Celebrating influential women across convenience
This post was written in collaboration with Booker Group.
Karen Musleh, catering sales controller at Booker Group
How are diversity and inclusion key foundations at your organisation?
Booker has four Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Networks: Women at Booker, Race and Ethnicity at Booker, LGBTQ+ at Booker and Disability at Booker. Through regular events, these essential groups generate awareness, encourage learning and create spaces for sharing experiences.
The networks are formed of colleagues who have come together based on shared characteristics, life experiences and common needs – along with their allies. They’re here to advocate and provide support for the communities they represent, whilst also serving as a temperature check for the business providing insight from their communities.
Our commitment to inclusion extends to our leadership development. Through our Winning Managers programme, we ensure that line managers are at the heart of our colleague experience. These leaders are vital in fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome at Booker, while feeling empowered to perform at their best and being confident in their role.
A ‘winning manager’ excels in these three key capabilities:
• Care for your team, so that our colleagues can be their best every day.
• Be inclusive, so that everyone feels welcome.
• Drive high performance, to make sure we win together.
In 2025, we remain committed to continuing our mission in making Booker a place where everyone feels welcome.
Do you feel a positive culture in place helps you cement business relationships?
Absolutely, a positive culture is crucial. It fosters trust and collaboration, it creates an environment where colleagues feel valued. Being open, honest and able to bring your authentic self to work leads to great teamwork and builds stronger customer relationships.
Tell us about your own success story
I began my journey with Booker 39 years ago as a part-time Checkout Operator in Glasgow. Through hard work and determination, I was promoted to Checkout Supervisor, then Goods-In Manager.
In the early 90s, I took the opportunity to apply for a Retail Merchandiser role and was selected, enjoying many years in the position.
In 2008, I made the progressive step into a Catering Development Manager. This position was entirely distinct from any previous job I had held – it was a fascinating, fulfilling, and varied atmosphere.
It was during this time that I genuinely cultivated the self-confidence to trust in my abilities. My direct supervisor had faith in me and entrusted me with responsibilities during his absence, which ignited my desire to learn more.
He was a remarkable coach and mentor, equipping me with the skills necessary for further advancement which allowed me to progress into my current role as Catering Sales Controller.
My path was unconventional, as I originated from the sales division, and I was a woman in a dominated male industry. This challenged the norm, and I took a unique approach, offering a fresh viewpoint to the team. I had to establish my credibility, which I achieved through being consistent and remaining true to myself.
Having spent a significant amount of time in this industry, I have had the privilege of collaborating with numerous individuals. I am grateful to those who encouraged me to recognise my self-worth and have faith in my capabilities.
What opportunities are there for career evolution within your company?
Booker has really evolved over the past few years, and now with being part of the Tesco Group, this has definitely opened more opportunities across the company.
We are proud to have colleagues that are part of the Women’s Development Plan, this consists of a group of women who have been identified as having high potential for future roles.
Additionally, the business offers a range of career progression pathways, including our Driver Academy and Fresh Development Academy, Craft and Master Butchers.
What has your experience been like as a woman working in your field?
Throughout my career I have been championed by managers, colleagues and mentors, including male allies from across the business. I remain committed to advocating for a more inclusive environment for everyone.
