Today, Philippa speaks to Shawn, a highly experienced celebrity chef. Having worked for some of the biggest actors in Hollywood he spent a chunk of his career working for numerous royals in the middle east - which we always love to talk about as encouraging people to explore a career in the middle east is something Silver Swan truly believes in. The experiences to be gained are incredible for those brave enough to take that plunge!

Shawn’s stories are amazing but it’s his passion and love for the industry which is just infectious.

Today Philippa is speaking with Natalie to delve into her experience working in the private sector. Her journey started by working as a nanny before she decided to gain professional training at The Butler Academy in the Netherlands. She explains how this highly intensive course shaped her entire career since, especially when she furthered her training by studying Luxury Lifestyle Management at degree level. Her career progressed through to Estate Management level, giving her all the knowledge and contacts required for her to set up Private Service Alliance 2 years ago.

Private Service Alliance offers membership to individuals and organisations related to the private sector. Designed to support the industry to develop professional relationships, establish industry standards, grow industry knowledge and promote best practices.

It’s free for all private service professionals to join during 2022 so sign up now!

Our conversation with English was a fascinating insight into the world of interior design. From her gruelling journey of study required to gain the necessary qualifications to work as a designer in America to how she transitioned from corporate offices into private residences. We discuss some of her favourite projects, some of the major challenges working with UHNW clients and what a process looks like from client enquiry to delivery.

As Philippa admits she knows nothing about interior design, this was a really interesting chat… 1 episode didn’t feel enough!

Today we had the pleasure of talking to Emma, who after a long and successful career in real estate, moved into the private sector. She is the estate manager looking after 2 luxury holiday lets in Dorset and alongside this, she runs a luxury lifestyle management service though her agency called Whisper Us where she offers PA support, house management and concierge to a handful of clients across London, Dorset and Southbanks.

With a solid reputation among UHNW clients, she has also won awards for her services within the sector and so her story is definitely an inspiring one!

Today we are talking to Rosie who provides a fantastic insight into life ‘Below Deck’. Her career spanned over a number of years working her way up from a junior stewardess position up to a Chief Stewardess role. She proves that contacts play a huge role in this industry as it was one of her guests who stayed on her yacht who later offered her the opportunity to move into a land based role and manage his private home in the UK.

Having been on land for the last 2 years, her career as progressed incredibly quickly as her role evolves.

Today I am chatting with Claudia, a long-term client of Silver Swans who has 20 years’ experience working all over the world for high profile UHNW clients managing numerous homes and up to teams of 200 staff at any one time. She has done and seen it all and is still as passionate about the private sector as she was all those years back when she started.

She now owns her own company, En Vogue Luxury Lifestyle Management and provides a bespoke concierge service to her clients.

Connect with Claudia on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/envogue-luxury-lifestyle-mgm-and-real-estate-claudia-pfeiffer-9b121242/

Today, I am talking to Brian, who has spent his entire career working for UHNW clients in the States. Starting his career as a Private PA for a Hollywood A-lister he has worked his way up to owning his own agency The Celebrity Personal Assistant Network where is is a staffing consultant, lifestyle management and career coach.

His years of experience is evident in the wealth of advice he offers throughout the episode. 

This is not an episode to miss! 

Brian is well worth connecting with on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/headhunter3/. 

It’s episode 19 of Life in Private Staffing, and today we’re speaking to Desmond Cawley, Palace & Hotel Director. Desmond has been both a client of Silver Swan and a candidate.

He’s had a fascinating career spanning multiple countries. He started working in ski resorts, moved on to hotels, and finally started working in the private sector. Currently, he’s living in Dubai and looking for his next position.

Host Phillippa Smith and Desmond discuss everything from his personal experiences in the industry to what he looks for when recruiting staff. Listen to the full episode for wonderful insights and personal anecdotes.

We're back - with a new season, a new look, new sound and a new feel! 

This week, our host Philippa Smith, maps out what to expect from Season 3 - including more highly experienced guests, ask me anything section and a supplier shout out. We are also introducing our fabulous sponsor!

Today we are chatting with some of our very own Silver Swan consultants to review the market, highs and lows throughout 2021 and to advise what we think 2022 will look like. 

Welcome to episode 18 of Life in Private Staffing. Today, our host Philippa Smith talks to long-time PA Tim Fitzgerald. Tim has spent more than two decades sharpening his skills as a Private Assistant. In this episode, Tim gives valuable advice on life as a PA.

Tim recently started offering an incredibly popular PA masterclass where he helps PAs make the most of their careers, giving them his top tips and even supplying them with his black book of names.

Listen to the full episode for Tim’s valuable insights.