#IAmBRM: Arnie Wetherill
This year’s theme for our World BRMConnect Conference is #IAmBRM. Since, BRMConnect is our favorite event of the year and the absolute best opportunity for you to network with great leaders like Arnie, we’re sitting down to chat with some of 2018’s top BRMs to get the inspiration flowing! This week, we talked to Arnie Wetherill to find out what I Am BRM means to him and how he’s using his CBRM and BRMP to further his successes.
Arnie is the Group Manager and Enterprise Technology Shared Solutions at Progressive Insurance. He’s been with Progressive Insurance for over thirteen years and manages four functional areas; including Business Relationship Management Organization. His BRM Org consists of four BRMs, nine BRM Analysts and one Analyst Team Manager. He also manages Service Capacity Forecasting, Organizational Change Management, and the Business Resiliency Organization.
With so much experience within the same company and as a BRM we were curious what struggles Arnie faced in his role and how he solved them.
“Each year the challenges to our BRM capability change, based on business pressures and organizational shifts. Currently, our biggest challenge is role definition between our newly formed Product Manager roles and our BRMs. This organizational role has only been in place since February and we are in the process of defining boundaries, roles, responsibilities, and engagement to ensure consistent messaging, definitive accountability, and consistency in our Business Partner interactions.”
For a successful BRM, ownership is key. Each BRM practitioner must drive maturity and strategic success within their organizations – no victims! Also, having access to the BRM Institute resources (BRMiBOK, Communities of Interest, and Institute Leadership) enables Arnie and his team to increase their ability to deliver value, improve their Relationship Maturity level, and gain further buy-in by Business Partner and Provider Partner leadership. He looks forward to future tools (like the recently released BRM Playbook) by BRM Institute to enable his team to further expand their capabilities and influence throughout their enterprise and looks forward to our World BRMConnect Conference where he’ll have the chance to share his knowledge and learn from other BRMs around the world.
When asked to define “I Am BRM” and what it means to him, Arnie says that it conveys a variety of meanings but one that really stands out is the huge diversity in the global BRM presence and the importance of being part of the BRM community where he can share his knowledge and learn from others to further the discipline worldwide.
We can’t wait to meet all of you at the World BRMConnect Conference to absorb amazing experiences and knowledge from leading BRMs like Arnie; learning and growing as a global community!
The Experience
“I’m not sure I’ve been to many conferences where I struggled because there were simply too many good sessions to attend. Loved all the storytellers, and that goes for those who shared their stories with me in breaks and evening events. You simply cannot find better people, stronger content, and more inspiration for those on the journey to strategic partnership.”
“I quickly realized that my CIO needed to be in that room! The storytellers were one of the best elements of the conference, sharing their perspectives and answering questions regarding real-world application of BRM techniques/tools. The presenter’s feedback gave me the ability to return with a game plan for building the BRM role and capability, even within a challenging organizational culture.”
“The bulk of the storytellers were practicing BRMs, rather than the usual conference pattern of consultant/vendor presenters. Back in 2015, it was difficult to get BRMs to lead sessions—not so this year. While the consultant/ vendor presentations are polished and packed with useful information, there’s nothing like a conference for BRMs by BRMs!”
“I liked the diverse options of subjects to attend, interaction, and pragmatic approach to many of the topics. This wasn’t a place to come sit down and watch PowerPoint presentations; it was an engaging, relevant, and motivating discussion. I walked away with many ideas and new approaches to current situations, as well as new contacts who have experience in what we’re working on.”
The BRM Community & Networking
“All conferences promote networking, but BRMConnect delivered. Networking opportunities were available with industry colleagues, presenters, and BRM thought leaders. I had multiple conversations around organizational obstacles; all were eager to have the conversation. The conference was impactful to both my professional and our organizational growth.”
“The BRM is the only position that has the view from both sides of the fence, but is often isolating whilst attempting to reflect both business priorities and demands against the constraints and complexities of delivering technology needs. BRM Institute has provided a great space to develop strategic partnership, allowing a share of views and concepts with like-minded people.”
“I have benefited immensely from the BRMConnect Forums, Online Campus, and BRMConnect Conferences, which have all enhanced my knowledge and helped me connect with a network of global BRMs. The most gratifying aspect for me is the ability to give back in the form of mentor, leader, and fellow BRM practitioner and see this community grow. Proud to be a part of the global BRM community!”
“I greatly enjoy working with my BRM Institute peers through the BRM Council to learn and contribute to the betterment of the BRM practice. I have also enjoyed meeting everyone in this wonderful community, whether in person, on the phone, or through the Online Campus. I look forward to continuing my journey with the great BRM Institute community. Thank you!”
