that volunteering provides opportunities to grow empathy, communication, and relationship-building skills essential for success in BRM roles.

4️⃣ Remote Work Challenges & Insights

Covid-19 transformed how we connect, making emotional intelligence and proactive communication more critical than ever. Martin shared strategies for maintaining camaraderie and navigating emotions in a hybrid work environment.

5️⃣ Career Lessons

Martin’s advice: “Enjoy the work and the people you work with—it makes all the difference.” His career journey underscored the significance of finding fulfilment in both professional relationships and team dynamics.

🌐 Looking ahead

We’re thrilled to continue showcasing inspiring professionals like Martin who are helping to shape their organisations, while positively contributing to society. If you’d like to share your story or insights on the podcast, we’d love to hear from you. As Martin says, "helping helps the helpers!".

📹 https://lnkd.in/dDsAyn5D

💬 Join the Conversation

What tool, technique or practice has best supported your effectiveness as Business Partner?

#BRM

#Leadership

#Podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎓 From MBA to Building BRM Functions

James detailed his journey from an MBA student to creating a BRM function at Sheffield Hallam University. His focus on relationships and collaboration emphasised how critical it is to align IT with business goals and keep asking “why” to tackle problems strategically.

💡 Strategic Alignment & Oversight

We discussed how BRMs bridge IT and business, ensuring programs deliver real value. James highlighted the importance of a clear strategy and top-level, business-led prioritisation to prevent resource drain on unnecessary projects.

🤝 IT as Translator

James explained that BRMs are not just connectors—they’re translators (and at times, marriage guidance counsellors...), and underscored how crucial it is for IT to understand and communicate business needs effectively - sometimes through tough but necessary conversations.

📈 The Role of BRMs in Times of Change

In times of restructuring, James believes that BRMs bring invaluable insights to the table, saving resources, driving efficiency, and converging strategies. His personal stories showed how the role has transformed organisations and personal lives.

🎯 Continuous Learning & Community

James is now reconnecting with the BRM community and plans to pursue further certification. His advice? Learn from others, share your wins, and embrace the challenges that come with this transformative role!

My sincere thanks to James for joining me today - he is an archetypal BRM; a great storyteller, people-focussed and very driven. It's one of the reasons I love being involved with this field. I really enjoyed our conversation and look forward to following his BRM journey!

📹 Video https://lnkd.in/dWf8Br8D

🎧 Audio https://lnkd.in/d5xzYfxk

🎙️ Let’s keep the conversations going! Let me know if you'd like to take part.

hashtag#BRM

hashtag#Leadership

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🌟 Introducing Our New IT Business Partner Podcast Series! 🌟

🎙️ Unfiltered Conversations, Real Insights

We’re thrilled to launch a podcast series designed to explore the evolving world of Business Relationship Management (BRM) and IT Business Partnering. This initiative, inspired by the vibrant UK BRM community, aims to share stories, challenges, and successes directly from professionals in the field.

🚀 Our First Guest: Jeremy Byrne

In our debut episode, we sat down with Jeremy Byrne, a lead BRM trainer and experienced IT Business Partner who has spent 12 years as a BRM at Loughborough University and Rolls-Royce. Jeremy shared invaluable insights into:

• Navigating the shift from public to private sectors.
• Balancing hybrid work models for efficiency and collaboration.
• Using AI for sentiment analysis to enhance BRM functions.

💡 Key Themes Discussed

1️⃣ Strategic Alignment: Jeremy shared how his team maps out 3-5 year goals, aligning IT initiatives with business strategy and consolidating successes to demonstrate value.

2️⃣ BRM Challenges: From leadership shifts to role evolution, we tackled the need for strategic thinking and advocating for the BRM function's relevance.

3️⃣ Hybrid Work Dynamics: Striking the right balance between remote flexibility and the benefits of face-to-face collaboration remains a challenge we’re all learning to navigate.

🌐 Building Connections, Strengthening Community

This podcast is a space for BRMs, IT Business Partners, and relationship managers to share their journeys and learn from each other. Future episodes will feature people from around the globe, bringing diverse perspectives to the table.

🔗 Stay tuned for our next episode! In the meantime, if you'd prefer to watch this episode, head over to our YouTube channel here.

What challenges or strategies resonate with you from this conversation? Let’s keep the dialogue going!

Jeremy Byrne

  / jeremypaulbyrne  

Marc Morley

  / marc-morley  

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With a focus on aligning technology initiatives with business outcomes, the course covers critical components for executing change, building cross-functional capabilities, and ensuring that technology investments deliver measurable value across the enterprise.

The course is structured around a four-stage life cycle: "Doing the right things," "Doing them the right way," "Getting them done well," and "Getting the benefits," with each stage focusing on practical strategies and potential pitfalls.

Our hosts break down each stage of the life cycle, providing a "cookbook style" approach that outlines how to implement the strategies, the necessary components, and what can go wrong.

Throughout their discussion, they highlight real-world examples from major organizations like GE, Pfizer, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America, showcasing successful adoption of Business Relationship Management principles and practices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The course is structured around a four-stage life cycle: "Doing the right things," "Doing them the right way," "Getting them done well," and "Getting the benefits," with each stage focusing on practical strategies and potential pitfalls.

Our hosts break down each stage of the life cycle, providing a "cookbook style" approach that outlines how to implement the strategies, the necessary components, and what can go wrong.

Throughout their discussion, they highlight real-world examples from major organizations like GE, Pfizer, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America, showcasing successful adoption of Business Relationship Management principles and practices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The course is structured around a four-stage life cycle: "Doing the right things," "Doing them the right way," "Getting them done well," and "Getting the benefits," with each stage focusing on practical strategies and potential pitfalls.

Our hosts break down each stage of the life cycle, providing a "cookbook style" approach that outlines how to implement the strategies, the necessary components, and what can go wrong.

Throughout their discussion, they highlight real-world examples from major organizations like GE, Pfizer, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America, showcasing successful adoption of Good Governance principles and practices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The course is structured around a four-stage life cycle: "Doing the right things," "Doing them the right way," "Getting them done well," and "Getting the benefits," with each stage focusing on practical strategies and potential pitfalls.

Our hosts break down each stage of the life cycle, providing a "cookbook style" approach that outlines how to implement the strategies, the necessary components, and what can go wrong.

Throughout their discussion, they highlight real-world examples from major organizations like GE, FISA, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America, showcasing successful implementations of these digital security practices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.