MDC Ascends Consulting
Growth for businesses ready to operate at a higher level.
Michael Charles and his team partner with small and mid-size businesses to sharpen strategy, develop leaders, build marketing systems and put AI to work, so owners can stop running the business and start leading it.
About MDC Ascends
Strategy and execution from someone who runs businesses himself.
MDC Ascends is the consulting practice of Michael Charles: Project Management Professional (PMP), Maxwell Leadership Founding Partner, holder of an M.S. in Organizational Psychology, and the active CEO of two businesses.
Michael has led engagements for JPMorgan Chase, Bank of New York Mellon, JetBlue, the NYC Mayor's Office, Verizon and PSEG Long Island. He pairs the research behind how people perform at work with the judgment of an owner who faces the same problems his clients do.
The clients who get the most from MDC Ascends are owners doing $15K to $100K a month who want AI to streamline operations, coaching to lift team performance, and marketing that brings in steady growth.
Proof of concept
Michael owns and runs Harborfields Music Center. Every system, campaign and process the team recommends has been tested in a business they run every day. We consult from practice, not theory.
What we do
Five service areas. One goal: your growth.
Every engagement is built around your business, your challenges and where you want to go. No templates and no generic advice.
01
Business Strategy and Execution
Clear direction, real steps, and a plan you actually carry out.
Michael and his team build your strategic plan with you, then stay in it through the work. We measure what matters and adjust when the market moves. No consultants who disappear after the slide deck.
Works well for
Owners hitting a ceiling, organizations in transition, teams with unclear priorities, founders scaling for the first time
What's included
- Current-state assessment
- Strategic plan with measurable goals
- Growth roadmap and OKRs
- Accountability rhythm for execution
- Competitive positioning
- Project-based or retained
02
Leadership and Team Development
Develop leaders who lead, not managers who just manage.
Coaching, team workshops and assessment tools that move performance and culture. Michael is a Maxwell Leadership Founding Partner, certified to deliver five flagship programs, including The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth.
Works well for
Executive teams, new and emerging managers, organizations working on culture, high-potential programs, faith-based and nonprofit leadership teams
What's included
- Executive and personal coaching
- Maxwell Leadership programs
- Team performance and DISC assessments
- Workshop and training days
- 360-degree feedback
- Mastermind facilitation
03
Digital and Hyperlocal Marketing
Bring in leads with a system that doesn't depend on you.
From local search and Google Ads to email automation and content, Michael and his team build and run marketing systems for service businesses that want to grow without adding more to their own plate.
Works well for
Local service businesses doing $15K to $100K a month, schools and education businesses, retailers, professional services, nonprofits
What's included
- Google Business Profile optimization
- Local SEO and organic strategy
- Google and social media ads
- Email marketing and automation
- Content calendar and social media strategy
- Monthly analytics and tuning
04
AI Advisory and Integration
Make AI work for your business, not the other way around.
Most owners know AI is changing the game. Few know where to start without breaking what already works. We find the right tools, map the rollout and help your team adopt them so you cut overhead and win back hours.
Works well for
Businesses with repetitive manual work, owners doing tasks AI could handle, teams that want AI without chaos
What's included
- AI readiness audit
- Tool selection
- Workflow integration roadmap
- Staff training and adoption
- Ongoing advisory as tools change
- Project-based or monthly
05
Advisory Retainer
A senior strategic partner in your corner every month.
Some owners don't need a full project. They need someone who knows the business, challenges their thinking and is there when big decisions land. The retainer gives you that for a fraction of what an executive hire costs.
Works well for
Owners scaling past what they know, founders who want honest pushback, organizations building leaders from within
What's included
- 2 to 4 strategy sessions a month
- Priority phone and email access
- Quarterly business reviews
- Straight, unfiltered counsel
- Starter, Growth and Authority tiers
- Starting at $497 a month
Marketing coaching packages
Choose the right level of support.
$497 / month
For businesses getting started with an intentional marketing plan.
- 2 coaching sessions a month
- Marketing audit and roadmap
- Social media content calendar
- Google Business Profile optimization
- Email support between sessions
$997 / month
For businesses ready to scale with a full marketing system.
- 4 coaching sessions a month
- Full marketing strategy and plan
- Social media management on 3 platforms
- Email marketing setup and automation
- Monthly analytics and tuning
- Priority phone and email support
Custom
For established businesses that want full-service marketing and operations support.
- Weekly strategy sessions
- Full-service marketing management
- Google and social media ads
- Content creation and SEO
- CRM and automation setup
- Dedicated account manager
- Quarterly business reviews
Track record
Results behind every recommendation.
The team doesn't consult from theory. Every strategy we recommend has been tested in organizations the team has led.
- 130+Clients served across corporate, nonprofit and education
- Nearly 30Years leading, building and turning around organizations
- 2Businesses Michael runs today as CEO and Executive Director
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."
"You over-delivered with your guidance, dedication, and knowledge. I went with my gut reaching out to you, and it was the right call."
"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."
From the blog
Ideas you can use this week.
The Big Rocks: Your Priorities, Your Success or Your Failure
"You are EXACTLY where you should be given the things you have done to get there" ~ Unknown I want to share a simple idea with you: the Big Rocks. It will...
Read the postBlogThe writing on the wall - Do you see it?
When I started working with JetBlue as a consultant/business partner in a Project Management position. On the first day I stepped through the door, the...
Read the postBlogHow to Move from Positional to Permission-Based Leadership
Being a leader gives you great authority and power, but to truly lead, inspire excellence and voluntary engagement beyond a team member’s job description...
Read the postWant a seat at the Table?
The Business Growth Table is a seven-week Lunch Hour Mastermind for owners. It's the easiest way to see how Michael works.
Start the conversation
Ready to grow with MDC Ascends?
Tell us where your business is today. Michael and his team follow up within two business days. No pitch and no pressure, just a real conversation about your business.
Looking to book Michael for a keynote or workshop? Send a speaking request.