Challenge
Strategy Without Execution
After a major acquisition and leadership change, AssetMark faced a familiar yet daunting challenge: a bold new strategy with no clear path to bring it to life. The organization had never operationalized strategic conversations. Teams were focused on tasks, not outcomes. Alignment was missing.
With over $100 billion in assets under management, this wealth management tech leader needed:
- A Shared Strategic Language: Clarify and cascade goals from the top down.
- Outcome-Driven Execution: Shift from task completion to measurable results.
- Scalable Change: Implement a new operating rhythm without overwhelming teams.
“Our strategy had never been articulated across the organization. Work wasn’t always linked to outcomes.” — Esi Minta-Jacobs, EVP, Program Management & HR Leader, AssetMark
The Solution
A Tailored Rollout that Moves at the Client’s Pace
Wave Nine helped AssetMark implement WorkBoard with a personalized approach: OKR workshops with leadership and L2 teams, tool training, and custom playbooks to fit AssetMark’s unique needs.
Instead of pushing a one-size-fits-all system, Wave Nine co-created the rollout strategy with AssetMark, breaking complexity into manageable steps. Their expertise ensured that even a large, fast-paced organization could adopt OKRs without friction.
Key Elements:
- Custom rollout of WorkBoard over two quarters
- Hands-on OKR workshops for leadership and L2
- Deep focus on change management and capability building
- Real-time dashboards for full visibility
- Five strategic pillars operationalized through annual and quarterly OKRs
“Wave Nine is efficient, light-touch, and deeply supportive. They ask what you’re trying to solve—and deliver quickly.” — Esi Minta-Jacobs, EVP, Program Management & HR Leader, AssetMark
Results:
- Strategy is clearly communicated
- Leadership is fully engaged
- Work links directly to strategic goals
- Teams are excited and asking to join the program
- Shift from status updates to outcome-driven conversations
- OKRs tracked and measured in one platform
“We’ve gotten better each quarter. It’s not a sprint—it’s a marathon.” — Esi Minta-Jacobs, EVP, Program Management & HR Leader, AssetMark
