Curiosity, Creativity, and Customer Success with Ryan Roberts

Flowshow 13 Flowshow 13

What does it look like to build a creative career around intention, not algorithms? In this episode of FLOW Show, Aleksandra sits down with Max Hemphill - fashion and luxury photographer, creative founder, and one of LinkedIn’s most refreshing voices - to talk about reinvention, purpose, and the power of staying true to your vision.

From his early days modeling and shooting campaigns for H&M, to blending fashion and luxury travel, to now running his own full-service creative agency, Max shares how he’s built a career that’s both aspirational and deeply grounded. They talk about creative alignment, the importance of saying no to the wrong clients, the return of analog formats, and why success without intention doesn’t mean much.

If you’re a creative, marketer, or dreamer who’s figuring out how to evolve without losing yourself - this one’s for you.

Top takeaways:

Takeaway 1: Reinvention starts with intention

Max never planned to be a photographer - it happened when a friend asked him to shoot for her brand, and it snowballed. What makes his story powerful is how intentional he’s been about every step since. From modeling to photography, and now building his own agency, every pivot was rooted in reflection: What do I love? Where do I want to be in 10 years? It’s a reminder that growth doesn’t happen by accident - it happens by design.

Takeaway 2: Empathy creates connection

Because Max spent years in front of the camera, he brings a rare empathy to being behind it. Whether he’s shooting a nervous first-time model or a five-star hotel, his goal is the same - to make people (and places) feel at ease. It’s why his shoots feel more like co-creation than direction. His secret edge isn’t just talent - it’s trust.

Takeaway 3: Build your own lane, then invite others in.

From blending fashion with hospitality to launching his creative agency Intentional, Max proves you don’t have to choose one box. He’s redefining what “luxury” means by bringing storytelling, design, and community into every project. His advice for creatives? Don’t wait for permission. Write down the clients you want, design the life you see, and build from there — intentionally.