Meet Paul Lawrence, Managing Director of Boston Jersey, a leader who’s built his career across the UK and Europe with a passion for strong teams and sustainable growth. In this quick Q&A, Paul shares highlights from his travels, the gadget he can’t work without, and a personal mantra that’s guided him since the ’90s.
Can you give us an overview of your career?
I began my career in banking and private client services before moving into fiduciary and fund administration, where I’ve spent the majority of my professional life. Over the years, I’ve worked across the UK, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands and Luxembourg, with a particular focus on private equity and real estate structures.
More recently, I’ve led businesses through periods of significant change — scaling operations, entering new jurisdictions, completing acquisitions, and modernising technology platforms. What’s been consistent throughout is a focus on building strong teams, trusted client relationships, and sustainable growth.
Where is the most interesting place you have travelled to for work and why?
I’ve been very fortunate to travel to some very interesting, and very different, places throughout my career, all of which have left an impression. Among them are Singapore, which whilst not a city person, is my favourite city in the world and, in stark contrast, Nigeria in the 90s with its clear contrast of wealth and living standards.
Stand out though, was a trip to Zimbabwe and staying at the Nesbitt Castle in Bulawayo. It was the most surreal hotel for a work trip, being a purpose-built castle built in the 20th century and full of medieval and colonial artefacts. I think it might be closed now, which is a shame.
What’s the one gadget you couldn’t live without?
Noise-cancelling headphones. They allow me to focus when I need to think clearly, block out distractions to remain present and engaged in Teams calls and they’re invaluable when travelling, particularly on aeroplanes, where I like to enjoy music. They’re a small thing, but they make a big difference to how I work and stay focused.
What’s the best thing about your job?
Without doubt, it’s the people. Supporting team development, seeing individuals grow into leadership roles, and collectively building something we’re proud of is hugely satisfying. When you get the culture right, performance tends to follow.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you?
I’ve amassed a fairly sizeable LEGO collection over the years, inspired by children and my own childhood love of LEGO. I’ve always enjoyed the creativity of it and the satisfaction of building something complex and well-engineered. Whilst that has slowed as my children have grown up, I still own several hundred sets, some of which are now considered collectible.
What’s your motto or personal mantra?
“Remember, the light at the end of the tunnel may be you”
It’s a line from an Aerosmith song (Amazing) that’s stayed with me since the 1990s. For me, it’s about resilience and empowerment – if things appear tough, the strength to move forward comes from within.