Neil Jones: Take a risk on people.

In this episode Neil Jones, Chief Operating Officer at Marriott International, reflects on 30 years in hospitality and what truly makes leadership work. What still drives him is simple: hospitality is a people business, no two days are the same and growth comes from variety, not titles. Neil shares how early experiences in service shaped his career and why staying with one company doesn’t mean standing still - if you keep moving, learning and saying yes to new roles. He highlights three key influences: Arne Sorenson for his rare mix of courage and humanity, his father for patience and work ethic and a former leader who taught him to take risks on people and never forget to have fun. At the heart of the conversation is a clear leadership message: there is no textbook. Great leaders set a simple vision, listen deeply and involve their teams. Respect is earned through humility, not authority. For young leaders and future talent, Neil’s advice is to stay open, explore different parts of the business and remember that many of tomorrow’s roles don’t even exist yet.