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 Europe’s 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 – and why it’s not just about skiing every day

Sarah also shares behind-the-scenes stories from the world of luxury chalets – from immersive Frozen-themed kids’ parties to guests flying in their own fine wine collections. Whether you’re 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:
🌐 View Consensio Holidays’ vacancies: https://www.consensiochalets.co.uk
🌐 Find out more about Silver Swan Recruitment: https://www.silverswanrecruitment.com

If you’re considering a ski season, or looking to hire outstanding chalet staff, don’t miss this episode!

In this special episode of Life in Private Staffing, we’re 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 Athénée and St. Regis to his current role at the Corinthia’s Surrey Hotel, Harold has catered to the world’s elite—and 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 you’re 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 we’re joined by Maud, a true powerhouse in the world of private staffing. While many strive for long-term positions, Maud carved her own path – thriving in seasonal roles across Europe, working in chalets, villas, and luxury properties for UHNW clients.

Starting as a total newcomer with just 15 minutes’ notice before her first butler shift, she’s now built a reputation as the ultimate fixer – 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 you’ve ever questioned the value of a seasonal CV, this episode will make you think again. Maud’s adaptability, drive, and perspective on success show there’s more than one way to thrive in the private sector.

📍Expect inspiring insights, honest challenges, and a few memorable guest demands (yes — 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 ‘parking’ up for a day or a month, Harrods can take your plane, keep it safe, and then ensure it’s 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 departure….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 don’t 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. 

Imagine your Principal is elderly and only has a few months left. The family doesn’t 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.

We’re back! 

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. 

We also welcome Lloyd to the show today, an experienced House Manager in Melbourne, Australia. It’s 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. 

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 Lily’s 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.

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. 

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!