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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.
24 Episodes
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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 ma...
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....
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....
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 f...
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 conversa...
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 em...
In this episode, yacht chef Nina shares her journey from working as a stewardess and deckhand to becoming a head chef. She started in restaurants like Nando’s and took a short culinary course before moving into yachting. Nina worked on small yachts before landing a chef job on a 70-meter yacht with her partner. She now cooks for all kinds of guests, creating custom menus and fun dining experiences like tableside guacamole. She enjoys both charter and private trips and has even worked on a hu...
In this episode, Chef David Schlosser shares his culinary journey, from training at the Culinary Institute of America to working in Michelin-starred restaurants in France. Inspired by Japanese cuisine during a trip to Japan, he shifted his focus to creating lighter, healthier dishes that respect tradition. Chef Schlosser opened his restaurant, Shibumi, which received a Michelin star in 2019, with the philosophy of "Shibumi" – creative restraint and humility. Follow Chef D...
In this episode, we speak to the incredibly talented Ryan Squires, a chef who has mastered the art of fine dining in some of the world’s most prestigious 3-Michelin-star restaurants, including the French Laundry and El Bulli. He’s not just a culinary expert; he’s also run his restaurants in Australia, cooked on luxury yachts, and even reviewed for the San Pellegrino Top 50. But Ryan’s creativity doesn’t stop in the kitchen—he’s a passionate furniture maker and a big believer in originality...
In this conversation, Scott Kidd shares his inspiring journey from working in IT to becoming a yacht captain and later transitioning into real estate. He dives into the unique challenges and rewards of the yachting industry, highlighting the importance of people skills, mentorship, and embracing the realities of life on a yacht. Scott also discusses the critical need for financial stability, the opportunities in real estate, and the mindset shifts required to achieve financial freedom. H...
Join us for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation with Danny Davies as he takes us through his incredible journey from humble beginnings in the UK to becoming a celebrated yacht chef. Danny shares his early days in cooking, his time in the military, and his innovative teaching methods in the culinary arts. He also opens up about the ups and downs of working on luxury yachts, his passion for cooking, and the resilience that has defined his career. Danny dives into life as a yacht chef...
From Pastry stagier in Michelin Starred Restaurants to becoming a Johnson and Wales University professor. In this captivating discussion, Stacy Mirabello shares her inspiring journey from working as a pastry chef to becoming a professor at the renowned Johnson and Wales University. She delves into her passion for health and wellness in the culinary arts, the challenges within the restaurant industry, and the evolving role of women in the culinary field. Stacy reflects on her personal experie...
Paul Healy, founder of Sabor Provisions in Barcelona, shares his culinary journey from working in restaurants to becoming a chef on a yacht. He talks about his experiences at renowned restaurants like The Fat Duck and Paco Torreblanca, and the valuable lessons he learned about work ethic and attention to detail. Paul also discusses the importance of adapting to the preferences of yacht owners and the challenges of working in a high-pressure, high-expectation environment. He emphasizes the s...
In this conversation, Chris interviews Luke Hammond, a former yacht captain, about his experience in the yachting industry. They discuss how Luke got into yachting, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he learned. They also touch on crew retention, salaries in the industry, and the importance of building a strong team. Luke emphasizes the need for individuals to have an exit strategy and focus on personal development and transferable skills. He also highlights the unique experiences and o...
In this conversation, Chris Demaillet interviews Jimmy Griffin, a sixth-generation baker from Ireland, who shares his extensive experience in the baking industry, including his journey from family bakery to teaching and competitive baking. They discuss the evolution of baking, particularly in Asia, the impact of social media on baking trends, and the challenges faced by small bakeries today. Jimmy emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning in the culinary arts and the need for bakers to a...
Lynsay Kilbane, CEO and founder of The Mama Consultancy, shares her inspiring journey from working as a nanny to launching her own agency in Abu Dhabi. Recognizing a gap in the market for professional Western nannies in the Middle East, Lynsay set out to provide exceptional childcare and elevate the standards of nanny services in the region. Her upcoming Nanny Academy aims to equip nannies with essential skills and knowledge of Western childcare practices, helping to set a new benchmark for q...
Michael Nizzero, chef instructor at The Waterside Inn, a prestigious 3-Michelin-star restaurant in the UK, shares his journey in the culinary world and his role in shaping the new culinary school at The Waterside. He reflects on the evolving challenges in the restaurant industry, the crucial role of mentorship, and the growing reach of online cooking classes. Michael also discusses his involvement in a consulting business in West Africa, expanding his influence beyond the kitchen. When it com...
Maarten Bogaerts began his career as a chef before transitioning into hospitality service, ultimately becoming a hotel butler and working for the Belgian Royal Family. He highlights the distinction between private and professional service, noting that private service demands exceptional attention to detail. Maarten emphasizes that true quality and comfort in service go beyond monetary value, requiring a deep-seated culture of excellence within households and a structured household management ...
Yllan Laloum, a French private chef in the US, opens up about his culinary journey, offering insights and advice for aspiring chefs. He emphasizes the courage and adaptability needed to cook in America, where culinary expectations differ from those in France. Passion and constant availability, he notes, are essential to meet client demands successfully. Yllan reflects on his training in Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris and the unique advantages that being a European chef brings in the US...
In this episode, Chris sits down with Hannes Hennches, a private chef and host of The Private Chef Podcast, to explore Hannes's unique journey in the world of private service. They discuss the resources available for aspiring private chefs, the challenges and rewards of working in private service, and the critical focus on health and well-being for culinary professionals. Hannes reflects on his experiences with different clients, emphasizing the need for creativity and adaptability to succeed...
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