He holds a PhD in history from Cambridge University, and two master's degrees in the same subject from Sciences Po Paris and the Sorbonne (Paris IV). Before moving into management education in 2006, Paul taught history and international relations at several universities, including the University of Oxford (CONTED). In 2004-2005 he also served as the official historian of the island of Jersey. Paul has published extensively both in the fields of leadership ethics and contemporary history (Second World War).