Keynote speaker · Workshop facilitator · Coach
The skills that make great musicians make great leaders.
For nearly three decades Michael Charles has worked in the rooms where it counts: JPMorgan Chase boardrooms, New York City government offices, school auditoriums and stages across the country.
About Michael
Not just a speaker. A teacher, a coach and a builder.
Michael started teaching at 13, working with music and English students in his neighborhood, many of them immigrants. That shaped how he sees leadership: it starts earlier than most people think, and it shows up in places most people overlook.
He performed with the New York City All City Band and the United States Air Force Band of the Rockies. He holds a BBA with a music minor and an M.S. in Organizational Psychology, the study of how people perform, grow and lead at work.
His corporate career began at JPMorgan Chase. He became a Founding Partner of Maxwell Leadership, coaching executives and management teams across the country, and taught at NYU, John Jay College and Pace University. He also founded Harborfields Music Center, a school built on the idea that music teaches discipline, resilience, teamwork and how to perform under pressure.
What you get on stage is everything that background produces: a speaker who has sat in boardrooms, led a nonprofit, built a business and spent decades learning what really gets people to grow.
Maxwell Leadership
Certified in the frameworks leaders already trust.
As a Founding Partner and certified coach, Michael delivers Communication and Influence, The Four Dimensions of Success, Be a REAL Success, The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth and The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. He has coached executives and teams through these frameworks for more than 15 years.
Light the World Foundation
In 2009 Michael founded Light the World Foundation, a 501(c)(3) he led as President for 11 years. It funded full-tuition scholarships for hundreds of children across six communities in Haiti, ran the Youth-Max Leadership Development program for young people in New York, and produced an annual arts and music festival.
Signature talks
Three talks, each for a different room.
Each one works as a 45-minute keynote, a half-day workshop or a full-day intensive, built around your audience and your event theme.
From First Note to Future Leader
Most people think music lessons teach music. A well-taught program teaches focus, resilience, how to fail in public and get back up, and how to perform when it matters.
- Why music builds the skills kids are visibly missing
- How to tell whether a program is really developing the child
- Steps parents and educators can take right away
The Performance Mindset
Musicians spend their lives doing what most professionals dread: performing under pressure, in front of people, with no margin for error. This talk turns those disciplines into teams that show up when the stakes are high.
- Four disciplines elite musicians use that carry into business
- A practical model for performing under pressure
- Tools to help people execute when it counts
Building with Purpose
From teaching at 13 to JPMorgan Chase, Maxwell Leadership, a music school and a nonprofit in Haiti, Michael has lived the question every founder asks: how do you build something that really matters?
- What it takes to build something meaningful
- The leadership shifts each stage of growth demands
- A framework for lining up purpose, people and strategy
Also available as Lunch and Learns, partner summits, executive retreats, in-house training, multi-session programs and virtual events.
Coaching
When one talk isn't enough.
Real change comes from what people practice after the event. Michael's coaching keeps the work going, one person, one team or one small group at a time.
Executive and personal coaching
For owners and leaders who want an honest thinking partner, a clear plan and someone to hold them to it.
Ask about coaching
Team coaching and workshops
DISC assessments, Maxwell Leadership programs and training days that give your team a shared language and better habits.
Plan a team session
Lunch Hour Masterminds
Seven seats, seven weeks, one hour at lunch. Work on your business or your leadership with a small group of peers.
See the TablesWho Michael speaks to
Different audiences. Same goal.
Every audience gets content built for them. The framework travels. The examples and applications don't.
Schools and districts
Faculty development, leadership programs, parent nights, student assemblies and professional development (PD) days.
Music education communities
State and national conferences, association meetings and educator workshops.
Parent groups and PTAs
Parent education events, community forums and family enrichment series.
Youth organizations
Leadership academies, summer programs, mentorship initiatives and youth conferences.
Faith-based communities
Leadership retreats, men's and youth programs and community gatherings.
Corporate teams and conferences
Off-sites, leadership summits, keynote slots and management development.
When you book Michael
More than a keynote.
A discovery call first
Michael meets with your team to understand your audience, your goals and what success looks like.
Content built for your room
The stories, examples and frameworks are chosen for the people in front of him.
High-energy delivery
Nearly three decades of teaching, coaching and performing. People lean forward, not back.
Resources after the event
Your audience leaves with takeaways they can use. The work doesn't stop when the talk ends.
- 1,000+Leaders developed across education, corporate and nonprofit work
- 11 yrsFounder and President of Light the World Foundation
- 100sFull-tuition scholarships for children in six communities in Haiti
- Nearly 30Years teaching, coaching and developing leaders
What people say
Their words, not ours.
"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 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."
"Thank you Michael Charles and your team for bringing music education to our community. We are so grateful to learn from you and your educators. The experience has been transformative for our children."
Good to know
Questions people usually ask.
How far ahead should I book?
For keynotes, 8 to 12 weeks is ideal. Full-day workshops and multi-session programs work best with 12 weeks or more. Shorter timelines do happen, so reach out and we'll see what's possible.
Does Michael travel?
Yes. Michael is based in Greenlawn, NY, and speaks regionally and nationally. Travel and lodging are handled separately from the speaking fee for events outside the tri-state area.
Can the talk be built around our theme?
Yes, and that's the standard. Every engagement starts with a discovery call, and the content is built around your audience, your theme and what you want people to walk away with.
Do you offer virtual events?
Yes. Virtual keynotes and workshops get the same preparation and energy as in-person events.
What formats are available?
Every talk works as a 45-minute keynote, half-day workshop, full-day intensive, panel, executive retreat, Lunch and Learn, partner summit, in-house training day or multi-session program.
What does it cost?
Fees depend on the event type, audience size, location and program length, and range from under $5,000 to $25,000 and above. Share your event details and we'll reply with options within two business days.
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Ready to bring Michael to your event?
Tell us about your event and we'll follow up within two business days with options. No pitch and no pressure.
- Keynotes and conference sessions
- Half-day and full-day workshops
- Leadership development programs and coaching
- Retreats, Lunch and Learns and multi-session work
- Virtual events