Advertise on podcast: Life in Private Staffing

From luxury resorts and private islands to UHNW households in the Middle East, Imran Zulfikar’s career offers a rare insight into one of private staffing’s most discreet and misunderstood roles — the Private Wellness Manager. With a background spanning elite hospitality, private islands (including three years on Necker Island as the first male in the role), and now working within a private household in the UAE, Imran shares what it truly takes to manage health, wellbeing and lifestyle at the highest level. This is not about personal training or spa treatments — it’s about long-term prevention, accountability, trust, and guiding principals towards sustainable lifestyle change. Imran opens up about working closely with UHNW individuals, navigating resistance to change, building trust over time, and why wellness in private households must be deeply personalised. He also shares how psychology, observation, and emotional intelligence are just as critical as physical expertise. In this episode, Philippa and Imran dive into: 🧘 What a Private Wellness Manager actually does — and why most people don’t know the role exists 🌍 Transitioning from luxury resorts and private islands into private households 🩺 The five pillars of wellness: nutrition, sleep, lifestyle, movement, and stress management 🧠 Why trust, psychology, and relationship-building are essential in private service ⏳ The realities of long-term, in-house wellness support versus hotel-based roles 🚪 What professionals should consider before moving from hospitality into private households A thoughtful, insightful conversation that reveals the realities of wellness behind closed doors — and the growing demand for preventative, holistic care within UHNW private households. Resources & Links:🔗 Visit www.silverswanrecruitment.com🎧 Follow Life in Private Staffing on Spotify or Apple Podcasts📲 Follow us on Instagram @silverswanrecruitment, @silverswanpodcast, and LinkedIn Silver Swan Recruitment

From training at the world-renowned International Butler Academy to running households for aristocratic and UHNW families across the UK, Rhian Thoma’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, professionalism, and the evolving reality of private service. With ten years’ experience across stately homes, formal estates, and high-expectation principals, Rhian shares the truth behind the job — the pressure, the unpredictability, the burnout, and the moments that make it all worth it. He opens up about managing understaffed homes, navigating employer expectations, building strong household teams, and how becoming a father has reshaped his view of work–life balance in an industry that rarely slows down. In this episode, Philippa and Rhian dive into:🧳 How Butler Academy training prepares you for real UHNW households🏰 The transition from butler to house manager — and why most people skip crucial steps⚠️ The rise of health & safety, M&E knowledge, and the pressure to “know everything”👨‍👩‍👧 Why boundaries and balance matter more than ever in private staffing🧠 The mindset required to survive (and thrive) in demanding service roles A grounded, insightful conversation that reveals the real working life behind the gates — from the traditions that still hold strong to the rapid changes shaping the next generation of private service professionals. Resources & Links: 🔗 Visit www.silverswanrecruitment.com🎧 Follow Life in Private Staffing on Spotify or Apple Podcasts💬 Follow us on Instagram @silverswanrecruitment, @silverswanpodcast, and LinkedIn Silver Swan Recruitment

From leaving Kazakhstan with no English to managing multimillion-pound estates in Surrey, Marina Grigoryeva’s story is one of determination, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. With over 20 years’ experience working for UHNW families, Marina shares how she built longevity in some of the most demanding households — often staying with principals for over a decade. She opens up about managing difficult personalities, setting emotional boundaries, and why counselling training has completely transformed the way she approaches leadership, communication, and staff wellbeing. In this episode, Philippa and Marina dive into:💼 What it really takes to become a trusted House Manager🧠 How to protect your mental health in high-pressure households🌍 The resilience needed to start again in a new country🏠 Why empathy and emotional intelligence are your strongest tools in private staffing A thoughtful, insightful conversation that highlights the human side of life behind the gates. Resources & Links:🔗 Visit www.silverswanrecruitment.com🎧 Follow Life in Private Staffing on Spotify or Apple Podcasts📱 Join our Silver Swan Communities – email [email protected]💬 Follow us on Instagram @silverswanrecruitment, @silverswanpodcast, and LinkedIn Silver Swan Recruitment

This week on Life in Private Staffing we’re joined by Veronica Lajud, an international childcare specialist based in Miami and founder of the Stellar Insight Method. With a background in Montessori education and over a decade working inside UHNW households, Veronica has built a unique approach that goes far beyond traditional nannying. She now mentors nannies, supports families worldwide, and creates tailored routines designed to unlock each child’s full potential. Together we explore how childcare in UHNW homes differs from the traditional world, why empowering household staff is just as crucial as supporting the children themselves, and how one nanny’s role can completely change the course of a family’s future. 👉 Tune in now for an inspiring conversation that redefines luxury childcare and highlights the extraordinary opportunities within the private staffing world. Resources & Links: 🔗Find out more about Silver Swan Recruitment: https://silverswanrecruitment.com/ Looking for your next role? Register your CV with us today! ] Follow us on Instagram & Tiktok - @silverswanpodcast 🦢

In this episode of Life in Private Staffing, I sit down with Daniela Vasconcelos, a Brazilian-born estate manager and personal assistant who has spent over a decade building her career in Miami’s ultra-competitive private staffing market. From launching her own cleaning business to overseeing 30+ luxury properties, and later managing the lifestyle of a single UHNW principal, Daniela’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Together, we explore: ✨ Her transition from recruitment into private staffing – and what her HR background taught her about leadership✨ The reality of Miami’s luxury market and why personality fit is more important than skills alone✨ How to balance resilience, discretion and heart when managing UHNW households✨ The challenges of returning to work after a career break – and why candidates deserve respect in the recruitment process✨ Some of the quirkiest client requests she’s ever received (including sourcing a lion 🦁) Whether you’re curious about breaking into household management, navigating a career in the US luxury market, or simply fascinated by what life looks like behind the scenes of billionaire lifestyles, this episode is packed with honesty, advice, and motivation. Resources & Links:🌐 Find out more about Silver Swan Recruitment: https://www.silverswanrecruitment.com🌐 Looking for your next role? Register your CV with us today. Follow us on Instagram & TikTok – @silverswanpodcast 🦢

In this episode of Life in Private Staffing, I sit down with David Cannie, senior estate manager of a 15,000-acre private estate in the UK with hundreds of residential properties, heritage buildings, and a team of 100+ staff. Having transitioned from a career in property management into the UHNW private sector, David shares what it’s really like to oversee one of the country’s most impressive landed estates. Together, we dive into:✨ The day-to-day reality of managing a vast estate with multiple departments, tenants, and heritage properties✨ Building relationships with UHNW families and navigating their unique expectations✨ How to keep large in-house teams motivated and collaborative✨ The quirks of life in private staffing – including the time David was asked to move 80-year-old oak trees 🌳✨ The skills, resilience, and “thick skin” needed to thrive in this industry Whether you’re an aspiring estate manager, already working in the private staffing world, or simply curious about what happens behind the gates of the UK’s most exclusive estates, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Resources & Links:🌐 Find out more about Silver Swan Recruitment: https://www.silverswanrecruitment.com🌐 Looking for your next role? Register your CV with us today. Follow us on Instagram & TikTok - @silverswanpodcast 🦢

In this episode of Life in Private Staffing, I sit down with Sarah Eaton, HR Director at Consensio Holidays, a luxury ski company operating some of the most exclusive chalets in the French Alps. Having placed Sarah in her current role, I knows firsthand the challenges of recruiting and managing seasonal staff in high-pressure, high-end hospitality environments. Together, we dive into: ✨ What it takes to run a 70+ strong seasonal team in some of Europe’s most sought-after ski resorts✨ The key qualities Sarah looks for when hiring chalet managers, private chefs, chauffeurs and hosts✨ How Brexit has changed ski season recruitment and staffing dynamics✨ Staff retention, morale and keeping a team motivated through 18 guest-packed weeks✨ How working a ski season can shape careers – and why it’s not just about skiing every day Sarah also shares behind-the-scenes stories from the world of luxury chalets – from immersive Frozen-themed kids’ parties to guests flying in their own fine wine collections. Whether you’re thinking about working a ski season, hiring chalet staff, or simply curious about what it takes to deliver world-class service in a demanding environment, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Resources & Links:🌐 View Consensio Holidays’ vacancies: https://www.consensiochalets.co.uk🌐 Find out more about Silver Swan Recruitment: https://www.silverswanrecruitment.com If you’re considering a ski season, or looking to hire outstanding chalet staff, don’t miss this episode!

In this special episode of Life in Private Staffing, we’re switching it up. I'm joined by New York-based concierge legend Harald Mootz, who shares tales from three decades at the heart of luxury hospitality. From manning the concierge desks at the Plaza Athénée and St. Regis to his current role at the Corinthia’s Surrey Hotel, Harold has catered to the world’s elite—and seen it all. Expect insider insights into the world of ultra-high-net-worth guests, wild requests, and how genuine service, global networks, and discretion define true luxury. Whether you’re in private staffing, hospitality, or simply curious about the lives of those behind the velvet rope, this episode offers a unique perspective on what it really takes to serve at the top.

This week we’re joined by Maud, a true powerhouse in the world of private staffing. While many strive for long-term positions, Maud carved her own path – thriving in seasonal roles across Europe, working in chalets, villas, and luxury properties for UHNW clients. Starting as a total newcomer with just 15 minutes’ notice before her first butler shift, she’s now built a reputation as the ultimate fixer – trusted to walk into any household and deliver excellence. Her story takes us from Courchevel to Saint-Tropez, from working solo in high-pressure environments to becoming a sought-after property manager and remote PA. If you’ve ever questioned the value of a seasonal CV, this episode will make you think again. Maud’s adaptability, drive, and perspective on success show there’s more than one way to thrive in the private sector. 📍Expect inspiring insights, honest challenges, and a few memorable guest demands (yes — including a clementine taste test).

Today we are back! After taking our first-ever break since starting this podcast five years ago, we're back to launch Season 6 of Life in Private Staffing. Uncovering the extraordinary careers available within the private sector. It is always fascinating to learn how different people discover this industry, but more importantly, how they break into it, and today brings a journey Lara made from working as an Au Pair to House Manager, and she is still only in her early 20s. To anyone out there at the start of their career and perhaps feeling that a career working with UHNW families is too far out of reach, then this is the episode for you. Lara's story is truly inspiring.

After meeting Stacey at one of our networking drinks and laughing for hours at all her stories, she willingly agreed to join us as a guest this week. I love finding people with jobs in the private sector that I never knew existed. Did you know that Harrods can look after your private jet for you whilst you are in London? Whether you are ‘parking’ up for a day or a month, Harrods can take your plane, keep it safe, and then ensure it’s restocked and ready for your departure. As the Operations Controller, Stacey would meet and greet passengers off their jet and see them on their way, plus would ensure the plane was ready for them again when they left. From who she met, what people brought to what they requested for departure….her stories are brilliant!

This week, I had the absolute pleasure of being joined by Laurie Reese, a Conscious Dying Coach for UHNW clients. If you don’t know what this is, then tune in. It is a unique service that I think everyone should know exists. Laurie spent years working in the entertainment industry before moving into the private sector as a House Manager/PA. She then transitioned her skills and became qualified to offer a pre-, during, and post-death service.    Imagine your Principal is elderly and only has a few months left. The family doesn’t live close by and are very busy, so they are not around as much as they would like to be. Who is there not only to start arranging their affairs for them but also to be that companion by their side on a daily basis? Who is responsible for the aftercare, the sorting through an entire household of belongings? This companion/PA service brings the entire family a lot of comfort and support. I am really passionate about this topic. Preparing someone for their end of life is such a delicate and sensitive time, but someone like Laurie is perfectly suited to the role and can make the process so much more comfortable for all involved. Please tune in to learn so much more about what she does.

We’re back!  After a short break whilst we made some fairly significant changes internally here at Silver Swan, we are delighted to be back. Today, Philippa opens up about Silver Swan and the challenges we faced earlier in the year and the changes that were made and why.  We also welcome Lloyd to the show today, an experienced House Manager in Melbourne, Australia. It’s always interesting to see if the private industry any looks different on the other side of the world. He talks about his entry into the industry, how his career progressed over time and his recent stint in the Middle East. 

Today, Philippa Smith is talking to Lily who has had a fantastic career to date climbing the notoriously difficult ladder up to Director of Residence. This is a position sought after by many working in the private sector and so today we delve into Lily’s journey to the top. Her passion for the industry and her love for what she does is so obvious and clearly plays a part in her success. Tune in to learn how to break through ceilings, how to manage large teams of staff and what to look for when hiring.

Today we are delving into the wonderful life of a Butler.   The highly reputable Julius Smith joins the show with his decades of experience in the field and shares not only many great stories from his long career but also his thoughts on the emergence of the modern butler, the importance of training and what it is that makes a truly great butler.    Tune in to learn more about this world.