Max has always had a natural curiosity. As VP of Business Development, he credits this curiosity for helping to build and maintain such great relationships with clients over the years. “I’m more about listening than trying to sell a product. I try to put myself in the client’s shoes, understand what they need, and how GCM can help.” I try to understand who the client is, what they need, and if there is a fit, how GCM can help.” Max finds three milestones in building a business relationship especially motivating: first contact, first PO, and first deliverable. “The most rewarding moment for me is when we deliver our first project. That’s when we show that we truly are who we say we are. When we fulfill the potential that the client saw in us. It’s an amazing feeling.”As a bridge between the client and GCM, Max is known for his sincerity. “Nurturing authentic relationships with a diversity of clients, that’s my bread and butter.” A creative thinker, Max can make quick connections between a client’s complex needs and the range of technical talent that GCM has on offer, in sometimes unexpected ways.Having held a variety of leadership roles at GCM, Max adds a strong business development perspective to GCM’s vision and corporate strategy, where he works with senior leadership to first define and then manage its ever-evolving operational targets, growth objectives, and risks. This involves staying ahead of important industry changes, including decarbonization. “Decarbonization is here. It’s up to GCM to help its clients successfully manage this unprecedented transition.”Ultimately, Max says, GCM is here to safeguard the client’s assets, operations, and production capacity. During an identity exercise among senior directors, Max chose a chess piece, the queen, as best representing GCM. “In chess, the queen is your most powerful defender. And that’s who we try to be for our clients. At GCM, we protect our clients’ investments.”