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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