My Brilliant New Career: From Headhunter To Matchmaker

Lisa Guennifa, 32, used to rush around the city chasing top clients and lucrative deals - until she realised her potential for matchmaking.

‘Recruitment was something I just fell into. It was aggressively money-orientated and the constant pressure to meet targets was overwhelming.

‘My day would start at 8am, meeting clients across London then rushing back to the office for meetings with my boss. She was a nightmare.

Despite my senior position and intense schedule, she would send me out to collect her dry-cleaning or pick up her kids from school (I have to have a cigarette just thinking about my old life!).

I was on holiday in Turkey when I read an article about a woman who’d set up her own dating agency for young professionals. That was the trigger. I was intrigued, and as soon as I got home I emailed her and organized a meeting.

She was looking for a consultant and I thought, ‘That has to be me.’ I quit my job and worked for free for six months, supporting myself on my savings.

Now five years later I'm head matchmaker at Elect Club and I really feel I am fulfilling my passion. Coming from a large family I’ve always been a good listener, which helps me to identify with people’s needs and emotions.

Personality and lifestyle compatibility are also important in helping me create long-term success. I get immediate matches in mind when I meet people – I can’t help it. I have a great guy for your photographer!

With more flexible hours, I am able to work from home in the mornings and eat breakfast at the kitchen table, which is a novelty. I now even have time to walk Darcy, my dog.

As well as this flexibility, what I love most about my job is knowing that I’m making a difference to people’s lives.’