# Operational Value and Partnership Strategies for a $3B AUM Firm

COO Christine DeMao on scaling through leadership infrastructure.

- **Source:** [Nerd's Eye View | Kitces.com](https://brifing.si/source/c3dd3d07-ecf0-4aad-94c5-a65e2173600d)
- **Published:** 2026-07-14
- **Topic:** [Finance](https://brifing.si/c/finance)
- **Original article:** <https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/960363032/0/kitcesnerdseyeview~Hiring-A-COO-And-Creating-Partnership-Paths-Early-To-Drive-Enterprise-Value-On-The-Path-To-B-AUM-FASuccess-Ep-With-Christine-DeMao/>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/92fb5be8-f6f5-4b65-9119-58bcf80b5adf

## Strategic Growth with Partnership Roadmap

Gibson Capital manages $3B AUM while shaping its culture through an early-stage 'Path to Partnership' document. This framework sets clear partner criteria, streamlining performance management for next-gen leaders.

## Multi-Tier Partnership Model

The firm conducted four partnership rounds involving not just advisors but operations teams. This inclusive approach became pivotal in driving enterprise value growth.

## Transparent Leadership Criteria

The partnership document evaluates concrete metrics like client-centricity and operational impact alongside qualitative factors such as cultural contributions, creating a holistic assessment framework.

## Early Preparation for Next-Gen Leaders

High-potential employees participate in management meetings before partnership offers, smoothing leadership transitions through proactive development.

## Role Grids Prevent Silos

DeMao's 'role grid' tool clarifies responsibilities across distributed leadership structures, becoming instrumental in maintaining operational efficiency.

## Post-Pandemic Balance Blueprint

The shift to hybrid work transformed Gibson Capital's culture. DeMao's emphasis on work-life balance established new standards for employee wellbeing.

## Sources covering this story

- https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/960363032/0/kitcesnerdseyeview~Hiring-A-COO-And-Creating-Partnership-Paths-Early-To-Drive-Enterprise-Value-On-The-Path-To-B-AUM-FASuccess-Ep-With-Christine-DeMao/ — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._