The Easemakers Podcast cover image

The Easemakers Podcast

Latest episodes

undefined
Sep 27, 2022 • 34min

Growing from nanny to household and estate manager

Brianna has spent her entire career in private service — but over the years, she's grown and evolved, right alongside her principals' families. She started out as a nanny and a family assistant, but knew someone needed to take on the role of managing the household. She started taking on more and more, and over time, she became an estate manager. For the last 10 years, she's worked with the same family, but her role has changed completely. In the latest episode of the Easemakers Podcast, Brianna shares the story of how she went from nanny to estate manager, and how she's navigated that growth path while staying with the same principals. Tune in to hear how she and her team brought more structure to the home, and her advice for aspiring estate managers.And, check out our new workshop, Modern Household Management: How to Streamline Operations for Homes and Estates, designed to help you tackle household operations in 3 weeks. Enroll today — class starts October 19!Subscribe to the Easemakers Podcast to hear from more experts in the private service industry, and join the Easemakers community to talk to other estate managers and PSPs on a regular basis.  The Easemakers Podcast is presented by Nines, household management software and services built for discerning households and the private service professionals who support them.
undefined
Sep 13, 2022 • 50min

Serving as a footman to Queen Elizabeth II with Chris Ely

In February, 1981, on his 18th birthday, Chris Ely started his first job out of school: serving as a footman to Queen Elizabeth II.Over the next three years, Chris catered state dinners at Buckingham Palace, learned the intricacies of each of the Queen’s homes, traveled on the royal yacht, and had a front-row seat to history (sometimes, with a view from the Queen’s carriages).Today, as the world mourns the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, Chris shares what it was like to serve at Buckingham Palace, what he learned from watching the Queen, and how his time there affected the rest of his 40 year career in private service.Thank you to Chris for sharing his stories with us!Subscribe to the Easemakers Podcast to hear from more experts in the private service industry, and join the Easemakers community to talk to other estate managers and PSPs on a regular basis. The Easemakers Podcast is presented by Nines, household management software and services built for discerning households and the private service professionals who support them.
undefined
Aug 30, 2022 • 37min

Mayday case study: overcoming 'hell week' with fractional Estate Manager Latricia Friend

One week, three holiday dinners, no notice. When Holy Week turned into 'hell week,' Latricia Friend made the impossible possible for her principals — and now, she's sharing how she did  it in the latest episode of the Easemakers Podcast.In this conversation, Latricia shares the story of how she was able to juggle three holiday dinners for three different families, all in the same week — with just a few days to plan. We break down how she made it happen, and share takeaways for private service professionals who want to be prepared for anything. Tune in to hear how Latricia navigated her 'mayday' situation, her tips for motivating everyone around you, and why networking can save you when you're under pressure.To hear more from Latricia, be sure to connect with her on LinkedIn, and tune into the 5-Star Service Club on Thursdays at 7:30pm ET. Subscribe to the Easemakers Podcast to hear from more experts in the private service industry, and join the Easemakers community to talk to other estate managers and PSPs on a regular basis. The Easemakers Podcast is presented by Nines, household management software and services built for discerning households and the private service professionals who support them.
undefined
Aug 16, 2022 • 41min

The tension between estate managers and interior designers (and how to avoid it)

Estate managers and interior designers both want to make their principals happy — so why is it such a challenge to work together? We asked two friends to debate some common scenarios, and to share how they've built a positive working relationship.Peter Van Ryder is the owner of Estate Management Solutions, a placement, recruitment, training, and consulting firm based in Dallas, TX. English Minter is a Dallas-based interior designer, who started working with Peter through a shared client.They've been through it all — a lofty vision from their principal, tight deadlines, and lots of push and pull between their competing priorities. In this episode of the Easemakers Podcast, they share stories and lessons learned from their time working together, in hopes of helping you build stronger relationships.Subscribe to the Easemakers Podcast to hear from more experts in the private service industry, and join the Easemakers community to talk to other estate managers and PSPs on a regular basis. The Easemakers Podcast is presented by Nines, household management software and services built for discerning households and the private service professionals who support them.
undefined
Aug 2, 2022 • 39min

Managing risk in household employment with TEAM CEO Rachel Green

Household employment can be riddled with risk. How do you create a healthy work environment, get ahead of challenges, and keep tough situations from escalating?As the CEO of TEAM, an all-in-one payroll and HR provider that’s custom-built for household staff, Rachel Green has seen it all — and in this episode of the Easemakers Podcast, she's sharing real-life stories and tips to help you minimize risk.Tune in as we break down hiring, exits, and everything in between. You'll hear why households get into trouble, how to prevent the "snowball" effect, and advice for handling difficult conversations the right way. Plus, in the lightning round, don't miss the tips Rachel learned in client services and as a CEO that every PSP should hear.Subscribe to the Easemakers Podcast to hear from more experts in the private service industry, and join the Easemakers community to talk to other estate managers and PSPs on a regular basis. The Easemakers Podcast is presented by Nines, household management software and services built for discerning households and the private service professionals who support them.
undefined
Jul 19, 2022 • 30min

A "gilded age" in private service: trends in job descriptions, salaries and more with Staffing Consultant Brian Daniel

Brian Daniel has worked with billionaires, royalty and Hollywood A-listers — first as a personal assistant, and then as a recruiter. He's seen it all in his 25 years in the industry, but he says today is a unique moment in history: a gilded age in private service. Why? Demand for private service roles is higher than ever, salaries are climbing, and the opportunities are endless. But how do principals and private service professionals navigate this "gilded age," and find a long-lasting fit? In this episode of the Easemakers Podcast, Brian shares insights on the trends he's seeing right now, his take on hybrid roles, and his tips for anyone looking for the right match in private service. To hear more from Brian, check out his website and connect with him on LinkedIn.Subscribe to the Easemakers Podcast to learn from more expert private service professionals, and join the Easemakers community to talk to other estate managers and PSPs on a regular basis. The Easemakers Podcast is presented by Nines, household management software and services built for discerning households and the private service professionals who support them.
undefined
Jul 5, 2022 • 34min

Caring for couture and managing high-end wardrobes with Garde Robe VP Doug Greenberg

How do you care for a luxury wardrobe and manage the closet of a couture collector? After 20+ years in business, the team at Garde Robe knows the ins and outs of caring for precious clothing. The luxury wardrobe storage and valet service has seen it all — and in this episode of the Easemakers Podcast, Vice President of Sales and Marketing Doug Greenberg is sharing practical tips and lessons learned for private service professionals.Tune in to hear the most common mistakes people make managing wardrobes, what estate managers should know about couture, and how he'd build a dream closet. Subscribe to the Easemakers Podcast to hear from more expert private service professionals, and join the Easemakers community to talk to other estate managers and PSPs on a regular basis. The Easemakers Podcast is presented by Nines, household management software and services built for discerning households and the private service professionals who support them.
undefined
Jun 21, 2022 • 38min

Service squared: inside the military's enlisted aide program

Edgardo Roman Bolaños and Teresa Vanderford have service hearts, times two. Both Roman and Teresa combined their backgrounds in private service with careers in military service.As enlisted aides, they supported Air Force generals with everything from travel and uniform preparation to household management and entertaining. Now, they're sharing what they learned in years of supporting top-ranked military leaders on the latest episode of the Easemakers Podcast. Tune in to hear the similarities and differences between being an enlisted aide and a civilian private service professional, and lessons learned from a career in private service within military service.Subscribe to the Easemakers Podcast to hear from more expert private service professionals, and join the Easemakers community to talk to other estate managers and PSPs on a regular basis. The Easemakers Podcast is presented by Nines, household management software and services built for discerning households and the private service professionals who support them.
undefined
Jun 7, 2022 • 35min

Managing second homes and seasonal properties with LakeTime Management's Kelly Cooper

When Kelly Cooper made the switch from hospitality to concierge services, she was surprised to find that her clients all shared a similar set of challenges — and they all revolved around their homes. Today, Kelly handles everything from vendor management to "Sunday services" so her clients can enjoy every minute of their time at the lake, without any hassle. Tune in to hear Kelly's tips for managing second homes, her lessons learned from working with vendors and staff in a tourist town, and her advice to homeowners and estate managers overseeing seasonal properties from afar. Subscribe to the Easemakers Podcast to hear from more expert private service professionals, and join the Easemakers community to talk to other estate managers and PSPs on a regular basis. The Easemakers Podcast is presented by Nines, household management software and services built for discerning households and the private service professionals who support them.
undefined
May 24, 2022 • 41min

Why private service professionals need better backup with advocate and author Bonnie Low-Kramen

When Bonnie Low-Kramen looks back on her 25 years working as the Personal Assistant to Oscar-winning actress Olympia Dukakis, she wishes she'd had better backup. Today, Bonnie is an advocate and coach for other private service professionals, and in the latest episode of the Easemakers Podcast, she's sharing what she's learned about how to prevent burnout by getting PSPs the backup they need. Tune in to hear her take on who's responsible for fixing burnout and creating systems for backup, why she's a big fan of household manuals and user manuals for people, and what she thinks every principal needs to hear. Subscribe to the Easemakers Podcast to hear from more expert private service professionals and join the Easemakers community to talk to other estate managers and PSPs on a regular basis. Plus, hear more from Bonnie in her TEDx Talk, The Real Reasons People Quit, and her article, You've Got Their Back, Who's Got Yours?The Easemakers Podcast is presented by Nines, household management software and services built for discerning households and the private service professionals who support them.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode