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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