Life in Private Staffing

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128

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Life in Private Staffing, where success knows no bounds, whether you're aboard a yacht, jet-setting on private planes, managing palaces, households, or cozy chalets. Join Philippa and her guests each month as they unravel recruitment tidbits and the secrets to triumph in the world of private staffing. Whether you're a recruiter, job seeker, or are already working in the realm of UHNWI, this monthly podcast educates and inspires, taking a deep dive into the fascinating opportunities and challenges of the industry 💫

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June 3, 2026Episode 846 min

S7 E8: Thiabut Barbe - From Superyachts to Royal Palaces | Leading 300 Staff in Private Service

What does it really take to manage luxury service at the very highest level?In this episode of Life in Private Staffing, Philippa is joined by hospitality and estate management expert Thibaut Barbé, whose incredible 30-year career has taken him from luxury cruise ships to the world’s largest superyachts, royal palaces in the Middle East and large-scale UHNW estates across the globe. 🌍✨Thibaut shares how he built an international career in private service, eventually managing a 25,000sqm royal palace and leading teams of more than 300 staff across multiple departments and nationalities.Together, Philippa and Thibaut discuss the realities of managing world-class hospitality operations behind the scenes — from recruitment, training and leadership to service standards, operations and building high-performing teams within ultra-high-net-worth environments.They also dive into one of the biggest mistakes managers make in luxury hospitality and private service: micromanagement.In this episode, Philippa and Thibaut cover:⚓️ Working aboard luxury cruise ships and superyachts🛥️ Life onboard one of the world’s largest superyachts🏛️ Managing royal palaces and UHNW estates in the Middle East👥 Leading and recruiting teams of 300+ staff✨ Building exceptional luxury service standards🌍 Working across multiple countries and cultures📈 Why empowering staff creates stronger operations🏡 The realities of estate management and private household leadership💼 Transitioning between yachting, hospitality and UHNW environmentsThis episode offers a fascinating insight into the people, leadership and operations behind some of the world’s most exclusive private environments.Resources & Links:🔗 Visit www.silverswanrecruitment.com🎧 Follow Life in Private Staffing on Spotify & Apple Podcasts📱 Follow us on Instagram: @silverswanrecruitment & @silverswanpodcast💬 Interested in joining one of our global private staffing communities? Email enquiries@silverswanrecruitment.com

May 21, 2026Episode 741 min

S7 E7: Elle Webster - Chief Stewardess to Entrepreneur, Life After Superyachts

What is it REALLY like building a long-term career in the superyacht industry?In this episode of Life in Private Staffing, Philippa is joined by former Chief Stewardess Elle Webster to discuss her decade-long career working onboard luxury superyachts across the world — from busy charter seasons and shipyard builds to global itineraries, UHNW lifestyles and the intense realities of life at sea.Elle shares how she entered the yachting industry at just 20 years old, worked her way up through the interior department, and eventually became Chief Stewardess managing high standards, demanding schedules and luxury service at the very highest level.They discuss everything from crew retention, Below Deck misconceptions and the pressures of modern yachting — to working onboard with your partner, transitioning into motherhood, and building a business after leaving the industry.Now the founder of Maison by Elle, a luxury home organisation business supporting high-net-worth clients, Elle explains how the skills developed in yachting — organisation, anticipation, time management and attention to detail — continue to shape her career today.In this episode, Philippa and Elle cover:⚓️ Building a career in the luxury yachting industry🌍 Working across global itineraries and shipyard builds👀 What Below Deck gets right… and wrong💼 Why crew longevity matters in yachting❤️ Working and living onboard as a couple👶 Transitioning from yachting into motherhood🏡 Launching a luxury home organisation business after yachting✨ How superyacht standards transfer into UHNW householdsAn honest and insightful conversation about luxury service, life behind the scenes on superyachts, and navigating career evolution after yachting.Resources & Links:🔗 Visit ⁠www.silverswanrecruitment.com⁠🎧 Follow Life in Private Staffing on Spotify or Apple Podcasts📱 Join our Silver Swan Communities – email ⁠enquiries@silverswanrecruitment.com⁠💬 Follow us on Instagram @silverswanrecruitment, @silverswanpodcast and LinkedIn Silver Swan Recruitment

May 6, 2026Episode 646 min

S7 E6 - Steven Walker - From the Royal Navy to Royal Households - 40 Years in Private Service Across 5 Continents

What does a 40-year career in private service really look like?In this episode of Life in Private Staffing, Philippa is joined by Steven — an industry professional whose career spans decades, continents, and some of the most prestigious private households in the world.From his early days in the Royal Navy, Steven shares how discipline, structure and opportunity led him into private service — landing roles working with royalty, UHNW families, and global principals across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.Having worked across five continents in roles ranging from butlering and house management to palace operations and staff training, Steven offers a rare, honest insight into how the industry has evolved — and what it really takes to succeed at the highest level today.They discuss everything from travelling the world with UHNW families, managing large-scale private households, and working within royal environments — to the modern reality of smaller teams, faster-paced roles, and changing expectations in luxury service.In this episode, Philippa and Steven cover:💼 Transitioning from the Royal Navy into private service🌍 Working with royalty and UHNW families across 5 continents✈️ The reality of travelling roles and global private households🏠 The shift from large teams to smaller, more dynamic structures🎯 Why discipline, adaptability and discretion are essential📈 How the private staffing industry has evolved over time🎓 Moving into training and giving back to the next generationA fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at a career built at the very top of private service — and an honest reflection on how the industry is changing.Resources & Links:🔗 Visit ⁠www.silverswanrecruitment.com⁠🎧 Follow Life in Private Staffing on Spotify or Apple Podcasts📱 Join our Silver Swan Communities – email ⁠enquiries@silverswanrecruitment.com⁠💬 Follow us on Instagram @silverswanrecruitment, @silverswanpodcast and LinkedIn Silver Swan Recruitment

April 3, 2026Episode 538 min

S7 E5: Alice Bornarel - The Role Every UHNW Household Needs (But Rarely Has)

What if running a private household required more than just hiring staff?In this episode of Life in Private Staffing, Philippa is joined by Alice Bournarel, a private household consultant supporting UHNW families with everything from recruitment and training to operations and bespoke event management.With over 13 years of experience across private households, yachts, and international residences, Alice shares how she built her career from the ground up — and why she has now launched her own business to support households in a more flexible, consultancy-style capacity.They discuss the reality behind managing private homes, the gaps many households don’t realise they have, and why structure, clarity, and training are key to building a high-performing team.💼 A unique, consultancy-style role within private households🏠 The difference between hiring staff and building a functioning household🧠 Why structure, systems, and onboarding are often overlooked🌍 The challenges of managing teams across different cultures📈 Why demand for flexible household support is growingA fascinating insight into the behind-the-scenes reality of running a UHNW home — and the role most households don’t even realise they need.🔗 Visit ⁠www.silverswanrecruitment.com⁠🎧 Follow Life in Private Staffing on Spotify or Apple Podcasts📱 Join our Silver Swan Communities – email ⁠enquiries@silverswanrecruitment.com⁠💬 Follow us on Instagram @silverswanrecruitment, @silverswanpodcast and LinkedIn Silver Swan RecruitmentIn this episode, Philippa and Alice cover:Resources & Links:

March 20, 202634 min

S7 E4: Weslley Frick - Building Confidence Through Sport in UHNW Households

What if childcare in UHNW households went beyond traditional roles?In this episode of Life in Private Staffing, Philippa is joined by Wesley, a specialist working with children in private households to build confidence, discipline, resilience and fitness through personalised coaching.From his background in sport to launching his own business in Dubai, Wesley shares how he has carved out a unique role within private staffing — working closely with families to support children’s development through structured, one-to-one programmes.They discuss the importance of sport in early development, the responsibility that comes with working so closely with children, and why more UHNW families are investing in specialist support beyond traditional childcare.In this episode, Philippa and Wesley cover:💼 A unique and emerging role within private households🧠 How sport builds discipline, confidence and resilience in children🌍 Working with UHNW families across different cultures🏠 The reality of working one-to-one with children in private environments📈 Why demand for specialised childcare support is growingA fascinating insight into a side of private staffing that many people don’t even realise exists.Resources & Links:🔗 Visit www.silverswanrecruitment.com🎧 Follow Life in Private Staffing on Spotify or Apple Podcasts📱 Join our Silver Swan Communities – email enquiries@silverswanrecruitment.com💬 Follow us on Instagram @silverswanrecruitment, @silverswanpodcast and LinkedIn Silver Swan Recruitment

March 5, 2026Episode 346 min

S7 E3: Maja Novak - Flexibility, Team Dynamics & Life After Yachting

From working on superyachts to building a flexible career across private residences and luxury hospitality, Maja Novak shares what it really takes to succeed in the private service industry.After more than a decade in yachting, Maja made the transition to contract-based roles in private households, villas and chalets, designing a career that allows her to balance professional opportunities with personal life.In this episode, Philippa and Maja discuss the realities of working in private service and UHNW environments, from the importance of emotional intelligence and professionalism within teams to the challenges of working far from home.Maja also shares valuable insight into networking, personal branding, and building a reputation within the industry, as well as why visibility on platforms like LinkedIn can open unexpected doors.In this episode, we cover:💼 How Maja built a career across superyachts, private households and luxury hospitality🌍 The benefits of short-term contracts and seasonal work in private service🤝 Why team dynamics and emotional intelligence are essential in UHNW environments📈 How networking and personal branding can create career opportunities⚓ The realities of transitioning from yachting to land-based private rolesA candid conversation about the realities of private staffing, career flexibility, and life behind the scenes of luxury service.Resources & Links:🔗 Visit www.silverswanrecruitment.com🎧 Follow Life in Private Staffing on Spotify or Apple Podcasts📱 Join our Silver Swan Communities – email enquiries@silverswanrecruitment.com💬 Follow us on Instagram @silverswanrecruitment, @silverswanpodcast, and LinkedIn – Silver Swan Recruitment

February 20, 2026Episode 239 min

S7 E2: Chef Joy - From Private Jets to World Tours: Life as a Celebrity Private Chef

From cooking for world-famous athletes and global touring musicians to navigating extreme dietary requirements inside private households, Chef Joy’s career offers a fascinating insight into life as a Private Chef at the highest level.Originally from New Orleans and now based in Los Angeles, Joy shares how she built her career from professional kitchens into the world of private staffing — travelling internationally, cooking in unconventional environments, and adapting to the unique demands of UHNW clients.She opens up about the realities behind the glamour, the importance of attitude and flexibility, and how challenges like cooking without onion or garlic have actually helped her grow creatively as a chef.In this episode, Philippa and Joy discuss:🍽️ The transition from restaurant kitchens to private households✈️ Cooking while travelling and working on global tours🥗 Managing complex diets and food sensitivities for clients💡 The mindset needed to succeed in private staffing🌍 Why networking and personality matter just as much as skillA brilliant conversation that highlights the creativity, resilience and adaptability required to succeed as a Private Chef behind the scenes of the luxury lifestyle.Resources & Links:🔗 Visit ⁠www.silverswanrecruitment.com⁠🎧 Follow Life in Private Staffing on ⁠Spotify⁠ or ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠📱 Join our Silver Swan Communities – email ⁠enquiries@silverswanrecruitment.com⁠💬 Follow us on Instagram ⁠@silverswanrecruitment⁠, ⁠@silverswanpodcast⁠, and LinkedIn ⁠Silver Swan Recruitment⁠

February 5, 2026Episode 143 min

S7 E1: Imron Zulfikar - Private Wellness Managers: The Role You Didn’t Know Existed

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 householdsA 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

December 11, 202546 min

S6 E9: Rien Thoma - From Butler School to House Manager: Rien;s Decade Inside UHNW Homes

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 rolesA 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

October 16, 2025Episode 850 min

S6 E8 - Marina Grigoryeva: Resilience, Reinvention & the Reality of Life in Private Staffing

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 staffingA 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 enquiries@silverswanrecruitment.com💬 Follow us on Instagram @silverswanrecruitment, @silverswanpodcast, and LinkedIn Silver Swan Recruitment