The Montclair Podcast

Chris Demaillet

Welcome to The Montclair Podcast  - Life in the Ultra-Luxury Industry, where we dive into the daily life of those supporting the busy lifestyles of billionaires and their families onboard their superyachts, private jets, or within multiple residences worldwide. Discover what it's like to manage the lives of UHNW (Ultra-High-Net-Worth) individuals in the most exclusive environments. From global travels to upholding ultra-high service standards, we explore the dedication and commitment of the professionals who make it all possible. Join host Chris Demaillet as we sit down with private chefs, butlers, family office managers, superyacht captains, private jet pilots, and many more. Each episode uncovers the challenges, successes, and insights of those serving the world’s wealthiest clients, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at life in the ultra-luxury industry.

  1. 04/01/2025

    Episode 22 - Paul Smith

    In this powerful episode, we sit down with Paul Smith, a seasoned entrepreneur, property investor, and wealth educator, whose journey from a challenging childhood marked by health issues to financial success is nothing short of inspiring. Paul dives deep into: - The critical difference between being rich and being truly wealthy - Why mindset and financial education are the Foundation for financial freedom - His real-life experiences in property investment and advice for navigating the UK market - How personal health struggles shaped his views on life, success, and perspective - Insights on Bitcoin, gold, and the future of investing - His Guinness World Record, passion for public speaking, and building powerful connections - His bold mission was to democratize gold, making it usable in everyday transactions _ And why philanthropy and surrounding yourself with successful people are key to building a legacy Paul shares raw, practical advice on creating wealth through education and purpose, and inspires listeners to pursue a life of meaning—not just money. 🔗 Follow Paul Smith Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulsmithwealth/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulsmithtouchstoneeducation/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulsmithwealth/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@paulsmithwealth Touchstone Education: https://www.paulsmithtouchstoneeducation.com/ The 🌎's Best Private Chef Agency: www.montclairchef.com Follow Montclair Chef ⤵ Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Youtube TikTok ✅ Find a Private Chef TODAY! t.ly/PM9fM 📍 Yacht & Private Chef Jobs: recruiterflow.com/montclairchef/jobs Become a Yacht Chef Today! Read ➪ The Yacht Chef Guide Book 🎧 Sound track by Joakim Karud

    1h 33m
  2. 03/24/2025

    Episode 21 - Hugo Ortega

    In this conversation, Hugo Ortega shares his journey from studying engineering to becoming a captain in the yachting industry. He discusses the challenges of remote interviews, the realities of working on yachts, and the importance of mentorship. Hugo also highlights the creation of SuperYacht Sunday School, a platform aimed at helping others break into the industry. He offers valuable advice for aspiring yachties, emphasizing financial planning and the significance of choosing the right job. The conversation concludes with insights into the responsibilities of being a captain and the importance of swimming skills in yachting. In this conversation, Hugo Ortega discusses his journey in the yachting industry, his challenges, and the creation of SuperYacht Sunday School, a mentorship and educational platform aimed at helping aspiring yacht crew members. He emphasizes the importance of personal guidance, the need for more structured training in the industry, and his vision for the future of the program, including the integration of technology and community support. Hugo also shares insights on the industry's shortcomings and the necessity for a more connected and educated workforce. Follow Hugo and his latest ventures: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superyachtsundayschool YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@superyachtsundayschool TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@superyachtsundayschool Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/superyachtsundayschool LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/superyacht-sunday-school The 🌎's Best Private Chef Agency: www.montclairchef.com Follow Montclair Chef ⤵ Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Youtube TikTok ✅ Find a Private Chef TODAY! t.ly/PM9fM 📍 Yacht & Private Chef Jobs: recruiterflow.com/montclairchef/jobs Become a Yacht Chef Today! Read ➪ The Yacht Chef Guide Book 🎧 Sound track by Joakim Karud

    57 min
  3. 03/17/2025

    Episode 20 - Lara Norman

    In this great discussion, Lara Norman takes us through her culinary evolution—from a young chef in Ibiza to Michelin-starred kitchens and ultimately creating her immersive dining experience, Euphoria. She highlights the role of creativity in cooking, her time on a cooking show, and her latest project, The Hourglass, which explores human conditioning through food. Lara also delves into the industry's challenges in burnout, the importance of mentorship, and the evolving landscape of gastronomy. The conversation touches on food trends, the power of performance in dining, and the significance of respect and innovation in the culinary world. She shares her passion for sustainability, the joy of street food, and the need for chefs to forge a deeper connection with their ingredients. Beyond fine dining, Lara reflects on her unique approach to experiences that encourage guests to let go and engage emotionally. She discusses her aspirations for collaborations with renowned chefs and the realities of working in the yachting industry, where balancing creativity with environmental responsibility is crucial. Follow Chef Lara Norman: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheflaranormanFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheflaranormanLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/lara-norman-18a971203Euphoria by Lara Norman: https://euphoriabylaranorman.com/The Euphoric Experience: https://euphoriabylaranorman.com/euphoric-experience/ The 🌎's Best Private Chef Agency: www.montclairchef.com Follow Montclair Chef ⤵ Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Youtube TikTok ✅ Find a Private Chef TODAY! t.ly/PM9fM 📍 Yacht & Private Chef Jobs: recruiterflow.com/montclairchef/jobs Become a Yacht Chef Today! Read ➪ The Yacht Chef Guide Book 🎧 Sound track by Joakim Karud

    1h 5m
  4. 03/10/2025

    Episode 19 - Nadia Warshavskaya

    In this conversation, Nadia Warshavskaya shares her inspiring journey from Ukraine to becoming a successful charter broker in the yachting industry. She discusses her deep passion for crafting unforgettable yacht experiences, her transition into the world of superyachts, and the launch of her marketing agency, Spinnaker Bureau. Beyond her career, Nadia opens up about personal growth through yachting, her health journey, and her love for culinary arts—emphasizing the spiritual connection she finds in her work. Throughout the discussion, she highlights the importance of confidence and intuition and the transformative role of plant medicine in her life. She also explores the power of positive energy, the challenges within the yachting industry, and the necessity of fostering community and collaboration to improve mental health for those in the field. Additionally, Nadia shares her journey in building a chocolate brand called "Hope," illustrating how success is more about choice than luck. The conversation concludes with a forward-looking discussion on creating meaningful solutions for a better future in the yachting industry. Follow Nadia Warshavskaya on social media below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadia_warshavskaya/Spinnaker Magazine: https://www.instagram.com/spinnakermagazine/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-warshavskayaThe 🌎's Best Private Chef Agency: www.montclairchef.com Follow Montclair Chef ⤵ Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Youtube TikTok ✅ Find a Private Chef TODAY! t.ly/PM9fM 📍 Yacht & Private Chef Jobs: recruiterflow.com/montclairchef/jobs Become a Yacht Chef Today! Read ➪ The Yacht Chef Guide Book 🎧 Sound track by Joakim Karud

    1h 13m
  5. 03/03/2025

    Episode 18 - Jemma Harisson

    In this episode, Chris sits down with Jemma Harrison, a former journalist turned private chef and entrepreneur, to discuss her journey from the newsroom to the galley. Jemma shares how she transitioned from working in restaurants to becoming a yacht chef, embracing the autonomy and creativity that came with it. She also delves into the founding of The Galley Gang, a training program for yacht chefs, and highlights the importance of building a strong culinary community. Throughout the conversation, Jemma and Chris explore the evolution of a yacht chef’s career, touching on skill development, mentorship, and the ingenuity required when cooking in a yacht’s ever-changing environment. They also discuss the influence of social media on chefs’ self-perception, the balance between quality and practicality in luxury dining, and how guest expectations can vary widely. Beyond her culinary career, Jemma reflects on her shift from journalism to cooking, her passion for tea entrepreneurship, and her latest venture Four Twentea —a CBD tea brand. The discussion also emphasizes the significance of self-care, finding balance in a fast-paced profession, and the nostalgia of working at sea. Jemma offers insights into her projects, sharing the joys and challenges of her endeavours. This engaging conversation offers a deep dive into the world of yacht chefs, their adaptability, and the pursuit of passion beyond the galley. Follow Jemma Harisson and her businesses: CBD Tea: https://fourtwentea.com/ The Galley Gang: https://www.thegalleygang.com/ The Galley Gang on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galley_gang/?hl=en Chef Jemma Harisson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jemma.the.chef/?hl=en The 🌎's Best Private Chef Agency: www.montclairchef.com Follow Montclair Chef ⤵ Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Youtube TikTok ✅ Find a Private Chef TODAY! t.ly/PM9fM 📍 Yacht & Private Chef Jobs: recruiterflow.com/montclairchef/jobs Become a Yacht Chef Today! Read ➪ The Yacht Chef Guide Book 🎧 Sound track by Joakim Karud

    1h 3m
  6. 02/24/2025

    Episode 17 - Brennan Dates

    In this episode of the Montclair Podcast, host Chris sits down with Brennan Dates, a seasoned yacht chef with a diverse culinary background. Brennan recounts his journey from growing up in New England to attending culinary school and ultimately joining the yachting industry. He shares insights from his years working on various yachts, the challenges he faced, and the breathtaking experiences of cooking in remote locations like Alaska. After 22 years in the industry, Brennan took a break to embark on a motorcycle journey through Latin America, raising funds for Parkinson’s research. Now, he runs Super Y Gallet Designs, a business focused on optimizing yacht galley layouts and equipment for chefs. In their conversation, Chris and Brennan explore the chaos of yacht galleys, the urgent need for better design, and the importance of advocating for improved working conditions for chefs. They discuss how galley efficiency impacts guest satisfaction, the realities of yacht salaries, and the increasing shift toward rotational work schedules for crew members. The discussion also dives into the significance of quality kitchen equipment, the challenges of open-flame cooking onboard, and the daily hurdles yacht chefs encounter. Beyond the professional aspects, they touch on the importance of relaxation amidst the demanding lifestyle and Brennan’s foray into YouTube as a platform for storytelling and inspiration. Brennan shares his passion for travel, his motivation for documenting his journey, and his hope to inspire others in and beyond the yachting industry. Follow Brennan here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olive.oil.and.gasolineTwitter: https://twitter.com/ChefBrennanPersonal Website: https://www.brennandates.comSuperyachtgalleydesign: https://superyachtgalleydesigns.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oliveoilgasolineTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brennandates The 🌎's Best Private Chef Agency: www.montclairchef.com Follow Montclair Chef ⤵ Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Youtube TikTok ✅ Find a Private Chef TODAY! t.ly/PM9fM 📍 Yacht & Private Chef Jobs: recruiterflow.com/montclairchef/jobs Become a Yacht Chef Today! Read ➪ The Yacht Chef Guide Book 🎧 Sound track by Joakim Karud

    1h 16m

About

Welcome to The Montclair Podcast  - Life in the Ultra-Luxury Industry, where we dive into the daily life of those supporting the busy lifestyles of billionaires and their families onboard their superyachts, private jets, or within multiple residences worldwide. Discover what it's like to manage the lives of UHNW (Ultra-High-Net-Worth) individuals in the most exclusive environments. From global travels to upholding ultra-high service standards, we explore the dedication and commitment of the professionals who make it all possible. Join host Chris Demaillet as we sit down with private chefs, butlers, family office managers, superyacht captains, private jet pilots, and many more. Each episode uncovers the challenges, successes, and insights of those serving the world’s wealthiest clients, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at life in the ultra-luxury industry.