From Retail Trainee to Retail Titan: Martin Roberts on Mentoring and Career Growth
When Martin Roberts started his career sweeping storerooms and mopping floors, he didn’t have a plan to end up in one specific boardroom, but he did have serious drive. Now retired (or at least trying to retire) from a decades-long executive career spanning Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Vodafone, B&M, and many more, Martin is still giving back as a mentor on the Visku Mentoring Programme.
Martin’s story is a powerful reminder that progression and success don’t always come with a degree or a fast-track scheme. But what is required is the right mindset.
Learning by Doing
Martin’s introduction to business came early. His father, a former RAF officer turned business owner, taught him that customers came first, and that no job was beneath you. These lessons stayed with Martin as he left school and joined John Lewis Partnership as a trainee.
“I wasn’t great academically,” Martin admits. “But I worked hard. I always put my hand up. Clean the warehouse? I’ll do it. Sort out the vans in the back? I’ll do it.”
That willingness to muck in built his reputation and opened doors. Over the years, Martin moved into management roles, joined Tesco, and eventually ran 21 stores before stepping into directorships at Sainsbury’s and beyond.
But the real turning point came not from a job title but from the people who believed in him.
The Power of a Golden Ticket
At John Lewis, a senior manager named Mr Whitaker became one of Martin’s early mentors. “He taught me everything I know,” Martin recalls. “He believed in me when I was still figuring things out.”
Later, at Tesco, Martin remembers then-CEO Sir Terry Leahy handing out symbolic ‘golden cards’ to store directors, each one a ticket for a colleague who showed potential. “Terry told us: go find someone who could be a store manager in 12 weeks. Doesn’t matter if they’re stacking shelves or working Saturdays. If you see something in them, give them the card.”
That belief in spotting and backing untapped potential has shaped Martin’s own approach to leadership. And it’s one of the values that brought him to the Visku Mentoring Programme.
From Mentee to Mentor
Throughout his career, Martin sought out mentors: people to challenge him, advise him, and help him grow. He still keeps in touch with several of them, including former Tesco CEO Sir Terry Leahy.
Now, he’s paying it forward.
“I signed up to Visku because I wanted to support the next generation, especially the ones people might overlook,” Martin says. “If I can open a door or give someone a nudge, I will.”
His mentoring style is direct but thoughtful. “It’s not all about talking business,” he explains. “The first thing I ask isn’t ‘what’s the strategy?’ it’s ‘how are you doing?’ That’s something I’ve learned. Know the person, and you can really support them.”
His mentee, Liv, is a rising supply chain professional, and Martin’s support goes far beyond the basics. From recommending and discussing inspiring reads like Jim Collins’ Good to Great, to helping her navigate real-world leadership environments and checking in on how she is doing outside of the office environment, the relationship is practical, honest, and personal.
“It’s about presence,” Martin says. “Being there. Listening. Remembering. Following up.”
Progression and Paying it Forward
Martin’s journey from the warehouse to the C-suite is filled with many varying chapters, but one common denominator is the characters along the way who took a chance on him. And he’s determined to do the same for others.
“I’ve seen the difference a mentor can make,” he says. “That external perspective, guidance, advice, and someone to listen can boost your conscience, resilience, and self-belief.”
He’s also clear that progression doesn’t need to mean a corner office. “Not everyone wants to be a CEO. But everyone deserves someone in their corner, asking the right questions and helping them grow.”
That’s what the Visku Mentoring Programme is all about, giving people across the supply chain sector the chance to be seen, supported and stretched.
And for Martin, it’s as rewarding now as ever.
“I’ve run billion-pound businesses. Met Prime Ministers. Sat on global boards. But helping someone find their path is one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve ever had.”
Want to connect across companies and grow your career? Visku’s mentoring programme is open to all. Find out more here.
Author: Martin Roberts, Chairman / NED / Strategic Advisor at Visku