Life in Private Staffing

powered by Silver Swan Recruitment
  • 5.0 (15)
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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 💫

  1. 2d ago

    Supplier Spotlight: Victor | Book Me First Class – Premium Commercial Travel for UHNW Families

    In this episode of our Inner Circle Supplier Spotlight series, Philippa is joined by Victor, Founder of Book Me First Class, a specialist commercial flight service supporting UHNW individuals, families, PAs, EAs and Chiefs of Staff. Victor explains why even families who regularly fly private still need specialist support with commercial aviation — from long-haul travel and staff flights to large family trips and complex multi-passenger itineraries. Book Me First Class uses specialist airline systems and industry knowledge to find routes, cabin combinations and availability that aren't always visible through standard booking platforms. Victor also shares how his team manages complex Business and First Class bookings, mixed-cabin travel, last-minute changes and disrupted journeys. One of the biggest benefits for private staff is the 24/7 support. If your principal is at an airport and their flight is delayed or cancelled, rather than spending an hour on hold with an airline, you can WhatsApp Victor's team and have them work on Plan B. Victor also explains how they use their access to airline systems to monitor availability, restructure bookings and solve travel problems behind the scenes — something he describes as “aviation surgery.” A particularly useful listen for PAs, EAs, Chiefs of Staff, House Managers, Family Offices and anyone responsible for arranging travel for UHNW principals, families or household staff. 🎧 Listen now and follow Life in Private Staffing so you don't miss the next Supplier Spotlight. 👉 Working in private service? Join The Inner Circle for access to trusted suppliers, expert content, resources, events and priority opportunities:https://innercircle.silverswanrecruitment.com/ ✈️ Book Me First Class is a Supplier Partner within the Silver Swan Inner Circle, where members can access Victor's contact details directly. Find out more about Book Me First Class:https://bookmefirstclass.com/

    Supplier Spotlight: Victor | Book Me First Class – Premium Commercial Travel for UHNW Families

  2. Oct 13 ·  Bonus

    Supplier Spotlight: Tracey Jones | Mindset, Leadership & High Performance in Private Service

    In the first episode of our Inner Circle Supplier Spotlight series, Philippa is joined by Tracey Jones, Founder of TJ Life and a high-performance mindset coach working with UHNW families, private household professionals, athletes, business leaders and other high-pressure clients. Tracey shares what really happens when House Managers, PAs and private staff are constantly operating under pressure — and how that can affect communication, leadership, decision-making and the wider household team. They discuss team conflict, emotional regulation, conscious listening, psychological safety, cultural differences, boundaries, burnout and maintaining a high-performance mindset in demanding private-service environments. Tracey also explains her work as a confidential sounding board for UHNW individuals and families navigating succession, divorce, family change, young-adult development and major life transitions, while considering the impact those changes can have on the household team around them. A particularly useful listen for House Managers, Estate Managers, PAs, EAs and anyone working in a high-pressure private household who wants practical ways to lead, communicate and perform better without neglecting their own wellbeing. 🎧 Listen now and follow Life in Private Staffing so you don’t miss the next Supplier Spotlight. 👉 Working in private service? Join The Inner Circle for access to trusted suppliers, expert content, resources, events and priority opportunities. Click here ⭕️ 👉 Are you a supplier working with UHNW individuals, Family Offices or private households? Explore our Supplier Partner opportunities here. Tracey is also a Supplier Partner within the Silver Swan Inner Circle, where members can access her contact details and upcoming expert content.

    Supplier Spotlight: Tracey Jones | Mindset, Leadership & High Performance in Private Service

  3. Sep 24

    S7 E13: Helena Vavrikova - Building a Career Across Multiple Roles Within Private Service

    What does it really take to build a career across multiple roles within private service? In this episode of Recruitment Diaries: Life in Private Staffing, Philippa is joined by Helena Vavrikova, an experienced Private Chef, House Manager and Estate Manager whose career has taken her from restaurant kitchens and culinary school to working inside UHNW private households across the US. Helena’s route through private staffing has been anything but one-dimensional. Starting out as a nanny before training at the Culinary Institute of America, she went on to build a career as a Private Chef before gradually stepping beyond the kitchen into Family Assistant, House Manager and Estate Manager roles. Together, Philippa and Helena discuss the realities of working inside private households, learning to recognise red flags, navigating demanding environments, building trusted relationships with recruiters and why being willing to step outside your job title can completely change the direction of your career. In this episode, Philippa and Helena cover: 👩‍🍳 Breaking into private service through nannying and private chef work🏡 Moving from Private Chef to House Manager and Estate Manager🎓 Training at the Culinary Institute of America and building credibility as a Private Chef🚩 The early-career red flags Helena overlooked while desperate to gain experience📋 Learning household operations, manuals and estate management from the ground up🏠 Managing multiple private residences and increasingly complex responsibilities🤝 Why strong relationships with private staffing recruiters can shape your career⚡ Thinking on your feet when things inevitably don’t go to plan in private service🌎 Working across different households, cultures and styles of service✨ Why versatility, adaptability and a willingness to learn can open unexpected doors From cooking sushi by phone light during a power outage in Jackson Hole to managing multiple residences and building a career far beyond the kitchen, Helena’s story is a brilliant example of just how varied a career in private staffing can become. Whether you’re a Private Chef looking to move into House Management, already working within a UHNW private household, considering a career in Estate Management, or simply interested in how careers evolve within private service, this episode offers an honest look at building experience, embracing opportunity and learning as you go. Resources & Links 🌐 Visit: www.silverswanrecruitment.com🎧 Follow Recruitment Diaries: Life in Private Staffing on Spotify & Apple Podcasts📱 Follow us on Instagram: @silverswanrecruitment & @silverswanpodcast⭕ Join the Silver Swan Inner Circle: https://innercircle.silverswanrecruitment.com/silver-swan-private-inner-circle

  4. Sep 16

    S7 E12: Tony Jazz - From Five-Star Hotels to Private Butlering

    What does it really take to build a career as a traditional Butler at the highest levels of luxury hospitality and private service? In this episode of Recruitment Diaries: Life in Private Staffing, Philippa is joined by Tony Jazz, an experienced Butler whose career has taken him through some of London’s most prestigious five-star hotels, including The Connaught, Claridge’s and The Savoy, before moving further into private service, events and consultancy. Tony’s career has been built on hard work, adaptability and a willingness to step into situations he had never experienced before. From arriving at the office at 6am to master a completely unfamiliar role, to luxury procurement, managing Butler teams and creating memorable experiences for high-profile guests, his story is a brilliant example of where saying yes to opportunities can take you. Together, Philippa and Tony discuss the evolution of traditional Butlering, moving between five-star hotels and private service, and why formal training can teach you the fundamentals — but experience, intuition and understanding your Principal are what truly make an exceptional Butler. In this episode, Philippa and Tony cover: 🏨 Building a career through some of London’s leading five-star hotels🎩 Traditional Butlering and the standards behind exceptional service📈 Stepping into unfamiliar roles and proving yourself through hard work🥂 Luxury procurement, private dining and high-level guest experiences👥 Progressing into Senior Butler roles and managing Butler teams🏡 Moving from luxury hotels into private households and private service🎓 Butler academies vs learning through real-world hospitality experience💭 Imposter syndrome, confidence and learning to think on your feet🤝 Why every Principal requires a completely different style of service✨ The importance of knowing when to be present — and when to step back Whether you’re an aspiring Butler, already working within UHNW private households, considering a move from luxury hospitality into private service, or simply fascinated by the traditions and standards behind exceptional Butlering, this episode offers a brilliant insight into a career built over decades at the highest level. Resources & Links 🌐 Visit: www.silverswanrecruitment.com🎧 Follow Recruitment Diaries: Life in Private Staffing on Spotify & Apple Podcasts📱 Follow us on Instagram: @silverswanrecruitment & @silverswanpodcast⭕ Join the Silver Swan Inner Circle: innercircle.silverswanrecruitment.com

  5. Aug 25

    S7 E11 - Andrii Oliinyk: From Superyachts to Royal Palaces: Life as a UHNW Butler

    What does it really take to build a career as a Butler at the very highest level of private service? In this episode of Recruitment Diaries: Life in Private Staffing, Philippa is joined by Andrii Oliinyk, an experienced Head Butler whose career has taken him from an engineering degree and supermarket job to superyachts, a Royal residence in the Middle East and a UHNW private household in London. Andrii's route into private service was anything but traditional. Rather than starting at a prestigious Butler Academy, he learned on the job, continually upskilled and built an international career through hands-on experience. Together, Philippa and Andrii discuss the realities of working at the highest levels of private service, why no two households are ever the same, adapting between Royal and UHNW environments, and why even the most experienced Butlers never stop learning. In this episode, Philippa and Andrii cover: ✨ Breaking into private service without the traditional Butler Academy route🛥️ Starting a career in superyachts and learning luxury service from the ground up👑 Five years working inside a Royal residence in the Middle East🌍 Moving from Middle Eastern Royal service to a UHNW private household in London🏡 Why every private household has completely different standards and expectations🍽️ Silver service, VVIP standards and training other Butlers🤝 Leadership, teamwork and building exceptional private household teams💡 Why adaptability and continuous learning are essential for a successful Butler career Whether you're an aspiring Butler, House Manager, Estate Manager, Private PA, or already working within UHNW private households, this episode offers a fascinating insight into what it really takes to build a career at the highest level of private service. Resources & Links 🌐 Visit: www.silverswanrecruitment.com🎧 Follow Recruitment Diaries: Life in Private Staffing on Spotify & Apple Podcasts📱 Follow us on Instagram: @silverswanrecruitment & @silverswanpodcast💬 Join one of our global private staffing communities: enquiries@silverswanrecruitment.com

  6. Aug 19

    In Memory of Mason Haynes | Life Behind the A-List Bodyguard

    We were deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of Mason Haynes. Mason joined us on the podcast back in Season 1 to share stories from an extraordinary career in close protection — a life that took him around the world, working with high-profile individuals and experiencing places and situations most of us could only imagine. Throughout our conversation, what stood out wasn't simply the remarkable career Mason had built, but his perspective on people, experience and life itself. Speaking about everything his career had given him, Mason said: “I’ve travelled so much and seen so much and been exposed to so much… I’m grateful for that. I feel that it’s made me a much broader, rounder person.” In memory of Mason, we wanted to reshare this conversation and give our community the opportunity to hear his stories, experiences and wisdom once again. Our thoughts are with Mason’s family, friends and everyone who knew and worked alongside him. Rest in peace, Mason.🤍

  7. Jul 7

    S7 E10 - Patricia Levinson: Your Career Doesn't Have to Be Linear | Returning to Private Staffing

    What if leaving private staffing was the very thing that made you better at it? In this episode of Recruitment Diaries: Life in Private Staffing, Philippa is joined by Patricia Levinson, a House Manager and Executive Assistant based in Manhattan, whose career has taken anything but a traditional path. From owning and running a hotel in Costa Rica to managing private properties, raising a family, working in financial services and eventually returning to private service, Patricia shares how every stage of her journey has shaped the professional she is today. Together, Philippa and Patricia discuss why transferable skills matter, the realities of stepping away from the industry, and how perseverance helped Patricia secure the role she'd always hoped for. In this episode, Philippa and Patricia cover: ✨ Breaking into private staffing unexpectedly🏡 Running a hotel and managing luxury private properties in Costa Rica👨‍👩‍👧 Taking a career break to raise a family💼 Returning to private service after years outside the industry📈 Why transferable skills create stronger House Managers and Executive Assistants🤝 Leadership, team management and seeing the bigger picture🌍 Building a career across Costa Rica, Connecticut and New York💡 Why perseverance is one of the most valuable qualities in private staffing Whether you're an aspiring House Manager, Estate Manager, Executive Assistant, Personal Assistant, or already working within UHNW private households, this episode is packed with practical advice, honest reflections and career inspiration. Resources & Links 🌐 Visit: www.silverswanrecruitment.com🎧 Follow Recruitment Diaries: Life in Private Staffing on Spotify & Apple Podcasts📱 Follow us on Instagram: @silverswanrecruitment & @silverswanpodcast💬 Join one of our global private staffing communities: enquiries@silverswanrecruitment.com

  8. Jun 25

    S7 E9: Will Graham - From Celebrity Households to Freelance Success | A Career as a Private PA

    What does it really take to build a successful career as a Private PA? In this episode of Life in Private Staffing, Philippa is joined by experienced Private PA Will Graham, who shares his journey through the world of private households, celebrity support, freelancing and lifestyle management. Having worked with high-profile principals across a variety of sectors, Will offers a fascinating insight into the realities of working behind the scenes for UHNW individuals, navigating discretion, building trust and creating long-lasting professional relationships. Together, Philippa and Will discuss how the role of a Private PA has evolved, the opportunities available within private staffing today, and the skills that truly set exceptional candidates apart. In this episode, Philippa and Will cover: ✨ How Will landed his first Private PA role🎭 Working with celebrity and high-profile principals🤝 Building trust and maintaining discretion💼 Freelance vs permanent Private PA opportunities🧠 Why emotional intelligence is a superpower in private staffing📱 Technology, AI and the future of private support roles🌍 Relocating outside London and building a flexible career👔 Being a male PA in a traditionally female-dominated industry🏡 The realities of supporting UHNW households and individuals This episode is packed with practical advice, career insights and honest reflections for anyone considering a career in private staffing, personal assistance or lifestyle management. 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

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5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

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 💫

Information

  • Creator
    powered by Silver Swan Recruitment
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    136
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © powered by Silver Swan Recruitment
  • Show Website
    Life in Private Staffing

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