Her Story
About Elizabeth
Elizabeth Kurija is an accomplished Hybrid Household Manager with nearly 20 years of experience providing comprehensive private household management services to ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals and families. She currently serves as a Hybrid Household Manager for a UHNW private client, where she oversees the daily operations of a private residence while providing highly personalized support to the Principals. Elizabeth began her career as a nanny in her 30s and built her expertise through hands-on experience, progressively taking on greater responsibility until she became responsible for complete household operations. Her career is distinguished by her ability to anticipate needs, solve problems efficiently, coordinate multiple priorities, and maintain a high standard of discretion and service.
Over the course of her career, Elizabeth has managed residences for UHNW families throughout New York, including properties in Manhattan, the Hudson Valley, and the Hamptons. In her current position, she manages the operations of multiple residences and coordinates household staff, vendors, contractors, maintenance providers, and outside partners. Her responsibilities encompass staff scheduling and oversight, hiring and training, property maintenance, household inventories, wardrobes, laundry and dry cleaning, childcare and pet care coordination, travel arrangements, appointments, errands, deliveries, and special requests. She has also led large-scale household projects, including residential moves, renovations, repairs, events, and the implementation of household systems and manuals designed to improve efficiency and organization.
Elizabeth's approach to household management is grounded in clear communication, organization, productivity, adaptability, and hands-on leadership. She considers herself a doer who enjoys being actively involved in the work and thrives on the variety that comes with managing a dynamic private household. She believes the strongest professionals in the industry should be willing to gain experience by physically performing a wide range of tasks, getting involved wherever needed, and developing the confidence to lead others. Her extensive experience has equipped her to step into virtually any household responsibility, from completing day-to-day tasks to hiring, training, and managing staff and overseeing complex projects. Through her practical expertise, resourcefulness, and commitment to exceeding Principal expectations, Elizabeth has established herself as a trusted and versatile professional in UHNW household management.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Elizabeth
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received was simple: just do it. An older gentleman who had worked as a house manager for decades told me that I had the grit, determination, and work ethic to succeed, and that I needed to stop questioning myself and simply take action. I took that advice to heart and began pursuing opportunities that allowed me to gain hands-on experience, even when the work was outside of a traditional career path. By being willing to step forward, learn, and do the work, I gained a wide range of experiences that ultimately strengthened my skills and built my résumé. That advice taught me to trust my abilities, embrace opportunities, and recognize that meaningful career growth often comes from being willing to get involved and learn by doing.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to seek out as much hands-on experience as possible and be willing to learn how to do a little bit of everything. As a household manager, you may be called upon to step in for staff members, solve unexpected problems, and handle responsibilities that fall outside your usual role, so versatility and confidence are essential. Be willing to get your hands dirty, take on challenging assignments, and see each task through to completion, no matter how unexpected or demanding it may be. It is also important to develop strong leadership skills and be comfortable hiring, training, and, when necessary, letting staff go. The more experience you gain by actively doing the work, the more capable, confident, and effective you will become in managing a household.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Communication is the most important value in both my personal and professional life. I believe clear, honest communication, strong organization, and productivity are essential to building trust, maintaining efficiency, and accomplishing goals. I am naturally a doer rather than someone who simply thinks or talks about what needs to be done. I thrive on staying active, solving problems, and taking action, which is one of the things I love most about my work. Every day brings different responsibilities and challenges, and I enjoy the variety and flexibility that come with never knowing exactly what task will need my attention next. I am most fulfilled when I can be hands-on, engaged, and actively contributing rather than sitting behind a desk or spending the day on calls.
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