Calling The Shots: Leadership Lessons From Radisson Hotel Group’s Tim Cordon

With over 1,580 hotels in operation and under development across more than 100 countries around the globe, Radisson Hotel Group is one of the world’s most influential hospitality players, and in the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia Pacific, that scale is steered by Tim Cordon, the Group’s COO for these regions. With his remit thus stretching from established hospitality hubs to fast-growing emerging markets, Cordon runs it all by making use of a leadership style that is both people-first and purpose-driven. And as someone who is all about leading with selflessness and generosity, Cordon was only too happy to share with Inc. Arabia seven principles that guide how he makes decisions, supports his people, and navigates one of hospitality’s most complex portfolios.

1. Take All Responsibility (And None Of The Credit) 

When things go wrong, the responsibility is mine. When things go right, the credit belongs to the team. That mindset creates psychological safety and gives people the courage to try new things. If you can keep your ego out of the way, you will be amazed at what your people can achieve.

2. Connect To Purpose In Every Decision  

In busy roles, it is easy to get lost in emails and dashboards. I remind myself that every decision eventually touches real people and real lives. When you connect decisions back to that human purpose, it sharpens your priorities and makes tough calls a little clearer.

3. Let Local Talent Lead  

I work across very different cultures; so, there is no single playbook that fits everywhere. My job is to set direction and standards, then step back so local leaders can shape the details. When you give people ownership and trust them to adapt, it feels authentic, and the results come faster.

4. Remember There's Life Beyond Work 

I’ve learned that being constantly “on” doesn’t make you more effective; it just makes you tired. Protecting time for the people and activities that recharge you improve your judgment, patience, and energy. When your life outside work is healthy, you show up very differently as a leader.

5. Be Honest When It's Difficult

Sometimes you must deliver news that people would rather not hear. I have learned that direct, respectful honesty keeps relationships intact far more than polite vagueness. People may not like the message in the moment, but they remember that you were transparent with them.

6. Lead With Selflessness And Generosity 

The moment leadership becomes about you, you have already lost the room. I try to put something bigger than myself at the center: the long-term health of the business, and the people it supports. For me, that means simple acts of generosity, sharing time, context, feedback, and praise. When people feel genuinely supported, they push themselves to deliver more than you could ever ask for.

7. Inspire Your People—Find The Way

Targets matter, but they don’t get people out of bed in the morning. I always try to link what we do to a clear “why,” whether that is creating jobs in a new market, or giving families a place to make memories. Once people feel that purpose and connect it to their own why, you do not need to push them; they pull the business forward on their own.

Pictured in the lead image is Tim Cordon, COO for the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group. Courtesy of Radisson Hotel Group.

This article first appeared in the December 2025-January 2026 issue of Inc. Arabia. To read the full issue online, click here.