The IT Business Partner Podcast

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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In episode 30 of The Business Partner Podcast, I sat down with Maryam Jawad, IT Business Partner at El Masood Automobiles, to explore how the ITBP role is evolving from a transactional support function into a strategic leadership position.

• 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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In episode 29 of The IT Business Playbook, I was joined by Christina Blincoe, Business Relationship Director at Black & Veatch. Christina is a passionate advocate for Business Relationship Management and is dedicated to mentoring others to maximize the impact of this role.

• 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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BRM – From the Desk of a CIO | The IT Business Partner Podcast (Ep. 28)

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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In Episode 27 of The IT Business Partner Playbook, I’m joined by Ricardo Pinto, Strategy & Portfolio Business Partner at Galp Energia in Lisbon.

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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In Episode 26 of The IT Business Partner Playbook, I’m joined again by Megan Diehm, BRM at Resultant, to explore how tools and trust shape modern business partnering.

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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Welcome to episode 25! From technical roots to strategic partnerships - exploring how BRMs build trust, influence, and deliver real business impact.

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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𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝑻 𝑩𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌

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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𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝑻 𝑩𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌

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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𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝑻 𝑩𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 

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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The IT Business Partner Playbook Podcast

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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The IT Business Partner Playbook Podcast

🎙️ “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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🎙️ The IT Business Partner Playbook — Episode 19 with Sahil 

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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Meet Our New Latin American Host: Miguel Cockburn

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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Great BRMs aren't just strategic — they're trusted, human, and always present, even when the value is hard to measure.

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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𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝑻 𝑩𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌

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

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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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𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝑻 𝑩𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌

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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𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝑻 𝑩𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌

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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𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝑻 𝑩𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌

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.

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝑻 𝑩𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌

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

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