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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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.