The Meee Team

The Magic that is the Meee Team

It’s easy to look at other people’s lives and be amazed at what they’ve achieved. But success of any type is never just one heroic individual battling the odds to win. There is always magic behind the magic that we may not immediately see or be aware of. No one achieves anything alone.

This amazing team of people is all the above and magic in every way. We are a sum of why we do what we do, and together we create and do truly magical things. Here are our stories as to why we do.

Sid Madge, Founder, Madgician

I absolutely love brands. And, for over 30 years, I worked for and led some of Europe’s most renowned creative agencies, supporting many of the world’s biggest companies. Then, in 2015, my life changed forever. While giving a talk to a group of teenagers I was shocked to hear how they thought about and described themselves. For many, this lack of self-esteem had spiralled into a cycle of anxiety and depression. I’d already seen how brands could transform the fortunes and futures of businesses - and that sparked an idea: what if I could use this knowledge to bring out the potential in others? That’s how Meee began.

Now I use the ideas and methods of branding to inspire, educate and challenge the deep-set beliefs that hold us back. I use words, imagery, colour, numbers, music and a variety of sense-based tools to change the way people see, think and feel. Not just to transform their outlook on the world, but to help them make sense of what can seem like insurmountable life challenges. Today the purpose of Meee is to inspire everyone, everywhere, every day to find, live and give their magic. And so far, we’ve helped change the lives of over 20,000 people. My ambition is to take Meee to millions more, bringing that spark of magic to individuals, organisations and communities around the world. To spread the Meee message, I’ve built a team of (not so) like-minded individuals - from mavericks to misfits, disruptors to developers. If you’d like to join our team of magic makers and givers and help others find their spark, then please get in touch.

Nicki Blades, The Magic Alchemist

Blending numbers and people to transform business through positive change.

My passion is simple: people. I love helping individuals discover their unique magic and watching what happens when it all comes together, when people, teams, and organisations align and fulfil their true potential.

Throughout my career as a Finance Director and Business Services Director in large corporates, I’ve led finance and technology strategy teams. But it was never the technical side that inspired me. It’s always been about people, the unique value and magic they bring to the table.

From plant hire and construction to technology, I’ve seen first-hand the incredible power of human potential within organisations. What drives me is creating environments where people can thrive, find fulfilment, and contribute their best. I believe our greatest role as leaders is to serve our people, to support them on their journey to personal and professional fulfilment.

In today’s fast-changing world, the need to nurture and empower people has never been more vital. That’s why Meee’s mission resonates so deeply with me. I’m thrilled to be part of a team that’s transforming lives, businesses, and communities, helping to build a kinder, braver, and more magical world.

Unlocking the wonders within people is what inspires me most, and I’m proud to bring that passion to Meee.

Phil Gaffney, The Magic Roundabout Operator

Turning ideas into action with heart, structure, and purpose.

I keep the Meee magic moving, calmly navigating the twists, turns, and occasional loop-the-loops of strategy, delivery, and growth. I’m at my best when improving things: streamlining what doesn’t work, reimagining what could, and building systems that help people and organisations thrive.

At heart, I’m a doer. I love turning big ideas into practical, meaningful progress. Whether it’s building bridges, untangling challenges, or spotting the next opportunity, I make sure the Meee roundabout keeps turning — with purpose, heart, and a little spark.

Before joining the magical mayhem at Meee, I led large operational teams, delivered multi-million-pound projects, and even co-invented a patented building product. From overseeing a £23 million council service overhaul to designing factories and managing teams of 120+, I’ve worked across sectors to make things smoother, smarter, and more human. I’ve improved procurement systems, cut waste, transformed supply chains, and created campaigns that got schoolchildren naming recycling trucks, and loving it.

To me, life is a roundabout, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, always needing a little balance and direction. I find peace in the outdoors, joy in good conversations, and energy in meaningful collaboration. I believe in balance over extremes: structured days with space for spontaneity, healthy food with the occasional treat, rock music one day and classical the next.

I believe in doing good work, for good reasons, with good people. And I’m proud to help spread the Meee Magic, to those who need it most, when they need it most.

Joss Mathieson, The people magic guy

Do you know that moment when the penny drops, the lightbulb goes on and suddenly the future looks brighter? When you realise that there is opportunity, where before there seemed to be barriers? Where you feel a surge in confidence and believe this is your moment to shine? That’s what gets me out of bed every morning, helping people to experience that moment and appreciate that they are truly capable of magic.

When people feel they are in a safe space, they can think boldly and build the courage to step out of their comfort zone and into their zone of genius. And it’s even better when people in a team or a whole organisation do it together, which amplifies their magic and rubs off on others. During a 25-year career working for a number of complex and diverse international companies like Barclays and GlaxoSmithKline, I’ve been lucky enough to work with lots of magical people, learning from them, driving for better and inspiring others to join in. When I first met Sid in the mid-noughties, we found a spark which has endured and got stronger to this day. It’s a joy to use that spark, the amazing tools and life-changing experience of Meee to help lots more people be their best selves.

Gaz Jones, Video Wizard

It’s 2016, I’ve just arrived at the job fair; I walk in and see Sid at a table. He gestures me over and just asks how I am. He isn’t trying to sell me anything; he is just interested in why I’m there. At 23 years old, I am fresh out of university and struggling to find work in my chosen career path as a video editor. After our conversation he tells me about the Meee Programme, I’m instantly drawn in by his charisma and ability to empathise with my situation, so I agree to come on the course.

I’m quiet at first and don’t contribute much to the group during the initial session, but gradually I feel more at ease and become more engaged in the conversations we have about life, the world and where we exist in it. At the end of the programme I am determined to become more involved and help to deliver Sid’s vision to more people.

Sid tasks me with creating a promotional video for the programme shortly after. Years later I am still creating content to help spread the message of Meee. In turn this has given me the confidence to pursue more work as a video editor.

I currently work with a team of individuals at Meee, we come from different backgrounds and all walks of life with a common goal of bettering society. I’m proud to have been one of the first attendees of the Meee Programme, and now one of its many success stories!

Richard Dallison, Data Advisor

I first met Sid in 2014 during my geography degree at Bangor University, while we were both working on the launch of a local hydropower scheme. Following a successful working relationship on that project, Sid asked me to join the Meee team at the end of my studies. In the early days of Meee, when we were a small team, I helped with a variety of different elements, from social media to data entry, from writing research reports to developing the new website, and much more! This was an exciting time to be part of the Meee team, and it was great to see the programme develop and grow.

A short while later, however, I was lucky enough to get offered the opportunity to undertake a PhD, which meant reducing my involvement with Meee. I’ve never fully lost touch with Meee though, and I am happy to now be able to volunteer my time to advise the team on data analysis, visualisation, and communication, helping to ensure that the fantastic work that Meee does in changing peoples’ lives is communicated effectively. Through making the best use of the data collected from the courses Meee runs, I hope Meee can continue to improve its offering and bring even greater understanding, growth and progress to those who participate.

Peter Roberts, The enigmatic dreamer

"I crossed paths with Sid in the London graphic design world 20 years ago, having got there via law and print, as you do! And we hit it off immediately, kinda stayed in touch on and off since as I started my own business, trained as a coach, moved to Somerset and opened a bakery and cafe until the pandemic knocked them for six, then he messaged me last year asking if I would be interested in getting involved with Meee. If it hadn’t been over the phone I’d have bitten his hand off. The serendipity of it is incredible.

Meee feels like the home I didn’t know I’d been looking for for some time. The culmination of so many of my life’s experiences coming together in one place where I can draw on those experiences to help others change their lives for the better and continue to learn myself as part of the Meee team in a positive supportive environment is just a dream come true. I can’t wait".

Ian Rasmussen, The Madgemaker

I hold a degree in African Studies from the University of Birmingham and a Master's in Politics and the Mass Media from the University of Liverpool. I gained a postgraduate certificate in learning and teaching in higher education from the University of Chester and am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. I was a senior lecturer in communication and the media at the University of Chester for 18 years, having previously taught at the Universities of Birmingham and Liverpool. Whilst at the University of Birmingham, I was made assistant director of admissions liaison and made speeches on higher education worldwide. I was honoured to be elected a life member of the Guild of Students for my 'student-friendly approach.'

At Chester, I worked extensively with FE colleges as the link tutor for their higher education programmes, helping with curriculum design and retention strategies.

I have recently worked as a projects coordinator at a school for visual and other sensory impairments and have undertaken courses in neurodiversity and also mobility for visually impaired (VI) children. This is where I met Sid and Paula, who devised a curriculum for the VI children. I was fascinated by them and their fantastic programmes from day one. My vocational and academic interests have always concerned communication and helping people achieve their maximum in life and work. This is why Meee makes much sense to me. Sid and the team have the vision and audacity to mine every individual for the real magic in everyone, but which is often lost through poor opportunities and low self-belief. Working with the Madgician is one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences of my professional life.

I have appeared in broadcast media concerning areas as diverse as education, food, politics and the media. I have contributed to cookbooks and written food reviews and articles. I lobby on food and animal welfare issues. As a keen amateur cook, I own an extensive private library of cookery books and related literature. That interest has led me to meet and interview many notable people in the food industry, such as Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood, and Sheila Dillon.

As speech-writer and Public Orator, I have written and delivered speeches for many luminaries, including Her Majesty, The Queen Consort, actors Dame Patricia Routledge and Sir David Suchet and the former Director-General of the BBC, Lord Tony Hall.

As a professionally trained and qualified civil celebrant, I enjoy writing and delivering ceremonies for people at the most significant stages in their lives.

Sarah-Louise Tyler, The spark seeker

I knew that my life would never be the same again, after assisting on a Meee programme a number of years ago. It was here I experienced first-hand the power of Meee and witnessed the incredible way it impacted upon others. From here on out, the spark was lit and that was it!

I am a professional juggler - well, ok, not an actual juggler but I thrive on doing many and varied things with my life. From acting, to teaching, to running music workshops with people with profound disabilities. Within this variety, there is a definite common thread - connection and finding ways to enable people to BE the best versions of themselves; to FEEL the best versions of themselves. For me, there is genuinely nothing more rewarding than seeing a person start to shine from the inside out, from the amazing tools that Meee enables them to unlock. Because it’s all there anyway, actually. Sometimes it just needs a little navigation to find the key.

It is those ‘aha’ and ‘penny dropping’ moments in sessions, where learners really experience that shift for themselves that are just so wonderful and, as I very much know myself, this is really only the beginning of something really wonderful.

Meee is not just a job or a course for me; it has genuinely become a way of life - a way of looking at myself and the world in the most supportive, sparky way. As one of my favourite authors once said; ‘And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are hidden in the most unlikely of places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it’.

Meee one hundred percent helps to uncover that magic.

Anna Billes, Inclusive Facilitator of the Arts, Smiley Dungarees fanatic

The capacity for growth in every human being - that is what really captures me. For the last ten years I have been working with people of all ages and stages in the fields of support work, the creative arts (music, voice work, art, movement), and in meditation. In 2020 I achieved my BA Hons Degree in Creative and Therapeutic Arts from the University of South Wales. I have always been passionate about facilitating physical, emotional, mental and spiritual growth in myself and in the participants whom I work with on a daily basis.

The process one goes through on the journey of self-discovery is so unique to every individual, and having the privilege to support my participants to realise their fullest potential feels like such a gift to me. I feel so blessed to be a part of the Meee Facilitators Team as I believe so strongly in the importance of celebrating people in their uniqueness and in every human being having the chance to change their life for the better.