We believe when people feel connected and inspired in the places they live their lives it can transform society.
That’s why, for us, experience is everything. We’ve made it our mission to help organisations understand and elevate
how people feel, wherever they are.
We’re a small team with a big mission.
Giles Gordon–Smith,
Founder & Managing Director
Sam Naief,
Director of Experience
Milly Graham-Watson,
Client Operations Manager
Bridgette Holding,
Experience & Behavioural Coach
Giles Gordon–Smith,
Founder & Managing Director
Why I’m here:
Since nine-year-old me was praised by his grandmother for holding a door open in a shopping centre, I’ve been inclined towards improving the mood of others. I love meeting new people and believe these meaningful chance encounters are the key to wellbeing and a cohesive society. My passion for people and places has taken me around the world as a hotel inspector, with nearly 500 five-star stays under my belt.
When I’m not working:
Beyond work, my curiosity extends to a love of the outdoors; whether walking with my family, running long distances, playing pretty much any sport, or tending to my garden - it’s the perfect contrast to the energy and intensity of working in buzzing cities and places of work.
Favourite place:
A hammock in a treehouse in a Baobab Tree, on Mafia Island Marine Resort, Tanzania and after that, less specifically – South America.
Favourite things:
My first guitar. Roger Federer's backhand.
Sam Naief,
Director of Experience
Why I’m here:
From a young age, I was taught by my parents to take pride in serving others. That advice is something I always carry with me and has quietly shaped each step of my career. I feel purpose and pride when I’m able to elevate experiences that connect and inspire people in the places they live their lives. When people feel good individually, we all thrive collectively.
When I’m not working:
I am eating, pushing myself in a HIIT class, watching the greatest football team – Arsenal - or attempting (not very successfully) to become a professional padel or spike ball player.
Favourite place:
Skala in Kefalonia, the entirety of Italy, and Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi.
Favourite things:
Restaurant hopping and a good oat latte with honey – much to Giles’ disgust.
Milly Graham-Watson,
Client Operations Manager
Why I’m here:
I have always seen potential in every opportunity, embracing experiences from the vibrant world of art to the evolving landscape of sustainability. This curiosity brings a fresh perspective to hospitality and each project we undertake. I believe that approaching each day with purpose and care is more than a mindset — it’s a catalyst for meaningful change.
When I’m not working:
I am painting, driving a sustainable stationery business and trying to keep up with my children. Nothing helps develop strategy and hone patience like parenting.
Favourite place:
The Normandy sea, no matter the month, tide, or weather.
Favourite things:
Time to appreciate it all and Jaffa Cakes.
Bridgette Holding,
Experience & Behavioural Coach
Why I’m here:
How we make better, more fulfilling contact with each other and the world is at the heart of all my work and interests: whether writing and mentoring work with writers, my psychotherapy practice, or my own personal meditation practice. I joined Penshee because the company understands the importance of contact.
When I’m not working:
I love walking in the French Pyrenees, where I live, and feeling that deep connection to nature. I also meditate, write poetry, and sing in a choir.
Favourite place:
Peaceful places in busy cities: gardens or watching the world go by in a café. South-east Asia has many good memories.
Favourite things:
Thai food. My son. (Not in that order.)
We have a team of agents that specialise in, and obsess about understanding and elevating experiences.
You won’t see them here, they’re out making a difference, conducting our Experience Assessments. Handpicked for their care and expertise, they’re the eyes, ears, and heart of Penshee in every place we work. If you care about experience like we do and believe you can support our mission, please reach out to express your interest in becoming an agent at atyourservice@penshee.com.
Name & Origin
Over the years, our founder, Giles, has worked with around 18,000 employees in luxury hospitality. But one person stood out and stayed with him.
Christopher Penshee was a butler at Raffles Seychelles. He didn’t just deliver service; he created something unforgettable. The way he made people feel transformed a beautiful setting into a meaningful experience.
His presence, care, and instinct became the foundation for how we think
about experience and the inspiration behind our name.
That’s our story.
We’d love to hear yours.