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

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 ⁠[email protected]⁠💬 Follow us on Instagram @silverswanrecruitment, @silverswanpodcast and LinkedIn Silver Swan RecruitmentIn this episode, Philippa and Alice cover:Resources & Links:

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 [email protected]💬 Follow us on Instagram @silverswanrecruitment, @silverswanpodcast and LinkedIn Silver Swan Recruitment

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 [email protected]💬 Follow us on Instagram @silverswanrecruitment, @silverswanpodcast, and LinkedIn – Silver Swan Recruitment

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 ⁠[email protected]⁠💬 Follow us on Instagram ⁠@silverswanrecruitment⁠, ⁠@silverswanpodcast⁠, and LinkedIn ⁠Silver Swan Recruitment⁠

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

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

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 [email protected]💬 Follow us on Instagram @silverswanrecruitment, @silverswanpodcast, and LinkedIn Silver Swan Recruitment

This week on Life in Private Staffing we’re joined by Veronica Lajud, an international childcare specialist based in Miami and founder of the Stellar Insight Method.With a background in Montessori education and over a decade working inside UHNW households, Veronica has built a unique approach that goes far beyond traditional nannying. She now mentors nannies, supports families worldwide, and creates tailored routines designed to unlock each child’s full potential.Together we explore how childcare in UHNW homes differs from the traditional world, why empowering household staff is just as crucial as supporting the children themselves, and how one nanny’s role can completely change the course of a family’s future.👉 Tune in now for an inspiring conversation that redefines luxury childcare and highlights the extraordinary opportunities within the private staffing world.Resources & Links: 🔗Find out more about Silver Swan Recruitment: https://silverswanrecruitment.com/ Looking for your next role? Register your CV with us today! ]Follow us on Instagram & Tiktok - @silverswanpodcast 🦢

In this episode of Life in Private Staffing, I sit down with Daniela Vasconcelos, a Brazilian-born estate manager and personal assistant who has spent over a decade building her career in Miami’s ultra-competitive private staffing market.From launching her own cleaning business to overseeing 30+ luxury properties, and later managing the lifestyle of a single UHNW principal, Daniela’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Together, we explore:✨ Her transition from recruitment into private staffing – and what her HR background taught her about leadership✨ The reality of Miami’s luxury market and why personality fit is more important than skills alone✨ How to balance resilience, discretion and heart when managing UHNW households✨ The challenges of returning to work after a career break – and why candidates deserve respect in the recruitment process✨ Some of the quirkiest client requests she’s ever received (including sourcing a lion 🦁)Whether you’re curious about breaking into household management, navigating a career in the US luxury market, or simply fascinated by what life looks like behind the scenes of billionaire lifestyles, this episode is packed with honesty, advice, and motivation.Resources & Links:🌐 Find out more about Silver Swan Recruitment: https://www.silverswanrecruitment.com🌐 Looking for your next role? Register your CV with us today.Follow us on Instagram & TikTok – @silverswanpodcast 🦢

In this episode of Life in Private Staffing, I sit down with David Cannie, senior estate manager of a 15,000-acre private estate in the UK with hundreds of residential properties, heritage buildings, and a team of 100+ staff.Having transitioned from a career in property management into the UHNW private sector, David shares what it’s really like to oversee one of the country’s most impressive landed estates. Together, we dive into:✨ The day-to-day reality of managing a vast estate with multiple departments, tenants, and heritage properties✨ Building relationships with UHNW families and navigating their unique expectations✨ How to keep large in-house teams motivated and collaborative✨ The quirks of life in private staffing – including the time David was asked to move 80-year-old oak trees 🌳✨ The skills, resilience, and “thick skin” needed to thrive in this industryWhether you’re an aspiring estate manager, already working in the private staffing world, or simply curious about what happens behind the gates of the UK’s most exclusive estates, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.Resources & Links:🌐 Find out more about Silver Swan Recruitment: https://www.silverswanrecruitment.com🌐 Looking for your next role? Register your CV with us today.Follow us on Instagram & TikTok - @silverswanpodcast 🦢