Special Guest Feature: Paul DeBettignies | Purpose Fueled Eden Prairie
Paul’s career started with a classified ad in the StarTribune: “Headhunter – 100K – Will Train.” Decades later, he’s still the guy companies call when they need to build a team.
He says he hasn’t found the moment that changed everything yet. At 56, with a 25-year career behind him, he has a feeling the next chapter is the one that matters most. He calls it Game Time.
This is him.
1. What do you actually do (in plain language), the way you’d explain it to a friend over coffee?
I help companies build and grow their teams and serve as an advisor to the leadership team. I write and speak on hiring and job search. I help journalists better understand hiring and economic statistics.
2. What’s the moment or decision that changed the direction of your life or career?
I don’t think I have it yet. Clearly, answering an ad in the StarTribune for “Headhunter – 100K – Will Train” sent me down this career path. Starting the Minnesota Headhunter blog in 2006 helped put me on the map.
4. What are you most proud of — in life, not just in work?
I have shown up for people when they needed someone most.
5. What did you want to be when you grew up?
I always told people, “I don’t know”. I didn’t dream of being an athlete, politician or seal trainer.
6. How do your closest friends or family describe you? Who do they say you are?
Very human, fiercely loyal, a trusted friend and ally.
7. What don’t people know about you that they should?
I am very transparent and I think most of me is known or easily found, figured out.
8. What does “purpose” mean to you personally?
For me, it is why I am here. Why am I still here. I don’t know that I fully know what that means for me, and in the meantime, I listen to my gut and heart about what to do next.
9. What’s the title of your next chapter — in life or in business?
While not fully thought out… Game Time. I have had a feeling for 6 – 18 months that my 25+ year career and 56 years on this planet have been teaching, training, and preparing me for the next 5. Be it personal, professional, socio/political/economic. I think the curtain opens up and the show starts. Soon.
10. What don’t people know about you that they should?
While I love the water, being in/on/next to… I don’t know how to swim. That seems frivalous. I don’t know that I want this shared… still trying to find a partner at this age (56) is likely the hardest thing I do. Even a +1 for things. I know I am not alone with this.
11. What’s one thing you’re hoping people leave your conversation thinking about?
The economy is going to do what it is, and we need either to evolve, opt out, or get run over. That’s cold to say. I contend we need to evolve. And that doing a 2.0 or 5.0 version of oneself is not only OK, but it is also likely needed. Last, that we can’t hide in plain sight. We can’t be ghosts. Search and AI tools will, more than ever before, reward those who can be found. No, people do not need to become social media influencers or TikTok (in)famous; they do need to be found.
12. What’s a question you wish more people would ask you?
…. I don’t have an immediate answer for this one.
About Paul
- Name: Paul DeBettignies
- Title: Founder
- Company: Launch Hiring
Join Us at Purpose Fueled
Conversations like this one happen every month at Purpose Fueled Eden Prairie, hosted by Jim Martin. If you want to be in the room for the next one, reserve your spot here.