The Heart of the Wizard of Love 💗

From San Francisco’s Affluent Suburbs to Soulful Connections: The Transformative Journey of Bernard Zylberberg

In the heart of The Wizard of Love lies the remarkable story of Bernard Zylberberg, a man who left behind tech industry success in the affluent suburbs of San Francisco to dedicate his life to fostering deeper human connections. His journey is not just an inspiring evolution but a call to those seeking more meaningful relationships.

I had it all, Bernard reflects, recalling the moment he achieved his American Dream. A successful business, financial security, and a beautiful home in Marin County, near San Francisco. But when I achieved my business goal around 50, I asked myself, ‘What’s next?’ Successful in business, It was then I realized that it was time for me to invest more time and energy in the relationships that truly give life meaning.

Bernard’s story doesn’t begin in the USA though—it starts in Belgium where he was born to a Polish father of Jewish descent and a Lebanese mother from the Maronite Christian tradition. Early in his childhood, the family moved to South America, where Bernard quickly adopted Spanish as his first language.

At around six years old, the family returned to Belgium, but life took a turn when his parents divorced. Bernard stayed in Belgium with his mother, while his father moved to Canada to teach at a university.

At 18, Bernard left Europe to pursue his studies and work in California, marking the start of a new chapter. He earned a Master’s degree (M.B.A.) from San Francisco State University and launched his first business soon after—a gym—which ultimately failed. Undeterred, Bernard pivoted and found success in the tech industry, quickly rising through the ranks and building a thriving computer and bookkeeping business.

Despite his on-going growing achievements, Bernard did feel a stronger pull toward something perhaps more meaningful at the time. His inner compass grew stronger, guiding him toward a new purpose that would soon redefine his life.

At early age already, I found myself drawn to questions about what makes us connect, communicate, and thrive as human beings. That curiosity became a passion I couldn’t ignore.

Driven by this calling, Bernard dove into retreats, workshops, and trainings on communication, emotional intelligence, and relationship-building.

Every certification I earned wasn’t just for me. It was also about finding ways to help my friends and others bridge the gaps in their relationships, he explains.

The turning point came when Bernard achieved financial independence.

My house was fully paid off, and I had a million dollars in assets and savings. I was free, he recalls. For the first time in my life, I wasn’t tied to things, jobs, money, or schedules. I could finally focus on what I truly wanted to do—what I had always been passionate about.

With clarity and courage, Bernard sold his beautiful hillside home in Marin County, walked away from his thriving business, and set off on a transformative journey around the globe.

It was liberating—and sort of terrifying at the same time, he admits with a smile. But I knew I needed to fully commit to this new path. I wanted to explore not only what it meant to grow as an individual but also how to help others grow in their relationships.

Traveling the world, Bernard immersed himself in diverse cultures, learning and teaching the art of conscious connection. Along the way, he transformed his vision into reality, creating The Wizard of Love.

My path is simple, Bernard shares. I help people experience relationships that are meaningful, fulfilling, and authentic. Life is too short for anything less.

Today, Bernard’s story is a powerful reminder that success takes many forms—be it professional achievement, personal growth, or the depth of our relationships. True success, however, goes beyond reaching milestones; it’s about living a life aligned with one’s core values.

The most important journey, is the one where you discover what truly matters—and find the courage to pursue it. And that’s exactly when and where I step in as a coach and counselor. My role being about helping uncover that clarity, guiding to reflect on one’s past, embrace one’s present, and shape one’s future in alignment with one’s deepest desires… And all that, surrounded by those who truly matter—whether they share your perspective or challenge it.

The Wizard of Love’s Biography was written by Romain Grouazel-Krauss, a longtime friend whom Bernard met in 2008 in Berkeley, California (USA).

I’ wrote Bernard’s bio because during my stay in California, he played a pivotal role in helping me navigate complex challenges, including family issues, relationships, and the immigration process, as I was not American. He also helped me work through the struggles of growing up with a mixed social and cultural background. While he wasn’t yet the Wizard of Love, he was undoubtedly on his way. If you’re looking for a non-biased, open-minded coach and counselor, The Wizard of Love is definitely the person to connect with!