IT Business Partner Playbook
IT Business Partner Playbook
Podcast Description
We currently have 2 series running on our channel - the IT Business Partner Playbook, and the Executive Leadership overviewThe first is a weekly series featuring Business Relationship Managers and IT Business Partners from across the globe. Unrehearsed, unprepared, unrestricted and maybe a little unpredictable... this podcast aims to share our guests' experiences, to provide insights and ideas to our listeners. Some will be looking for inspiration, others for tips and tools, while others will be looking for some support and comfort. While the role can be hugely rewarding, it can also be extremely tough, and it's important to know that whatever you're going through as a BRM/BP, there are others out there going through it too. You're not alone, and there is a beaming light at the end of the tunnel. You might just be in the wrong tunnel... Tune in for smiles, sincerity and hopefully not too much sauce!Our second series is AI generated. Gasp! Yes, we let the robots do the talking in this 4-part series which focuses on the concise courses we've created to guide executives through the maze of Governance, Security, Digital Transformation - and Business Relationship. Listen as Joe and Sarah discuss our Executive Leadership Series (ELS) - designed to help leadership understand and oversee effective practices, using business language and a four-stage life cycle: "Doing the right things," "Doing them the right way," "Getting them done well," and "Getting the benefits,"Our hosts break down each stage of the life cycle, providing a cookbook-style approach that outlines how to implement the strategies, the necessary components, and what can go wrong. Throughout their discussion, they highlight our real-world examples from major organisations like GE, Pfizer, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America.Our ELS courses were created by Gary Hardy, co-creator of the COBIT framework and include contributions from;Carolynn Chalmers - CEO, Good Governance AcademyFrank Wander - CEO, People ProductiveJimmy Heschel - Global Head of Digital Security, Red BullJohn Thorp - Chair, ValIT development committeeKip Fanta - Founder, Kip Fanta GroupMartin Smith - Chairman and Founder, The Security Awareness Special Interest Group Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into various themes related to Business Relationship Management and IT business partnerships, covering topics like strategic alignment, digital transformation, effective governance, and stakeholder engagement. Examples of episodes include discussions on building BRM functions, navigating change in organizations, and practical strategies for digital security and governance implementation.
We currently have 2 series running on our channel – the IT Business Partner Playbook, and the Executive Leadership overview
The first is a weekly series featuring Business Relationship Managers and IT Business Partners from across the globe. Unrehearsed, unprepared, unrestricted and maybe a little unpredictable… this podcast aims to share our guests’ experiences, to provide insights and ideas to our listeners. Some will be looking for inspiration, others for tips and tools, while others will be looking for some support and comfort. While the role can be hugely rewarding, it can also be extremely tough, and it’s important to know that whatever you’re going through as a BRM/BP, there are others out there going through it too. You’re not alone, and there is a beaming light at the end of the tunnel. You might just be in the wrong tunnel… Tune in for smiles, sincerity and hopefully not too much sauce!
Our second series is AI generated. Gasp! Yes, we let the robots do the talking in this 4-part series which focuses on the concise courses we’ve created to guide executives through the maze of Governance, Security, Digital Transformation – and Business Relationship. Listen as Joe and Sarah discuss our Executive Leadership Series (ELS) – designed to help leadership understand and oversee effective practices, using business language and a four-stage life cycle: “Doing the right things,” “Doing them the right way,” “Getting them done well,” and “Getting the benefits,”
Our hosts break down each stage of the life cycle, providing a cookbook-style approach that outlines how to implement the strategies, the necessary components, and what can go wrong. Throughout their discussion, they highlight our real-world examples from major organisations like GE, Pfizer, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America.
Our ELS courses were created by Gary Hardy, co-creator of the COBIT framework and include contributions from;
Carolynn Chalmers – CEO, Good Governance Academy
Frank Wander – CEO, People Productive
Jimmy Heschel – Global Head of Digital Security, Red Bull
John Thorp – Chair, ValIT development committee
Kip Fanta – Founder, Kip Fanta Group
Martin Smith – Chairman and Founder, The Security Awareness Special Interest Group
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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