How to Demonstrate Discretion Without Naming Names

The trick is to focus on what you did, not who you did it for. You don’t need to say you worked for a Grammy-winning artist or an Oscar-nominated actor to get across your level of experience. Instead, describe the scope and substance of your role. Say you managed the travel and personal affairs of a high-profile creative with a global career, or that you coordinated a multi-city press tour alongside an international PR team. Those details show that you can handle complexity, pressure, and pace, no name-dropping required.

Discretion, though, is about more than keeping quiet. It’s about demonstrating integrity, loyalty, and judgment in every part of how you present yourself. You can show that by using phrases like “trusted with sensitive information” or “known for maintaining confidentiality in high-pressure environments.” It’s subtle, but it communicates that you understand what’s required when you’re working in someone’s inner world.

It also helps to use industry language that elevates your tone. Swap “celebrity” or “influencer” for “public figure” or “creative entrepreneur.” Use “executive” instead of “boss.” These choices make your resume and conversations sound polished, professional, and aligned with the caliber of the clients you’ve supported.

And when it comes to references, let them do the name-revealing for you. A well-placed call or email from a trusted former employer will say more about your professionalism than any headline ever could. The best employers appreciate your restraint. They know that if you protect others’ privacy, you’ll protect theirs too.

Discretion isn’t something you switch on when it’s convenient. It’s a long game, a reputation that builds with every role you take. Word travels quickly in this world, and being known as someone who can be trusted with private details, sensitive information, and complex lives is one of the strongest assets you can have.

At the end of the day, what you don’t say can be just as powerful as what you do. The people who rise to the top in this industry know that confidence and confidentiality go hand in hand. At The Grapevine, we’ve always believed that discretion isn’t about silence, it’s about respect, trust, and longevity. Those who master it don’t just get the job, they keep it.