Fostering Relationships, Strengthening Global Connections, and Leaving a Lasting Impact Across Borders and Communities.
- Glen Burton
- Mar 27
- 3 min read
Updated: May 14

At Ascot Privé, we’ve always believed that true success in global business starts with relationships—not transactions. Recently, some of our team had the privilege of sitting down with an esteemed Emirati client team in Abu Dhabi. It was a meeting grounded in respect, cultural awareness, and mutual purpose—a perfect example of what matters most in our line of work: human connection.
These moments remind me why we’ve built Ascot Privé the way we have. They reinforce that when you’re operating on a global scale, knowing how to deliver isn’t enough—you must also know how to listen, how to observe, and how to connect. Understanding different cultures, traditions, and communication styles gives us a deeper insight into the people we serve. It helps us deliver more than a service—it allows us to deliver trust, discretion, and authenticity.
For us, building a footprint in a new region doesn’t begin with launching services or making noise. It begins with a handshake, a conversation, and a shared meal. Sometimes it’s coffee during a short visit; other times it’s a longer dialogue over dinner. But always, it’s personal. And it’s never rushed.
Too many people move too quickly in this business. They meet someone and immediately pivot to the proposal or the pitch. But we’ve found that real progress comes when you take a step back and focus on who someone is before you focus on what they can offer—or what you can offer them. That’s especially true when working with respected individuals and families in the Gulf region, where tradition, courtesy, and personal rapport are woven into the cultural fabric.
In Abu Dhabi, we were reminded again that relationships are the cornerstone of everything that follows. The client team we met weren’t just interested in what we could do—they were interested in who we are. And rightly so. In return, we took the time to understand their vision, their values, and their expectations. That mutual respect laid the groundwork for something far greater than a contract. It laid the foundation for long-term collaboration.
Whether we’re meeting a Fortune 100 executive in London, a royal advisor in Riyadh, or a discreet family office in Paris, our approach remains the same: build the relationship first. Show genuine interest. Respect their time and traditions. Learn a few words in their language. Bring something thoughtful and personal. These may seem like small gestures—but in our experience, they open doors to the kind of trust that cannot be rushed or replicated.
Of course, we’re in the business of service—elite, detail-driven, high-performance service. But we never forget that we’re also in the business of people. And when you focus on relationships first, the rest will often follow. Not because you pushed for it—but because you earned it.
Our footprint today spans key global cities like New York, London, and Abu Dhabi. But it’s not the offices or infrastructure that give us reach—it’s the people who welcome us into their world. It’s the clients who invite us to the table because they know we don’t view them as just another project—we view them as partners. As individuals. As friends.
Whether we’re managing a relocation, protecting a high-profile movement, or coordinating a bespoke travel experience, we do so from a place of deep understanding. That comes not just from process—but from presence. From being there. From staying connected. From picking up the phone just to check in—not because we want something, but because we care.
At Ascot Privé, we’ll continue to build relationships around the world. Because relationships lead to impact. They help us leave something behind that’s more meaningful than a transaction: trust, respect, and reputation.
So, if you happen to be in the same region as we are—whether it’s for business, family, or simply passing through—reach out. Let’s sit down for a coffee or a meal. No pressure. No pitch. Just the beginning of something real.
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Glen Burton
Founder & CEO, Ascot Privé
This article is the Copyright of Ascot Privé. All Rights Reserved.
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Ascot Privé is a global private advisory firm supporting elite families, Fortune 100 companies, and individuals with high-value, discreet, and personalized services across travel, protection, lifestyle, and strategic execution.