Consulting · Speaking · Coaching

Lead the business. Grow the people. Build something that lasts.

Michael Charles has spent nearly three decades developing leaders, from JPMorgan Chase and New York City government to the two businesses he runs today. Now he helps owners, teams and audiences get to their next level.

Grow my business Book Michael to speak

JPMorgan ChaseBank of New York MellonJetBlueVerizonNYC Mayor's OfficePSEG Long IslandMaxwell Leadership

How Michael can help

Three ways to work together.

Pick the door that fits where you are right now. Each one leads to a real conversation, not a sales pitch.

A strategy session around a conference table

Consulting

For business owners ready to grow

Strategy, leadership, marketing and AI for small and mid-size businesses, with a team that stays through the work, not just the plan.

Explore consulting

A facilitator leading a workshop for a team

Speaking & Coaching

For conferences, schools and teams

Keynotes, workshops and coaching built around the discipline musicians learn early: performing well when it counts.

See talks and coaching

Colleagues working through a plan at a table

Mastermind

For people who want a seat at the table

Lunch Hour Masterminds where you work on your business or your leadership alongside six peers, one hour a week for seven weeks.

See the Mastermind

Lunch Hour Mastermind · Winter 2027

Mastermind

Two Tables, seven seats each, one hour at lunch for seven weeks. Pick the one that fits what you're working on. Applications are open now.

Business owners and leaders talking around a boardroom table

Mondays, Jan 25 to Mar 15

The Business Growth Table

Business Development and Growth Mastermind

Seven business owners, one hour every Monday for seven weeks. Bring your lunch and your real numbers. Leave with a 90-day growth plan your peers have pushed on.

12 to 1 PM · $297 for seven weeks · Seven seats · Bring your own lunch

See The Business Growth Table

Wednesdays, Jan 27 to Mar 17

The Leadership Table

Leadership and Personal Development Mastermind

Seven owners, leaders and managers, one hour every Wednesday for seven weeks. Leave with a 90-day leadership plan and the habits to keep it.

12 to 1 PM · $297 for seven weeks · Seven seats · Bring your own lunch

See The Leadership Table

See the full Mastermind page

Portrait of Michael Charles in a tan suit

About Michael

A teacher first, then a leader, then a builder.

Michael started teaching at 13, working with music and English students in his neighborhood. That same instinct carried him through a corporate career that began at JPMorgan Chase, years as a Founding Partner of Maxwell Leadership, and teaching at NYU, John Jay College and Pace University.

Today he runs MDC Ascends and owns Harborfields Music Center in Greenlawn, NY. Every system and strategy he recommends has been tested in a business he runs himself.

M.S. in Organizational Psychology
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Founding Partner and certified coach, Maxwell Leadership
Adjunct professor, NYU, and published author

Read Michael's story

What clients say

Their words, not ours.

"Michael provided an environment where not only did we learn from him, but everyone was encouraged to participate and learn from each other. I highly recommend him to anyone who wants to improve their results."

Diana Limberis, PMPOwner, D'Artemis Services, LLC

"The mastermind gave me the confidence I needed to interview for a management position at a large commercial bank. I got the job and immediately put what we covered to work."

Michael PierreBank of America