Name: Karen Poole
Job title: Head of own brand and product
Company: Booker
What was your first job? While I was at university, I worked in customer services for Royal Mail. In this role, I learned a lot about listening, patience, and human nature, which has stood me in good stead for a career in food and drink.
Life is too short to wish the days away, so I’m happy to be in a role I love, working on products I am passionate about.
What’s been your worst job interview? I don’t think I’ve ever had a really bad one.
What was the first music single you bought? Take on Me by A-ha (that will show my age!).
“There’s nothing better than being in the development kitchens with colleagues reviewing products. You can’t taste on Teams”
How do you describe your job to your friends? I usually keep it to ‘product nerd’ but I explain that I work on new food and drink products, from the initial idea to getting it on shelf.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Seeing customers and colleagues get excited about new product launches I have worked on with my talented team, such as our CaterPro disposables range and our new 2025 Christmas lines.
What is the least rewarding part? Commuting can be tiring but there’s nothing better than being in the development kitchens with colleagues reviewing products. You can’t taste on Teams.
What is your motto in life? Be like water. Water can change depending on its environment, it can find the smallest gaps and flow through.
If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? A portal so I didn’t have to commute. I’d be able to get into the office, the development kitchen, meet suppliers and customers in super-quick time and fit so much more in.
Do you have any phobias? Not really, but I hate being bored so I prefer to keep myself busy.
If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? I think the industry has made huge steps forward on diversity and inclusivity; but there is still more to do.
What luxury would you have on a desert island? A never-ending stream of podcasts. I love listening to podcasts about anything… food and drink, history, politics, science, engineering, and of course true crime.
What animal most reflects your personality? A beagle – they’re excitable, curious, food obsessed, and loyal.
What’s your favourite film and why? The Muppet Christmas Carol. Christmas has definitely arrived when I’ve watched it, usually in Christmas pyjamas with a glass of something sparkly. I love the whole Christmas season, even though it starts very early in the year for us as our Booker festive range has been out since July.
What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? Life is one long series of embarrassing moments that in time everyone (including me) forgets.
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Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? I can only think of ones I wouldn’t want to work with! I’d love to work with up and coming talented chefs and cooks who are passionate about food and drink and can inspire us with new trends.
What would your death row meal be? A full roast dinner, cooked by my husband, Wesley, who makes the best roasties. Ideally it would include meat from our Blackgate range like a roasting beef or lamb rack, or I’d even go for a meat-free option like a beetroot wellington or a mediterranean vegetable tart – with all the trimmings of course.
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