Maxwell Roach has traveled a diverse career trajectory, spanning the child care, food, technology, and education sectors and let me add, performing as a musician that we’ll talk about. He’s authored several children’s books, led a multi-center childcare organization as CEO, and served as an Operations Director and Consultant for global e-commerce tech firms. Maxwell is the founder of JonAyves Learning Club, delivering personalized instruction to students and schools worldwide. Maxwell values the need to “fill the industry gaps” by way of disruption and modern solutions.

Your WHY 

I wanted to take some time to think about this deeply. My why is driven by the belief that children possess the boundless potential to learn at any age. I firmly believe in providing them with personalized one-on-one time, as it fosters a strong connection and dedication to their growth. As an individual within the black community, I recognize the importance of having educators who share a cultural background in the school system, inspiring children by serving as role models. Reflecting on my own experiences, I understand the impact of not having such representation during my formative years. I value the combination of music and education, which I bring to the table, as it enriches the learning experience. In my pursuit, I prioritize teaching essential concepts in bite-sized formats, l attributing their success to the undivided attention and care they receive. Ultimately, my passion lies in shaping the future by empowering children to excel through personalized education and nurturing their potential.

Your story is really diverse. What is your story about being a musician? Can you share some of your experiences and how your love for music shaped your future?

I brought my love for music and its fundamental principles throughout many industries and, ultimately, into education. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto and am certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHRi). This has opened doors to an eclectic and wide range of opportunities, including performing as a musician and sharing stages with Beyoncé and the Rolling Stones.



Being on stage in front of tens of thousands of people is tough to beat in the areas of exhilaration, pressure, admiration, and excitement. Musicians are often lifelong friends as well because we speak the same language.

Meeting individuals who are truly gifted and talented in their craft within music and artistry, really allowed me to understand that nobody gets to a high level of functioning by just luck. You must be obsessive, detailed, hyper-focused, and resilient towards everything around you. All of these skills have transferred everywhere I’ve gone and are consistently applied to any project that I am a part of.

The greats are great for a reason, and sometimes it is to their detriment. It wasn’t until certain individuals came into my life that I truly understood the meaning of being well-rounded and appreciative of life itself. One of these individuals is Buffy Sainte-Marie. Here’s a video of my drumming with her for her song “Spirit of the Wind.”

You learn a lot from understanding how fans think, what label executives expect of artists, what they expect from band members,