In the last 3 years, IMPACT Leader Paul Carrick Brunson (also known as The Modern Day Hitch) has gained international recognition as one of the most successful matchmakers and relationship coaches in the world. As a pioneering African-American matchmaker (Paul is the only African-American matchmaker in the world), Paul has provided matchmaking and coaching services to more than 270 clients. He has matched dates for more than 3,000 people throughout the world through live events and social media. Paul’s unparalleled ability for successful matchmaking and coaching comes from really knowing and understanding his clients and their needs. Like his clients, Paul is cultured, well traveled, well educated and trained—he holds a graduate degree from a top business school, as well as additional certifications.
Paul’s professional career began as an investment banker and included a senior position with a top international firm. Paul is also a philanthropist. He co-founded and chairs a foundation that focuses on school rehabilitation in the U.S. and Jamaica.
Paul received his life coaching certification from the International Coach Federation. Upon completion he immersed himself in the art and science of matchmaking by training with Harvard Business school graduate and matchmaker extraordinaire, Rachel Greenwald. Finally, to ensure he was as knowledgeable as possible about the dynamics of human relationships and love, Paul undertook a literary review of hundreds of books and academic journals on psychology, sociology and behavioral science. Paul then put his acquired knowledge to the test by practicing pro-bono throughout 2009.
Paul’s expertise and unique understanding of people, love and relationship have made him one of the most sought after experts on dating, self-actualization and relationships. Paul’s work has been featured in the Washington Post, Essence, Dr. Drew’s LifeChangers, The Root, The Grio, AOL Black Voices, ABC news and Hot 97. In addition to participating in numerous relationship and community-focused panels, forums and conferences, Paul served as the first male speaker for the 2011 Black Enterprise Women of Power Conference and was also the keynote speaker for the 2011 iDate Matchmaking Conference, the largest internet dating conferences in the United States.
Getting to Know Paul Brunson
What inspired you to pursue your current career path?
In the summer of 2008 I managed a summer camp for youth and upon registering the entire camp (roughly 100 students) I realized not one of the students lived with both parents in the household. This made it clear to me that efforts to strengthen the nuclear family were needed.
What is the key to balancing your professional, philanthropic and social commitments?
While I’m active in each of these areas, I limit my commitments substantially. Frequent use of the word “NO” has become something I have learned is good. The ability to say NO without feeling self-doubt is crucial to our success in whatever we do.
Why is it important for young professionals to invest in learning themselves and learning to date?
Truly knowing who you are (your values, your personality, your needs versus your preferences, and how you receive love) is the gateway to becoming your optimal self. Once you become “the one” it’s much easier to find “the one.”
What is the biggest mistake young professionals make when it comes to finding love?
Not putting forward an equivalent amount of effort into our romantic endeavors as we do in other areas. I often ask my clients (who are mostly successful young professionals) to estimate how many hours they prepared in order to receive their degree, enter their career, lose weight, etc. Then I ask how many hours they have prepared to find love. Let me just say, I’ve never heard anything near the equivalent. Everything we want in life (of high value) requires working our asses off to obtain it. Love is no different.
What’s been the best experience of your career thus far (or the most rewarding)?
Wow, this is hard to answer because I love so many aspects about my job (working directly with clients, television appearances, hosting events, etc.) that said, the most rewarding is speaking on college campuses or to high school students. For example, three weeks ago I was speaking to a group of HS seniors about chivalry. After the talk, the young men walked the young ladies in the session to the bus. As they walked along the street I saw how the men made sure the ladies walked inside (and not near the street) – just how I taught them. How could anything be more rewarding than that, inspiring young people to be better.
Lastly, give me three words to sum up Paul?
Just do it!
Contact Paul @PaulCBrunson (Twitter) on fb.com/PaulCBrunson (Facebook) or via info@onedegreefrom.me (Email)
