Faces of Change: Max
After celebrating many of The Agency Alumni Agents in Series 1, we’re shining the spotlight on the powerhouse team behind The Agency of Change. These are the passionate creatives who turn ideas into impact - visionaries working together to inspire change and drive our mission forward.
We hear from Max Wiseman, who has recently stepped into the new role of Digital Storyteller. Since participating as an Agent in 2023-2024, Max has since gone on to work as a Trainee Facilitator and create the podcast ‘Inspire to Achieve: The Agency’ for voices throughout our network to share their experiences with The Agency.
Max works with Amara, Kristy and Agency Correspondents, to tell the story of The Agency in all six locations in the UK. This year, we will see them working together to push the boundaries of digital storytelling and showcase the journeys of new Agents.
Keep scrolling to learn more about Max and tune into our socials for thrilling updates as we move into this new year of The Agency.
Max (centre) with The Agency founder Marcus Faustini (right) and translator Kyara Mensie (left). Max interviewed them for the podcast ‘Inspire to Achieve: The Agency’.
Max Q&A
When did you join The Agency and what was your project/idea?
I joined The Agency in 2023 after learning through Storyhouse arts venue in Chester, which I have participated in since 2017. I was interested in a theatre-based group that gave young people the tools to create their own projects. I love performing arts, and it inspired a creative approach to Wise Connections, a buddy system for neurodivergent 16-18-year-olds to socialise through activities like escape rooms, podcasting and creative workshops.
I wanted to help young people on the spectrum connect with like-minded people, based on my experiences with Asperger’s and I previously gained youth work experience through my socialising group Meet N Mix.
Escape Room at Wise Connections (2024)
In your own words, what's your role at The Agency?
My role consists of developing content to share across The Agency’s digital platforms, collaborating with people like the National Team and Correspondents in documenting content. I edit photos and videos reels, write copy, design graphics, and research online trends for planning content to upload, with a specific aim of telling our network’s story.
Above all, I emphasise the eventful journeys of the Agents and Alumni, with their individual narratives forming the heart of The Agency.
Now if you had to describe your role in one word (and why you chose that word!), what would it be?
“Narrator”. My role is to not only share the work put in by each Agency group but also showcase individual experiences of Agents and Alumni. I am here to share the stories throughout our network. It is important that out of the box quirkiness of our methodology is captured, along with the insights that Agents gain over the process and beyond.
What’s a hidden gem in one of The Agency Territories that everyone should know about?
A hidden gem in one of The Agency territories is The Backies, a field in the Lache area for people in the mood for walking. I think the land is great to walk around not only to clear your mind, but also if you need an idea, you never know how the sight of a field in the bright sun can move you and inspire creativity.
For example, it may be a fine location for a video project if you have any interest, like filming a chase scene for horror/thriller. Another example would be interviewing somebody with a pleasant backdrop to grab attention of viewers.
Who has been one of your biggest inspirations or role models (inside or outside The Agency)?
Outside The Agency my role models are undoubtedly my parents. Both were quick to see that I was on the spectrum and worked hard to ensure I was helped at a young age. Because of their efforts I had a good support network during my development, and it has informed the person I am today.
For example, I was introduced to drama, which is where I found my love of performing. This discovery helped greatly in my communication and love for the creative process. It is also through my parents that I learnt to have a dedicated work ethic and to be thoughtful of others. This eventually led to me joining Storyhouse arts venue and starting my own projects, like the socialising group Meet N Mix.
Describe a recent moment at The Agency that made you feel especially proud or moved.
I love how the Chester Agents from the 2024-2025 cycle continued pushing boundaries from where the previous cycle left off, by helping different causes through a variety of unexpected yet exciting forms. Efforts from agents were a documentary highlighting the Lache territory, a pet food bank, a guitar workshop and a creative club to help primary school children’s mental health.
All projects achieved great success involving the local community with their creative process and ensuring they gave back to the territory. The work put in highlighted people based in the area, ensuring they had an easier means to feed pets, teaching children guitar and helping others express themselves creatively. I was moved by the dedication from all involved, they truly set out to produce the best versions of their projects for others.
Max with Staff and Chester Agents from the 2024-2025 cycle
The Agency started in Brazil before coming to the UK. If you could bring the programme to another country, where would that be?
The US, because of how vast and multi-cultural it is with a wide range of individuals from all over the world. For example, I have been on family holidays to Orlando, Florida for years and there are many Hispanic people based in the area. Given the current situation of anti-immigration being pushed, I believe there are those who deserve a chance to stand against stereotypes and not be generalised. The Agency could be an effective means of reaching various groups throughout the nation, helping them positively impact their local communities with their unique outlooks on life.
What do you think makes The Agency stand out from other creative programmes?
The emphasis on young voices having the ability to make a difference on their own terms, further connect with their communities and find their unique creative voices. Young people are encouraged to take on leadership roles and develop their own visions of change as they see fit. The theatre-inspired methodology can bring new voices out of their comfort zones and help them find their desires. Not only this, people can also find abilities they may have underutilised or even develop new ones, which can be applied to their future careers.
Imagine you wake up tomorrow with a superpower – what would it be?
My superpower would be omnipotence, meaning I would be all powerful and could bend reality to my will, a bit of a cheat code if you will. This power would easily allow me to bring positive change in the world.
Do you have a motto or phrase that guides you in your work or life?
I have two. One is “And that’s that”, which is my approach to continue moving forward and not dwell on any mistakes I make. I try to learn and better myself for future endeavours.
The other is “Trust the process”, which spoke to me ever since I joined The Agency. I apply it to endeavours outside the organisation and use it as my incentive to be patient, ensure I fully processed information, and build intrigue on what I am working towards.
Finally, if there were a song about your life, what genre would it be?
If my life were a song, it would be in musical theatre, specifically the song ‘The Best of Times’ by composer Jerry Herman in the play ’La Cage aux Folles’. My reasoning is that the song is positive and exhilarating for me, giving a grand feeling of living in the present. A message I have taken away from the piece would be how the time is now to act and make a positive difference for myself and others.
Max’s Chester Agent photo from the 2023-2024 cycle.
Enjoyed this read?
This was the sixth article in series 2 of ‘the Faces of Change’. have a look at the first one here.Click here to see the full location teams and a snapshot of past agents from each city The Agency Programme has taken place in.