IT Business Partner Playbook – Details, episodes & analysis

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

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."

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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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𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝑻 𝑩𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌

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

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Welcome to episode 10! Catalysing change, demystifying technology and shaping the future of IT Business Partnering.

🎙️ 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.

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝑻 𝑩𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌

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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𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝑻 𝑩𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌

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.

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝑻 𝑩𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌

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

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𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝑻 𝑩𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌

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!

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