The Story
I'm Max Murphy—a builder at the intersection of design, technology, and business. My journey started not in a design studio, but tinkering with electronics and writing my first lines of code. This foundation in logic and systems thinking gives me a unique perspective on creating digital products.
For me, it's not just about making things look good. It's about building systems that work, solving real problems for real people, and creating experiences that feel less like software and more like well-crafted tools. I thrive in the space between a rough idea and a polished product.
Recommendations
“Watching Max's work process and character unfold while working with him was a delight, and the care and mindfulness he infused in every step was inspirational. He is supremely talented, but even above that, he is a thoughtful, conscientious, open minded, positive individual that makes the work environment more inclusive and welcoming for everyone.”
— Katie Bingham, PayPal Stakeholder
“What stands out most about Max is that he is an exceptional person to have on a team. People love working with him. Max communicates well, articulates himself clearly, provides objective feedback, praises when people do well, and speaks up when things aren’t great.”
— Sarp Uzkan, Tribune Stakeholder
“Max is not just a gifted manager, he also has the patience, dedication and work ethic that motivates the rest of the team. He is one of those colleagues that you wish you could have on every project.”
— Mike Vaughn, People Rocket direct report
“I consider Max a rare and genuine soul, an incredibly capable teammate, and strong project leader. I'm thankful to continue to work with him in a volunteer capacity and would be glad to collaborate professionally once again.”
— Shari Evans, Cognizant colleague
“I was impressed with Max's design and engineering talent well before he joined the team full-time. Once on fully board, his technical skills were put to use on numerous projects. Max's passion for his craft and enthusiasm he brought to his projects were immediately visible.”
— John Colton, Director, Marathon Consulting
Inspirations
Connection with Nature
Time spent in the mountains and outdoors provides a powerful sense of perspective. The quiet contemplation and physical challenge of a long hike helps me clear my mind, find focus, and return to my work with renewed energy and a broader outlook.
Creative Collaboration
Playing music with friends is a lesson in harmony, listening, and improvisation. This collaborative spirit—knowing when to lead and when to support—directly influences how I approach teamwork and creative problem-solving in a professional setting.
The Power of Stories
Reading inspiring books, from biographies to science fiction, fuels my curiosity and passion for learning. Exploring different worlds and perspectives helps me imagine what's possible and pushes me to build products that are not just functional, but meaningful.
These are the things that ignite passion and contemplation, so that I can show up as my best self in my work.