The Unstoppable Duo, Caleb Folan and I—More Than a Professional Partnership
Caleb and my son Harry Doyle at the BABTAC awards
There are moments in life where the right people come into your world at just the right time. And when that happens, you don’t just work together—you revolutionise everything around you. Caleb Folan came into my life as a colleague, but now, he’s someone who has become so integral to everything I do, I can’t imagine this journey without him. We’ve created something that’s greater than the sum of its parts: a partnership that shatters expectations, breaks boundaries, and paves the way for transformational wellness across the world.
The Beginning - A Connection Like No Other
It all started with a CV. A CV that was different—something that stood out. Chris Covery, my former HR manager, a die-hard Newcastle United fan, handed me Caleb’s CV and said, “This is a great CV, but it’s different. You need to meet him.” At first glance, it wasn’t just the credentials that grabbed me, it was the potential.
We sat down for an hour-long interview, and before long, something deeper than professionalism began to show through. As I spoke about my son’s battle with meningitis and epilepsy, I watched Caleb’s eyes well up. Now, let me be clear—I’ve never made anyone cry in an interview before. But in that moment, I realised that this wasn’t just about hiring a therapist. This was about bringing someone onto my team who would connect, not just heal. Someone who would understand more deeply than I’d expected.
It was a moment that left an impression on me. I knew then that Caleb was not only an incredible therapist, but someone who deeply cared about the people he worked with. He was someone I could trust, someone who would be an asset to the team. That day, I hired Caleb—and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
The Football Connection - A Shared Past
Caleb and my husband share something more than just their passion for football. They played together for their countries, representing their teams with pride on the international stage. Their paths crossed at Birmingham City, Bradford City, and Blackpool FC, and that history gave Caleb an instant bond with my family. But this story isn’t about football—it’s about Caleb finding his place in the world of wellness. And when he walked into that world, I knew I’d have to champion him.
Breaking Barriers in a Female-Dominated World
In a space dominated by women, the idea of a man excelling in wellness was almost unheard of. But to me, Caleb was never ‘the outsider.’ He was simply an incredibly talented therapist with a heart full of passion, and I was determined to make sure everyone else saw him that way too. There were moments where I had to silence the doubters, but I knew Caleb had something special. I remember thinking, “This guy will have his own menu, he’ll be a freelance maverick, and he will be the best at what he does.”
And that’s exactly what happened. Caleb didn't just blend into the wellness world—he became a game-changer. We weren’t just offering a treatment; we were offering something transformative. He brought a new level of energy and intuitive healing that wasn’t being offered anywhere else. People weren’t just coming for the treatment—they were coming for Caleb.
The Journey - From Doubt to Success
There’s something truly remarkable about watching someone you believe in succeed, especially when it’s not always easy. I’ve watched Caleb grow from someone with immense potential to one of the most sought-after therapists in the industry. But what I admire most isn’t just his skill—it’s his humility and work ethic.
It’s a privilege to witness his growth, to see how he connects with guests in ways that make a real impact on their lives. Every day, he’s breaking barriers, challenging the industry’s preconceived notions, and most importantly, doing it with heart. And in those quieter moments—when we’re at Nando’s or Wagamama—he’ll reflect on a session and say things like, “That was amazing. We really connected.” It’s these moments of authenticity that make him not just a colleague, but a friend I’m proud to have by my side.
Celebrating Success Together - A Night to Remember
It’s not often that you get to celebrate your success with someone who’s been by your side through thick and thin. In a moment that encapsulated our partnership, Caleb and I had the incredible privilege of winning Spa Leader of the Year and Holistic Therapist of the Year at the BABTAC awards. That night, it wasn’t just about the accolades—it was about celebrating our journey together.
To say I was thrilled is an understatement, but what made it truly special was the fact that Caleb was there beside me, celebrating the success of both of us. We had worked so hard to get to that point, and standing there in front of our peers, receiving those awards, felt like the culmination of everything we’d built. But the real victory was in the way we supported each other along the way. That night, we didn’t just celebrate individual success; we celebrated the power of teamwork, of pushing each other to be better, and of growing together.
What’s Next? Residency and Training the Next Generation
But what’s next for Caleb and me? Well, we’re not stopping here. Caleb is now ready to take his expertise to new heights with his Residency Program. This isn’t just a regular residency—this is a game-changer for hotels and spas across the world. Caleb’s global residency will offer an immersive experience where therapists and wellness teams will learn from the best. It’s not just about technical skill—it’s about intuition, energy, and the authenticity of healing.
What Caleb offers that others don’t is the ability to read the body, to feel the energy in a space, and to connect with guests in a way that is transformative. These residencies aren’t just for show—they’ll redefine the guest experience. Hotels and spas will learn how to make their treatments more personal, more impactful, and ultimately transformational. Caleb’s talent isn’t just about technique—it’s about healing, and that’s what makes him stand out.
Hotels and spas that open their doors to Caleb’s residency will see long-term transformation, both in their team’s skills and in the way their guests experience wellness. It’s more than a residency—it’s a revolution in how wellness is delivered.
Breaking Down Barriers for Equality in Wellness
Caleb’s journey has not just been about perfecting his craft; it’s also been about fighting for equality. I’ve written about it on LinkedIn and in several magazine articles because the truth is, we are blocking some of the best talent in the industry by sticking to outdated norms. Why are we telling talented men like Caleb that they don’t belong in a space dominated by women? Why do we still have these weird misconceptions when, in other fields like physiotherapy, no one questions the presence of male professionals? It’s time to break down those walls. Caleb is a living, breathing example of why gender should never be a barrier to excellence.
His success in the spa world is proof that talent transcends gender, and we need more people to see it. Caleb is here to prove that the best therapists aren’t defined by who they are but by how they show up, how they connect, and how they heal.
The Takeaway - More Than Just a Partnership
Caleb and I have built something truly special, not just in the world of wellness, but in our lives. From breaking down barriers to pushing each other to be the best versions of ourselves, we’ve created a relationship that’s rooted in mutual respect, trust, and a deep understanding of each other’s goals. What we have is more than just a professional partnership—it’s a friendship that’s become the foundation for everything we do.
And as we continue to push boundaries, challenge perceptions, and create a legacy, one thing is certain: Caleb and I aren’t just a team; we’re a force to be reckoned with. The journey ahead is going to be nothing short of incredible, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us.
We come from two very different worlds—I’ve spent my career in luxury spas and the corporate wellness space, and Caleb has his roots in the world of professional football—but in the end, we both want the same thing: to see each other do well.
