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’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

Max’s coaching throughout the year has proven remarkable results through my personal experience and significant outcomes were achieved. Max, a big thank you for your support and commitment in moving me towards my utmost potential. Without a doubt, I will continue to work with you on an ongoing basis and I look forward to our next session.

Domenic Morello
Co Founder & Partner - Nationwide Capital

Max has the extraordinary ability to challenge you, to uncover the layer that subconsciously hinder your development, and then work with you to overcome them. He is dedicated to his clients and goes the extra mile every time. His preparation and ability to recall details said even a year ago help in making every session insightful while working towards long-term objectives. I can wholly recommend Max as a coach for anyone wanting to advance in business and their personal development.

Dr. Mark van Rijmenam
The World's #1 Futurist

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.

Max has helped me shape my focus on areas of my life I needed to prioritise. Max shows great care for me to be the happiest healthy version of myself. He has shown me the ability to improve elements of my life to be more fulfilled, which has led to finding a greater work life balance and finding more time for my young family.
Adam Feeney
Former Top 100 ATP Tennis Player

It’s not often you come across someone who has found their calling in life. Max is one of these people. He possesses a sense of curiosity, warmth and discernment that makes others feel at ease and allows him to unlock their potential. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Max to anyone wanting to improve all aspects of their life.

Bradley Chan
Chief Executive Officer - Banna Property Group

Max is reliable, trustworthy, insightful and caring. He has helped my return to competitive sport infects areas like mindset and goal setting. Anyone wanting to improve aspects of their lives would benefit from engaging with Max.

Albin Kurti
Managing Director - Propel Funeral Partners

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

Within weeks of working with Max I gained deep insight in to myself and began to make inroads in to problems that I felt were plaguing me for years.
His intricate and vast knowledge of human behaviour and psyche, coupled with his ability to simplify problems into manageable, powerless thoughts make him the perfect person for anyone looking to harness their full potential.
Jack Hayes
Actor - Romper Stomper

I have worked with Max extensively as a high-level performance coach, but his input as an Ontological coach has been his most important role in our family. Max has an amazing ability to listen, and to summarize what you are thinking. Sometimes hearing your thoughts read back to you is all you need for clarity. If needed, Max will then carefully guide you toward your decision. He will not make the decision for you, but rather, give you the mindset and confidence to make this decision. If we were to begin this journey again, Max would be in our team from the beginning and he will continue to help our family into the future.

Jason Jones
International Airline Pilot - Virgin Australia

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

Craft A profound life.

Are you seeking Self Mastery?

This is a free private conversation with Max Stephens.

The session is complimentary (normally valued at $495) and designed for high performers ready to explore the next level of their development.

After booking, you’ll receive a free PDF copy of Max’s bestselling book, What the F**k Do You Actually Want?a multi-time 5-star reviewed title by Readers’ Favorite, one of the world’s most respected independent review platforms.

Availability is limited due to full-time client commitments.

© 2025 Max Stephens. All rights reserved.

Book a Free Conversation

This is a free private conversation with Max Stephens.

The session is complimentary (normally valued at $495) and designed for high performers ready to explore the next level of their development.

After booking, you’ll receive a free PDF copy of Max’s bestselling book, What the F**k Do You Actually Want?a multi-time 5-star reviewed title by Readers’ Favorite, one of the world’s most respected independent review platforms.