After graduating with a master’s degree from University of London, Goldsmiths’ College, Paul served on the launch team behind Shots magazine in 1990, becoming editor in 1994. Subscriptions trebled under his tenure. In 1998 he became Leo Burnett's worldwide director of creative resources, based in Chicago, where he was responsible for the network's global creative council and its Creative Exchange repository of award-winning marketing ideas from around the world. 

Paul returned to London and in 2004 co-founded Contagious – a marketing innovation resource and a creative excellence consultancy for brands and agencies. In August 2023, Contagious became part of the LIONS division at Ascential plc, and Paul took the role of Chief Content Officer in January 2024.

Paul has written for numerous publications including The Guardian and The Hollywood Reporter, and has appeared on CNN, ITV News, BBC Radio 4’s The Today Programme and BBC 5 Live’s Wake Up To Money. His TED Talk on Alternative Currencies has been viewed more than 1.3 million times. Alongside his US colleague, Chris Barth he is the co-author of The Contagious Commandments book; published by Penguin Business in November 2018 (Paperback version: November 2019)

Paul is an advisor to the UK creative arts charity, Create.