DANNY DUNCAN
Founder & Consultant Facilitator in Luxury Hospitality, Concierge, Coaching & Recruitment
About
With over 20 years of experience in hospitality—including 12 years in luxury hospitality and yachting—I began my career at age 14, honing my customer service skills and developing a meticulous eye for detail, particularly within the high-end sector. Throughout my journey, I have built a deep expertise in delivering exceptional service to High-Net-Worth (HNW) and Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) clients, excelling both independently and as a valued team member. I lead with emotional intelligence, compassion, patience, and a commitment to excellence—setting high standards through example and always striving to create seamless, meaningful experiences.
In addition to my hands-on hospitality work, I am passionate about mentoring the next generation of service professionals. As a career coach specializing in the yachting and private service industries, I offer tailored guidance to individuals seeking to build or advance their careers in luxury service. Through one-on-one coaching, resume development, interview preparation, and strategic career planning, I empower my clients to navigate the unique challenges of these competitive fields with confidence and professionalism.
Alongside career coaching, I also consult with luxury hospitality brands, private estates, and service teams, providing strategic advice on guest experience enhancement, service operations, and staff training. My consultancy work is rooted in a deep understanding of the nuances of luxury expectations, with a focus on discretion, personalization, and precision. Whether curating exclusive retreats, designing bespoke travel itineraries, or advising on service excellence strategies, I bring a wealth of expertise and a global network to ensure every project is executed flawlessly.
Driven by a belief in continuous learning, adaptability, and the power of meaningful service, my mission is to redefine what excellence looks like in every client interaction—whether as a consultant, coach, or hands-on service professional.
Experience bespoke hospitality, redefined.
Danny
Experience
Private Estates & Islands
As a freelance executive stewardess, I have had the privilege of working in some of the world’s most prestigious private homes and estates. My experience ranges from managing a vast estate in Sweden and leading the service team at a private ranch in the Midwest to working closely with celebrities and HNW/UHNW guests on private and charter yachts and islands.
These experiences have given me deep insight into luxury hospitality and lifestyle management, refining my adaptability, flexibility, and ability to seamlessly integrate into any household. Whether collaborating with established teams or assembling new ones, I bring a keen eye for detail, exceptional organizational skills, and a commitment to discretion and professionalism in every aspect of my work.
Yachting
For over eight years, my career in the yachting industry has taken me across the Mediterranean, the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, Baja California, Mexico, and the Bahamas. Working on yachts ranging from 88 to 260 feet, I’ve had the privilege of serving some of the world’s wealthiest individuals in both Stewardess and Deckhand roles.
As a Stewardess, I was responsible for meticulous housekeeping, flower arranging, organizing themed events and dinner services, and delivering high-end service in various styles—from silver service to family-style dining. My role as a Deckhand involved exterior vessel maintenance, tender driving, water sports supervision, and standing watch while underway.
My time in the yachting industry has given me extensive experience in high-end luxury service, exceptional organizational skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to thrive in dynamic environments. Living and working in close quarters has also strengthened my adaptability, teamwork, and interpersonal skills—essential qualities in the world of elite hospitality.
Hospitality & Restaurant Management
I began my hospitality career at 14, working part-time for a catering company at the Officer’s Mess in Her Majesty's Royal Navy Barracks in Plymouth, UK. Throughout my teenage years, I gained additional experience in various roles, including as a kitchen assistant in care homes and a server at events and functions.
After graduating high school, I secured a full-time role as a Food & Beverage Supervisor at a golf club, where I managed the front-of-house team for daily operations, large-scale events, and weddings. I then moved into the role of Assistant Restaurant Manager at a busy, high-profile restaurant, overseeing team training, ordering, inventory management, and menu development in collaboration with the culinary team. I also played a key role in business development and marketing.
My contributions led to a promotion, where I assisted in setting up and managing a celebrity chef collaboration project for a bar and restaurant. After its successful launch, I served as the restaurant manager for six months before deciding to embark on a career in the yachting industry.
Skills & Attributes
Excellent Customer Service & Communication Skills
Administration & High Organisational Skills
11+ Years Luxury Hospitality Experience
Critical Thinking Skills
Leadership & Management Skills
Adaptable & Zealous
Discreet & Attentive
Flexible, Honest & Reliable
Team Player
Matthew M, CV Coaching Client
"Danny applies not only expertise but also confidence to your CV and to recruitment tips. She is extremely good with communication breaking down complex aspects of being recruited for superyachts and putting them into a step by step plan. I highly recommend Danny."
Rebecca S
2nd / Chief Stewardess
"Danny has personally placed me in several exceptional roles where I was both well-compensated and able to significantly grow my skills. What truly sets her apart is how personal and thoughtful her placements are—she takes the time to understand not just the client’s needs, but the candidate’s goals, values, and strengths."
Captain Kerry, 'Below Deck' Captain & Yacht Management Owner
"Danny is consistently reliable, punctual, and highly skilled, always ready to step in and excel from day one. I have entrusted her with many of my clients and their assets and will continue to do so without hesitation. If you're looking to enter the industry, working with Danny is an excellent choice. Her firsthand experience, deep industry knowledge, emotional intelligence and compassionate demeanor make her an outstanding professional."
Danielle B, 2nd Stewardess
"Danny has set the tone for a positive and professional workplace environment that I highly enjoy showing up for. I feel comfortable in knowing I can always approach Danny with anything that is on my mind, and we always have a great time together getting the job done to meet the highest of client standards."
![🌍✈️ Ever Dreamed of Traveling the World While Building a Luxury Career?
If you’ve worked in hospitality—hotels, restaurants, events and even accounting—you might be sitting on a GOLDMINE of transferable skills and not even realise it.
The yachting industry is one of the most exciting, rewarding (and yes—lucrative 💸) branches of luxury hospitality, and it's more accessible than you think.
In my latest blog post, “Hospitality Career Paths You Might Not Know About,” I dive into unexpected roles that can lead to amazing opportunities, including freelancing on superyachts, working on private estates, and international travel as a lifestyle.
These jobs aren't just for the elite—they need real, hardworking people with experience just like yours.
If you’re ready to pivot into a career that offers freedom, adventure, and high-end experience, I offer:
🧭 1:1 Career Coaching – tailored sessions to help you transition with confidence
📄 CV Optimisation – showcase your experience in the language luxury clients are looking for
🚀 Step-by-step guidance into yachting, from what courses to take to where to apply
👉 Read the blog and explore my services here: [insert link to blog or website]
📩 DM me or book directly through my website to get started, link in bio.
Stop waiting for the ‘right time’—start creating the lifestyle you deserve.
#LuxuryHospitality #YachtJobs #CareerCoach #HospitalityLife #YachtingIndustry #SuperyachtCrew #TravelAndEarn #CVWriting #TransferableSkills #HospitalityCareers #BreakIntoYachting #DannyJoyDuncan](https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.75761-15/491441640_18042400307432497_4836642742694723983_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=uj-gUqENw80Q7kNvwGRjUQN&_nc_oc=AdnGZep6XlKjPBXPnP1ktRLWE-hRU30FYXUt91U49AQRS6F0JP3Igtp_2yU7ynQgfKU&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=ZY4eKTk493RO3d_mT-ZIOQ&oh=00_AfS_Ic-AoLu0g4BX8P_cwzKfdxbKw70jQIxExAfmatV4aA&oe=6883907F)
