From leaving Kazakhstan with no English to managing multimillion-pound estates in Surrey, Marina Grigoryevaâs story is one of determination, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
With over 20 yearsâ experience working for UHNW families, Marina shares how she built longevity in some of the most demanding households â 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:
đź What it really takes to become a trusted House Managerđ§ How to protect your mental health in high-pressure householdsđ The resilience needed to start again in a new countryđ 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:đ Visit www.silverswanrecruitment.comđ§ Follow Life in Private Staffing on Spotify or Apple Podcastsđą Join our Silver Swan Communities â email enquiries@silverswanrecruitment.comđŹ Follow us on Instagram @silverswanrecruitment, @silverswanpodcast, and LinkedIn Silver Swan Recruitment
This week on Life in Private Staffing weâre 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 childâs 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 nannyâs role can completely change the course of a familyâs future.
đ Tune in now for an inspiring conversation that redefines luxury childcare and highlights the extraordinary opportunities within the private staffing world.
Resources & Links:
đFind 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 đŚ˘
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 Miamiâs 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, Danielaâs journey is nothing short of inspiring. Together, we explore:
⨠Her transition from recruitment into private staffing â and what her HR background taught her about leadership
⨠The reality of Miamiâs 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 â and why candidates deserve respect in the recruitment process
⨠Some of the quirkiest client requests sheâs ever received (including sourcing a lion đŚ)
Whether youâre 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:
đ Find out more about Silver Swan Recruitment: https://www.silverswanrecruitment.com
đ Looking for your next role? Register your CV with us today.
Follow us on Instagram & TikTok â @silverswanpodcast đŚ˘
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 itâs really like to oversee one of the countryâs 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 â including the time David was asked to move 80-year-old oak trees đł
⨠The skills, resilience, and âthick skinâ needed to thrive in this industry
Whether youâre an aspiring estate manager, already working in the private staffing world, or simply curious about what happens behind the gates of the UKâs most exclusive estates, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.
Resources & Links:
đ Find out more about Silver Swan Recruitment: https://www.silverswanrecruitment.comđ Looking for your next role? Register your CV with us today.
Follow us on Instagram & TikTok - @silverswanpodcast đŚ˘
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 Europeâs 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 â and why itâs not just about skiing every day
Sarah also shares behind-the-scenes stories from the world of luxury chalets â from immersive Frozen-themed kidsâ parties to guests flying in their own fine wine collections. Whether youâre 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:
đ View Consensio Holidaysâ vacancies: https://www.consensiochalets.co.uk
đ Find out more about Silver Swan Recruitment: https://www.silverswanrecruitment.com
If youâre considering a ski season, or looking to hire outstanding chalet staff, donât miss this episode!
In this special episode of Life in Private Staffing, weâre 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 AthĂŠnĂŠe and St. Regis to his current role at the Corinthiaâs Surrey Hotel, Harold has catered to the worldâs eliteâand 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 youâre 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 weâre joined by Maud, a true powerhouse in the world of private staffing. While many strive for long-term positions, Maud carved her own path â thriving in seasonal roles across Europe, working in chalets, villas, and luxury properties for UHNW clients.
Starting as a total newcomer with just 15 minutesâ notice before her first butler shift, sheâs now built a reputation as the ultimate fixer â 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 youâve ever questioned the value of a seasonal CV, this episode will make you think again. Maudâs adaptability, drive, and perspective on success show thereâs more than one way to thrive in the private sector.
đExpect inspiring insights, honest challenges, and a few memorable guest demands (yes â 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 âparkingâ up for a day or a month, Harrods can take your plane, keep it safe, and then ensure itâs 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 departureâŚ.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 donât 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.Â
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Imagine your Principal is elderly and only has a few months left. The family doesnât 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.
Weâre back!Â
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.Â
We also welcome Lloyd to the show today, an experienced House Manager in Melbourne, Australia. Itâs 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.Â
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 Lilyâs 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.
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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.Â
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Tune in to learn more about this world.
In this episode, Philippa delves into the realm of private staffing in the Middle East alongside special guest Corina Goetz.
They tackle prevailing misconceptions surrounding the GCC countries, shedding light on the advantages of working and living in this region for expats and private staff professionals alike.
Tune in for some serious myth-busting and our top reasons why Middle Eastern job opportunities aren't one to miss, giving misconceptions the boot once and for all!
Today The Recruitment Diaries focuses on International Womenâs Day, discussing raising a family and the impact this can have on your career
Philippa gives an insight into her journey and how she has balanced having children whilst running Silver Swan
We also invite Barbara Hepp to the show, a member of our UK House Manager community who has successfully navigated the journey of motherhood whilst working within the private sectorÂ
Wrapping up with a quick fire round with Laura Franzo, a working mum from the Silver Swan team.
Interviews. Yuck. Possibly the most daunting part of the hiring process, and one that we don't really get much education on đ¤˘.
This episode, Philippa is joined by Latricia Friend and Russell Orford as they discuss how to navigate perfecting the rĂŠsumĂŠ and finessing a private staff interview. From how to dress all the way up to post-interview etiquette, this episode has got you covered.
We've given our podcast a fresh lick of paint, have invested in a second microphone, and are now officially back for our fifth season (WhewđŽâđ¨)!
As 2024 kicks off, we wanted to run over the 'dos' and 'don'ts' of using a recruitment agency when looking for your next role or employee. Philippa is joined in the studio by Silver Swan's very own Laura and Chris as they discuss how to get the most out of a recruitment agency... and perhaps how not to.
Another season of Life in Private Staffing has come to an end, wrapping up our podcast until the new year!
In this episode, Philippa discusses some exciting changes happening at Silver Swan, and we go back through the fourth season and listen to some of our highlights from a year full of brilliant guests and interesting insights.
We'll be back in 2024 with a new season⌠and perhaps a new name too đ
This week, Philippa is chatting with one of our UK House Manager Community members, and past Silver Swan candidate, Georgina Gallagher!
Philippa and Georgina talk about the importance of a good work-life balance, and how this coincides with high demands from UHNW principals. Philippa also asks Georgina about her own route into the private staffing industry, from working in hospitality in her teenage years all the way up to her current role.
Today, Philippa is joined by Helen Mann, all the way from San Fransisco, California. Helen talks about her career journey so far- from studying her master's degree in film journalism to working in all sorts of UHNW roles which have managed to remain relevant to her prior studies, and how she's found trying different roles within the private staffing industry to be beneficial in both personal and career growth.
Philippa and Helen discuss a healthy work-life balance, the often inevitable trial and error that comes with finding the perfect position within the UHNW sector, and the importance of being open to opportunities in order to find a role that you are truly happy with.