High Performance Coach - Personal Development Strategist - Developmental Theorist - Bestselling Author

Meet Max:

The Personal Development Strategist Chosen by Industry Leaders

High Performance is a strength, but left unchecked, it can also ruin your life.

I know this because I’ve seen it firsthand—hundreds of times in my work with high performers like you.

Max Stephens

Hi, I'm Max Stephens.

I know what I do works.

And you'll find no more dedicated to you than me.

With over 1,500 conversations delivered annually to industry leaders around the world, from CEOs and top-tier athletes to award-winning creatives. I’ve put my work to the test in high-pressure environments, ensuring they deliver tangible results.

I’m also the author of the bestselling book What the F* Do You Really Want?*—a practical, no-nonsense guide to finding purpose and mastering your life. With over 100 published research articles on personal development and 10+ qualifications, I’ve dedicated my life to understanding what drives high performance behaviour.

I have been in the world of coaching for 30 years and been a professional coach since 1999. Over the years, I have spoken with many peers about their approach. Some have impressed, many have not. Max clearly falls into the first category. Recently, I have had the opportunity to share many conversations about coaching with Max. His passion for his craft is up there with the very best. He speaks in very ethical terms about his clients and places their well being at the centre of his work. I have no doubt he will help many people live far more fulfilling and successful lives. The possibilities are limitless for Max and his clients.

Chris Chittenden
Ontological Theorist & Director - Talking About Pty Ltd

I’ve known and worked with Max for many years. I’ve deeply appreciated his consistency and tailored support of my family. He has a great natural sense of reading people’s mind and seeing what’s behind the conversation between us and him. He has the strength of capturing the small details that might affect largely to the issues, as well as getting down to the central point of problems straight away which makes his coaching very effective and efficient. He has supported both me and my sons in our development and always makes himself available to us whenever we have needed. I’m very grateful for all of Max’s coaching and see myself working with him indefinitely.

Henry He
Chief Executive Officer - Medigate Medical Supplies

I have loved my work with Max. He has helped me to clarify a challenge I was experiencing in my life and worked with me to find solutions. I am looking forward to our next session.

Mia Jones
International Tennis Federation Ranked Player at Patrick Morotoglou’s Academy

What No One Talks About:

High performers are NOT happy. Common symptoms that are always reported to me in my work are:

Deep Discontent
Chronic Emotional Distress
Highly Strained Relationships

Not to mention, they have almost no one to turn to...

Your journey is unique.

Here are three ways we can work together:

How I work

I don’t follow formulas. I don’t do surface-level coaching.

I design every conversation based on YOU.

Data driven insights.
Full access + On-call support
Fully customised engagements
Max Stephens

Vision

I believe in a world where high performers channel their insatiable drive toward the betterment of all.

Rather than chasing consumer-driven success or external validation, they use their ambition to create meaningful change on a global scale.

When high performers tap into this deeper purpose, they stop following predefined paths and start shaping a better world, not just for themselves, but for humanity as a whole.

Mission

My mission is to guide high performers in channeling their insatiable drive into meaningful, world-changing action.

Rather than simply chasing personal success, my work helps leaders, innovators, and visionaries tap into a deeper purpose, enabling them to create a lasting impact on the world at large.

Through deep partnerships, I work with those who are ready for something greater, whose transformations ripple out to elevate industries, communities, and future generations.

Max Stephens

UNIQUE DIFFERENCES

My work integrates hundreds of perspectives philosophy, psychology, and performance science to upgrade clients' entire mental framework.

I work with industry leaders all over the world who operate at the highest levels. My approach is battle-tested in the real world.

Every engagement is custom-built. I don’t follow trends, I don’t use templates, and I don’t believe in surface-level coaching. This is deep, strategic, and tailored to you.

"What high performers don't understand is that your drive is not meant for you, it's meant for everyone else."

MAX STEPHENS

Your biggest challenge isn’t external. It’s the way you think. High performers don’t need motivation; they need a sharper lens to see reality. My life's work is about solving this problem.

Thank you for a great session today. Your ability to help me view things from another perspective and reflect on what I have the control to change was enlightening.

Kristy Jones
Senior Cardiorespiratory Physiologist - PhysioHealth

I have been working with Max for 4 years now. Throughout this time Max has helped my family grow tremendously, both in our performance together and our mindset. It has been a pleasure working with Max as his passion and knowledge always come forth. His integrity and dedication speak volumes of his character and that is why I have always trusted his advice.

Andrea Pozza
Managing Director - AKL Developments

Max is super passionate about helping people achieve their business and personal goals. If you’re looking to get a better work life balance, Max has the tools to help with a clearly defined strategy to success.

Tim Walter
Director of Operations - Voyager Tennis Academy

WHY YOU SHOULD WORK WITH ME:

I don’t follow the typical "coaching" playbook.

With over a decade of experience in high-performance arenas, a foundation in deep philosophical study, and real-world results working with top industry leaders, I bring a level of expertise most coaches simply don’t offer.

Beyond my private practice, I’m a lecturer, researcher, and strategist, collaborating with those driving systemic change across industries.

Certified Ontological Coach from Talking ABOUT Pty Ltd from the previously accredited Australia & New Zealand Institute of Coaches (ANZI).

Practitioner & Masters in Neuro-Linguistic Programming certified by The Complimentary Therapists Association.

Accredited Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy certified by The International Association Of Therapists.

Accredited Diploma In Professional Psychotherapy certified by The Complimentary Therapists Association.

Accredited Diploma in Sports Psychology certified by The Virtued Academy International.

Federation University Guest Lecturer in Personal Development

Training in Core Concepts in Systems Thinking from Systems Innovation Pty Ltd.

Author of 'What The F*ck Do You Really Want - The No-Nonsense Guide To Finding a Life With Purpose' (Released June 1st, 2025)

100+ Research Articles Published on Personal Development for High Performers.

6000+ Hours Of Meditation & Formal Consciousness Training.

Bachelor of Arts - Focus on Narrative, Human Storytelling, and Creative Performance.

Masters in Philosophy of Human Rights (Candidate) – Focus on Meaning, Systems of Power, and Collective Human Potential.

Extraordinary praise
from extraordinary people

I’ve known Max for 18 months and think he’s a brilliant coach – I had a coaching session with Max where we explored a complex personal dilemma that I had been wrestling with for some time. Max asked thought-provoking questions which helped me to frame the question in a way that allowed me to explore it from different perspectives considering how it was both a threat and an opportunity. After the session I felt empowered to tackle my challenge … and indeed I did!

Shane Edwards
Managing Director - Investment Bank

We have had the pleasure of working with Max for the past 18 months. During this time we made some bold family decisions, home school our children, continue to grow and contribute to two growing companies remotely, move to Manly Beach Sydney, and expand our accommodation company which our daughters have had full emersion in from the onset, we encourage a business and entrepreneurial mindset, a customized process of learning business and relish in the abundance of questions of what they show individually show interest to. It’s been a beautiful experience and quite daunting at times, it’s been a process of elimination for what feels right for the family and what we are about and seeking moving forward. It has been a pleasure to share with Max and somewhat parallels with his coaching practice, business decisions we are making, and decisions to work with Max. One of our family values at the forefront is having deep meaningful relationships and the opportunity of time, conversations, and many questions. This is something we have come to experience with Max and respect and admire. We always look forward to a mutual relationship where we all grow and contribute to one another. We are firm believers that the right people turn up at the right times. A quote within the family and our business at the moment is, ‘When the student is ready the teacher appears’. Max has an innate ability to ask great questions and gives firm honest opinions also.  An attribute that we admire and respect very much. Max needs to be on your team. It has been an awesome experience that is only just scratching the surface!

Ben Tindall
Founding Director - Follo & Villager Property

Max is a highly motivated individual who is passionate about helping people become the best version of themselves. He has worked with multiple academy students who have achieved impactful outcomes resulting in significant improvements on and off the court.

Ryan Henry
Managing Director - Voyager Tennis Academy

Craft A profound life.

Are you seeking Self Mastery?

This is a private, complimentary conversation with Max Stephens — normally valued at $495 — designed for high performers ready to explore the next level of their career, business, or personal development.

Can’t find a suitable time?
Call Max directly on 0424 135 050 — he’ll take your call personally and do his best to accommodate you.

Not quite ready to book?
Email the team at [email protected] with your question

As a thank you for booking, you’ll also receive a free digital copy of Max’s bestselling book, What the F**k Do You Actually Want? — a multi-time 5-star reviewed title by Readers’ Favorite.

© 2025 Max Stephens. All rights reserved.

Book a Free Conversation

This is a private, complimentary conversation with Max Stephens — normally valued at $495 — designed for high performers ready to explore the next level of their career, business, or personal development.

Can’t find a suitable time?
Call Max directly on 0424 135 050 — he’ll take your call personally and do his best to accommodate you.

Not quite ready to book?
Email the team at [email protected] with your question

As a thank you for booking, you’ll also receive a free digital copy of Max’s bestselling book, What the F**k Do You Actually Want? — a multi-time 5-star reviewed title by Readers’ Favorite.