#IAmBRM: Jeff Hileman
Jeff Hileman, one of 2018’s top BRMs, has such a passion for business relationship management that he moved us to learn more about his experience with BRM Institute and why he looks forward to our World BRMConnect Conference this October.
Jeff serves as Director, Business Relationship Management with a technology company that provides testing, visibility, and security solutions to organizations who want to strengthen their physical and virtual networks. His work is focused on leveraging information technology to launch new SaaS products and improve the customer experience for existing ones.
With contributing to building BRM from the ground up with his company, Jeff’s passion for BRM raised IT from a service provider to strategic partner in just two short years. IT now works in tandem with the leadership team in his organization and plays an important role in making strategic technology decisions.
Inspired by Jeff’s success story, we asked what challenges he overcame to achieve such positive results. He highlighted the importance of familiarity with an organization to properly integrate BRM.
“[The] biggest struggle as a BRM right now is establishing relationships within the new company.”
Jeff built BRM credibility within his organization before it’s recent acquisition, permitting BRM initiatives to engender positive changes. However, that credibility was difficult to maintain after the acquisition as organizations remain unfamiliar with the business value generated by business relationship management. BRMs like Jeff work tirelessly to raise BRM awareness and ease corporate changes.
Jeff agrees that support and insight from peers proves invaluable in achieving success, and he looks at the BRMConnect Conference as a catalyst for this advancement.
When asked to define “I Am BRM”, Jeff mentioned that those who own the identity of #IAmBRM are trailblazers. Trailblazers exert commendable energy towards implementing BRM into their organizations because they believe in the lasting benefits making IT a strategic partner.
Thank you to Jeff for demonstrating what it means to be a trailblazer, and we look forward to meeting you and other BRM trailblazers at this year’s BRMConnect Conference.
The BRM Community & Networking
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
“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!”
The Experience
“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 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 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.”
“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.”
