I design experiences around flavour, and systems that make them scalable. I’m the creator of The Art of Sip and Savour series, a growing ecosystem of books, guides, and tools that teach people why food and drink pairings work, not just what to serve. Before this, I spent years operating at a different level of pressure and precision: • Former Chief Operating Officer, responsible for building and running complex systems • Military background, where clarity, discipline, and execution weren’t optional That background shapes everything I create. I combine creative output with operational discipline, turning ideas into structured, revenue-generating systems. I don’t produce content for the sake of it. I build structured, outcome-driven assets that are: • Clear • Useful • Repeatable • Commercially aligned My work combines: • Cocktail and food pairing expertise • Educational content design • SEO-driven writing and discovery systems • Product ecosystem thinking (free → paid → core products) What sets me apart is simple: I don’t teach recipes. I teach thinking. Whether it’s a zero-proof pairing, a cocktail framework, or a content system, the goal is the same: Help people create better experiences with what they already have. Current focus: Building MJW Editions into a scalable, semi-passive publishing platform. Sip Smarter. Pair Better. Impress Always.

Martin James Wallis

I design experiences around flavour, and systems that make them scalable. I’m the creator of The Art of Sip and Savour series, a growing ecosystem of books, guides, and tools that teach people why food and drink pairings work, not just what to serve. Before this, I spent years operating at a different level of pressure and precision: • Former Chief Operating Officer, responsible for building and running complex systems • Military background, where clarity, discipline, and execution weren’t optional That background shapes everything I create. I combine creative output with operational discipline, turning ideas into structured, revenue-generating systems. I don’t produce content for the sake of it. I build structured, outcome-driven assets that are: • Clear • Useful • Repeatable • Commercially aligned My work combines: • Cocktail and food pairing expertise • Educational content design • SEO-driven writing and discovery systems • Product ecosystem thinking (free → paid → core products) What sets me apart is simple: I don’t teach recipes. I teach thinking. Whether it’s a zero-proof pairing, a cocktail framework, or a content system, the goal is the same: Help people create better experiences with what they already have. Current focus: Building MJW Editions into a scalable, semi-passive publishing platform. Sip Smarter. Pair Better. Impress Always.

Available to hire

I design experiences around flavour, and systems that make them scalable.

I’m the creator of The Art of Sip and Savour series, a growing ecosystem of books, guides, and tools that teach people why food and drink pairings work, not just what to serve.

Before this, I spent years operating at a different level of pressure and precision:
• Former Chief Operating Officer, responsible for building and running complex systems
• Military background, where clarity, discipline, and execution weren’t optional

That background shapes everything I create.

I combine creative output with operational discipline, turning ideas into structured, revenue-generating systems.

I don’t produce content for the sake of it. I build structured, outcome-driven assets that are:
• Clear
• Useful
• Repeatable
• Commercially aligned

My work combines:
• Cocktail and food pairing expertise
• Educational content design
• SEO-driven writing and discovery systems
• Product ecosystem thinking (free → paid → core products)

What sets me apart is simple: I don’t teach recipes. I teach thinking.

Whether it’s a zero-proof pairing, a cocktail framework, or a content system, the goal is the same: Help people create better experiences with what they already have.

Current focus: Building MJW Editions into a scalable, semi-passive publishing platform.

Sip Smarter. Pair Better. Impress Always.

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Language

English
Fluent
Chinese
Intermediate

Work Experience

Chief Operating Officer at FIN TRAIL
August 1, 2019 - August 1, 2024
Led overall operations, created clear contractual content with grammatical accuracy, and streamlined onboarding and delivery processes. Aligned organizational growth strategies, introduced an Academy for best practices to improve quality, and implemented an OKR-based performance management system, contributing to faster delivery and stronger client outcomes.
Senior Intelligence and Security Manager at British Army – Intelligence Corps
August 1, 2017 - July 1, 2019
Led a team of 9 supporting Specialist Reconnaissance; enhanced analytical reporting and weekly briefings; mentored analysts in effective communication techniques to meet senior leadership standards and improve operational impact.
Assistant to the Defence Attache at British Embassy Beijing
October 1, 2012 - August 1, 2017
Crafted comprehensive intelligence assessments on China-related security matters; delivered detailed reports to senior officials, briefed senior allies, and mentored junior colleagues while improving Open Source reporting.
Counter Intelligence Operator at British Army – Intelligence Corps
July 1, 1997 - October 1, 2012
Progressed through ranks, supported military missions across multiple countries, maintained adherence to intelligence standards while adapting to diverse and demanding environments, and delivered timely, accurate intelligence reporting for operational use.
Writer and Content Creator at Freelance - MJWEditions
August 1, 2024 - Present
- Author and publisher of The Art of Sip and Savour, a guide for pairing cocktails with food, available through Amazon. I am currently working on expanding the series, which also includes journals, a cookbook, regionally focused pairing guides, and other related materials. - Publish SEO-driven, thought-led articles on Medium, spanning cocktail craft, food pairing, and broader themes including purpose, utility, and everyday decision-making. - Small project works on an ad hoc basis.

Education

BA (Hons) Global Business Management at Bournemouth University
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2018
Executive MBA at Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM)
September 1, 2019 - August 1, 2020
HSK Level 3 Chinese Language Proficiency at Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK)
August 1, 2013 - April 15, 2026

Qualifications

Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership
June 1, 2018 - April 15, 2026
English Proficiency – Fluent
January 11, 2030 - April 15, 2026
Executive MBA (ILM Level 7)
September 1, 2019 - August 1, 2020
Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership
June 1, 2018 - April 15, 2026
BA (Hons) Global Business Management (AACSB Accredited)
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2018
HSK Level 3 Chinese Language Proficiency
August 1, 2013 - April 15, 2026
English Language Proficiency – Fluent
January 11, 2030 - April 15, 2026

Industry Experience

Government, Professional Services, Education, Media & Entertainment