Life in Private Staffing

In the latest episode of the Life in Private Staffing podcast we have Kelly Dixon, who shares her 25 years of working experience in the residential luxury property improvement industry, her unique experience, education and training positioned her to stand out in a crowded field of luxury home managers.  As a former Estate Manager for some of the world's wealthiest families, and with her uniqu...

In the latest episode of the Life in Private Staffing podcast we have, Corina Goetz is a domestic staffing specialist that deals mostly with clients in the Middle East. Corina has been working with Middle Eastern clients for 20 years now. We are also joined by Michael & Eve – from Silver Swan Recruitment who look after our Middle Eastern clients. In this episode, we talk about all things Middl...

In this episode, we explore the early childhood carers and speak to Julia Gaskell Head of Consultancy and Training and Acting Head of Agency & Alumni at Norland College.  Julia tells us about what it's like to work in the industry as well as the status that comes with being a Norlander. Julia is has gone from training at  Norland College to now working at the college.  Norland C...

In the new episode of the Life in Private Staffing podcast. We have Sam Palmer a fellow recruiter, founder, and CEO of Staffing Properties and we looked at what it's like to be on the recruiter's side, to give you some insight into what it's like from the client perspective and give you some tips to getting into the industry.

In this episode we are joined by Rachel Stallard, who is a skilled senior household manager. With over 20 years in the industry, she has loads of knowledge to share with our listeners. Rachel has started writing a book about her experiences. Listen to the full episode to hear her tips on:  Joining the private staffing industry.  How to handle the pressures of working in the industry  The attitude...

We are back with something a bit new. In this episode we talk about our new podcast name "Life in Private Staffing", the new look and feel, and what you can expect from the season of the podcast.  We meet with the Silver Swan team and find out what is happening at each of our desks (Private Households, Chalets and Villas, Yachts and Private Jets). Catch up with our team in the latest episode of Li...

It’s the end of Season 1 of Working For the Rich & Famous podcast! I wanted to take the opportunity to thank all of our guests who have taken part and all our listeners for supporting the podcast throughout. The purpose was to help educate and inspire others and to build a community where we can all come together and talk openly about the careers and opportunities available within this amazing...

Joining me on the podcast today is Confidence Coach, Danny Sangha. Danny's job is fascinating; his day to day work is offering advice and guidance to UHNWIs, VIPs and his high profile clients. Having worked with some famous faces, Danny not only offers a rare insight into the psyche of the rich and famous, but also provides us with some excellent advice on how we can navigate the new normal. ⁠&nbs...

Today, I am talking with Ricardo who is a very successful hairdresser currently living in Ibiza. Ricardo began his career working in the fashion industry, styling models hair and working back stage at fashion shows. Now he works privately, cutting and stying the hair of his VIP clients. ⁠If you’re interested in all things hair and looking for a window into the world of luxury, this is not one to m...

Today, I am talking with Lisa who has built a career in private hospitality by working in high-end luxury chalets, after starting for a larger tour operator. We discuss what the role of a Chalet Manager entails and the benefits of working seasonally. ⁠ If you’re interested in all things ski, this is not one to miss!⁠⁠ In this episode we discuss:⁠ 🎙The differences between working for a large tour o...

Today, I am talking with Abigail whose quality of life improved drastically when she made the change from Personal Assistant to a freelance Virtual Assistant. We discuss what the role of a VA entails and the highs and lows of working for yourself. There are many links between how Abigail has to present herself within her market to find new clients and how an unemployed candidate should also presen...

Today, I am talking with Paul who has been severely affected by the pandemic as he happened to be looking for work at the start of 2020 and so therefore has been in the job market for most of the year. He talks openly and honestly about his frustrations of job hunting in such a slow market and what his observations have been on the market as a whole. We also talked about his unusual route in the p...

Today, I am talking with Carolyn, an experienced PA/Estate Manager based in Los Angeles. In classic LA-style, she found her first role in the private sector through her hairdresser. We talk about how the industry has changed over the years and the things that have, and always will, stay the same, making it an incredibly rewarding line of work. In this episode we discuss: 🎙️ How variety is why she...

Today, I am talking to Simeon, owner of Rosset Bespoke Butlers & Rosset Butler Academy who is a professional, formally trained traditional Butler who has worked for some incredibly high profile clients over the years. He has adapted his style to suit a new generation of UHNW who were looking for a modern Butler who can do much more than just the traditional service. A modern Butler can turn th...

Today, I am talking with highly experienced Private Chef Roger who has had a really impressive career having struggled in school and dropping out of college. He proves that experience can trump qualifications within the catering industry and if you get your head down and work hard in some of the highest level Michelin kitchens then you can learn all you need to know. He transitioned into the priva...

Today, I am talking to Clara, who is an experienced Estate Manager based in New York. She arrived from Columbia with zero experience within the industry and very humbly stepped from a high powered role in the telecommunications industry where she travelled extensively into an Au Pair role. This was a very sensible way to work her way up from the bottom, gaining experience on the job as she went, w...

Today, I am talking to Mason, who has spent 22 years in the security industry. Working his way up from the pub and club security scene working as a bouncer to protecting some of the most high-profile people in the world. His career has taken him to 115 different countries including 22 across Africa. His story is amazing and gives a real insight into the do’s and don’ts of working as a Celebrity Bo...

Today, I am talking to Hannah, who transferred from a corporate career in HR to Estate Management/PA in Mallorca. She tells of how the job change also changed her and she’d find herself at home polishing, dusting and placing things with an OCD level of detail. She certainly started her career in the private sector at a high and demanding level and has gained fantastic longevity working 5 years in...

Today, I am talking to Nathalie, who started as a lady’s maid and worked her way up over 20 years with the same family. She talks about why longevity is important to her and how growing with the job gives the best job satisfaction. Nathalie’s experience in a more traditional role, gives insight to what is expected in these residences. In this episode we discuss: 🎙️ Why she believes development and...

Today, I am talking to Helen, who began her career as a masseuse on cruise ships, developed a passion for service and housekeeping on super yachts, worked a temporary contract Saudi Arabia and now mentors and trains Pursers and other Private Hospitality staff. If you’re looking to get into the private sector, Helen gives some great advice and ideas of what it’s really like. In this episode we disc...

Today, I am talking to Kelly Watkins, who started out cleaning houses and now runs an estate in Beverly Hills, California. She tells of the importance to get stuck in, try your hand at anything and look at the positives to any job. It’s a tough job, but once you find that jackpot house, there’s no better place to be. In this episode we discuss: 🎙️ How she got into, and stayed, in the industry 🎙️ T...

Today, I am talking to Joy, who started her private hospitality career in a ski chalet and then headed to the South of France in the summer. Since getting her break in the yachting world, she has worked her way up the ranks, on a variety of incredible super yachts, and is now a Purser.  It’s an industry where attention to detail, long days and a lot of cleaning come as standard but in return...

Today, I am talking to Sam Drakard, a good friend who talks about his experiences as a Chef. Having already had a fascinating career, spanning many parts of the chef world, Sam’s first Private Chef role was in a luxury ski chalet in the French Alps. From there, he’s gone on to working in private residences all around the world.    He has some great stories and tips for anyone looking to...

Today, I am talking to Shada, who explains the role of a nanny and just how much goes into planning and organising in her role. As well as looking after children of all ages for a host of families around the world, she has a mentoring program, teaches potty training and simply LOVES what she does. She has some serious passion for being a nanny, it’s always lovely to see someone who loves their job...

Today, I am talking to John, who started as a bricklayer, went through the special forces and has since worked for an array of rich and famous people, building and running their houses in some of the most beautiful parts of the world. The stories he has are worth a listen alone, but he also has some great advice on following your gut, going with the flow and always being honest. In this episode we...