IT Business Partner Playbook - Alina Chin

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝑻 𝑩𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌

How Alina Chin built a BRM function from scratch, led 12 business units, and is navigating a BRM career transition

In this insightful and light-hearted episode of The IT Business Partner Playbook, I’m joined by Alina Chin, a seasoned Business Relationship Manager based in Canada, with a background in supply chain, customer relations, and building Virtual Relationship Management from the ground up.

Alina shares her BRM journey, the lessons she learned supporting a whopping 12 business units, and the challenges of navigating change after a sudden leadership shakeup.

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1️⃣ Building a BRM Function from the Ground Up

Alina walked us through how she established a VRM function from scratch—starting with informal conversations, building trust with senior leaders, and aligning IT with business units through structured engagement and cadence meetings.

2️⃣ Bridging the Business-IT Divide

From managing legacy issues to translating between business expectations and IT capabilities, Alina offered an honest look at the “marriage counseling” nature of the BRM role. She emphasized the need for empathy, communication, and a shared language.

3️⃣ Restructuring Realities and Career Transitions

Alina reflected on her experience when a reorg led to the departure of her biggest champion (the CIO). She shared how that impacted the BRM function and her decision to transition, offering relatable advice for others navigating uncertain moments in their careers.

4️⃣ Demonstrating Value with Tangible Outcomes

We talked about strategies to protect and promote the BRM role—through early stakeholder engagement, quarterly impact reports, and sharing success stories that tie directly to business outcomes.

5️⃣ Advice for Aspiring BRMs

Alina shared tips for those entering the BRM profession, including:

· Investing in frameworks from the BRM Institute

· Honing project management and soft skills

· Understanding the evolving expectations of the role

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Looking Ahead: Alina’s story reminds us that resilience, relationships, and relevance are the BRM’s best tools. If you’re building—or rebuilding—a BRM career, this episode is packed with wisdom, empathy, and practical takeaways.

Listen in, and if this resonates, reach out. Let’s build the BRM community together.

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