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From being a $9/hour sales coordinator to Head of Development for the Americas at Mandarin Oriental, Tiffany Cooper has built a career as bold as it is inspiring. She didn’t start in hospitality—dreaming first of penning Rolling Stone bylines—but a twist of fate and a whole lot of grit set her on a path through brands like Kimpton, Starwood, Marriott, Aimbridge, and back to Kimpton before landing at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Along the way, she’s navigated career leaps, balanced the chaos and joy of motherhood, pursued an MBA, and embraced every challenge with determination and humor. In this exclusive with hertelier, Tiffany opens up about tackling impostor syndrome, the power of mentorship, and why saying yes to panels and speaking opportunities changed her career—and could change yours too. Here’s herstory…
What drew you to hospitality, and how did your career journey begin?
Honestly, it was dumb luck! I didn’t go to hotel school; I wanted to be a rock-and-roll reporter for Rolling Stone. I was a journalism major and editor for my campus newspaper. After college, I randomly took a job in telecommunications sales, making 40 cold calls a day on foot in San Francisco. It was grueling; I was kicked out of so many offices, but it taught me resilience and grit. I’d go home at night exhausted, wondering why I even went to college.
One day, someone mentioned a job at Kimpton Hotels and gave me a fax number to send my resume. This was pre-email, so I faxed it over, sight unseen, and landed a $9/hour sales coordinator role at The Juliana. That’s when I realized hospitality was where I was meant to be. It wasn’t planned, but it felt right. Looking back, I’m so grateful for the zigzag path that brought me here.
You climbed the ranks quickly at Kimpton. What helped you stand out early in your career?
My first mentor, Jan Misch, played a huge role. Jan had a remarkable career as one of the first female general managers at Hyatt before joining Kimpton, where she was my boss. A true powerhouse in the industry, her leadership style was both nurturing and empowering. The team called her “Mama Misch.” After just six months, my boss left, and Jan promoted me from coordinator to Director of Sales at age 22. I had no formal training but figured things out as I went. Jan believed in me so much that I worked tirelessly to prove her right. When someone places that kind of faith in you, it lights a fire. I didn’t know what per diem rates were or half the acronyms flying around, but I learned on the job. Jan’s confidence in me taught me to trust myself and rise to challenges. That scrappiness and tenacity have been a theme throughout my career.
How did you transition into development?
At Starwood, my mentor Greg Mount invited me to join the real estate group. I had no idea what terms like “IRR” or “cap rates” meant—my first day was at the NYU hospitality conference in 2005, and it was a baptism by fire. But I’ve always believed ignorance can be a gift. I signed my first deal within 30 days, a Sheraton in Pleasanton, California. That experience taught me that being resourceful and being willing to learn quickly can take you far. From there, I moved into more complex deals, including launching brands like Aloft and Element. It was fast-paced, exhilarating, and the perfect fit for my personality. I am an extrovert!
Now you’ve joined Mandarin Oriental, how did the opportunity come about?
The opportunity to join Mandarin Oriental came at an interesting time. I had just left Aimbridge and was considering my next step when the role came up again. I’d first heard about it while I was at Kimpton, but the timing wasn’t right back then. When it resurfaced, I knew I had to explore it. During the interview process, I connected immediately with Francesco, my boss. His vision for the company and his leadership style really resonated with me. I could sense that Mandarin was not just about luxury—it was about people, culture, and creating meaningful experiences.
Mandarin Oriental has always held a special place in my heart. My first experience with the brand was in my early 20s, visiting their San Francisco property (now a Four Seasons). It was the pinnacle of luxury, and that impression stayed with me. Today, as Head of Development for the Americas, I’m excited about our ambitious plans to double the portfolio in the next five to seven years. The brand is focused on thoughtful, strategic growth, and we’re looking at key markets in the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean. For instance, we’re redeveloping our Miami property and exploring opportunities in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Mexico City. It’s an exciting time to be part of such an iconic brand with a clear vision for the future.
How have you balanced motherhood with a demanding career?
I had my first daughter at 25, so a fairly young start by today’s standards. The upside of youth is energy. I breastfed all three of my kids for a year each while working full-time with a demanding travel schedule. Pumping in airport lounges, hotel rooms, and conference centers became my norm. My husband has been my rock through it all. He says he’s the “pit crew” for my “race car,” managing everything at home while I travel for work. He handled homework, art projects, meals, and everything in between, ensuring our home life was steady despite my chaotic travel schedule.
He’s been incredibly hands-on. When I’m home, I’m fully present, but it’s our partnership that has made all the difference. It’s not easy, and it’s never perfect. There’s guilt, but I’ve learned to let go of the idea that I have to do everything myself. Having him by my side has been a gift for which I am endlessly grateful.
Speaking of demanding, you pursued an MBA while working full-time and raising kids. What motivated you?
I’d always felt a bit insecure about not having a business degree, and it fueled my 'impostor syndrome.' In 2018, I decided to tackle that. I enrolled in an online MBA program, balancing school, work, and family. I wrote papers on flights, studied late at night, and somehow made it work. It was exhausting, but it gave me confidence and filled knowledge gaps. I finished just before COVID hit in 2020, which was ironic because life went from nonstop to completely still. It was a strange but welcome pause.
Impostor syndrome is something many professionals deal with—has that been your experience?
It’s real, and it’s pervasive. Studies show that 80% of women experience it at some point, and interestingly, 60% of men do too. That really stood out to me because it shows that this isn’t just a women’s issue—it’s something almost everyone grapples with at some point.
For me, impostor syndrome has been a constant companion, especially when stepping into new roles. I remember my early days at Starwood, walking into rooms where I felt out of my depth, surrounded by people who I thought were far smarter or more experienced. That nagging question, “What am I doing here?” would creep in. But I’ve learned to acknowledge it and use it as fuel. Instead of letting it paralyze me, I remind myself that those feelings are normal—they’re a sign that I’m pushing myself and growing.
One thing that’s really helped me is talking about it openly. The more we normalize these feelings, the less power they have over us. I’ve also realized that preparation is my best ally. When I feel prepared, whether it’s for a pitch, a meeting, or a panel, my confidence grows. It’s about focusing on what I can control.
Impostor syndrome keeps us humble and striving for excellence. I’ve come to view it as a motivator rather than a weakness.
What’s been eye-opening for me is seeing how many high-achieving people also admit to feeling this way. It’s almost reassuring. Impostor syndrome keeps us humble and striving for excellence. I’ve come to view it as a motivator rather than a weakness. It’s proof that I care deeply about what I do. The key is to keep moving forward—even when those doubts are whispering in the background.
You’re a seasoned speaker on industry panels. Why do you think it’s important for women to participate?
Conferences are such an important platform for women (or anyone) in our industry, not just for sharing expertise but for being seen and heard. My first panel was completely nerve-wracking. I remember sitting on stage with my hands trembling, doing my best to appear calm and collected. It was a learning experience—I stumbled through it but realized afterward that the only way to get better was to keep saying yes to these opportunities. From that day forward, I committed to accepting every panel invitation as long as it fit into my schedule.
What I’ve learned over time is that being on a panel isn’t just about the moment you’re on stage. It’s about preparation, articulating your perspective, and connecting with your audience. Panels force you to refine your ideas, which in turn deepens your knowledge and confidence. They’re also a fantastic way to build your personal brand. You’re representing your company, yes, but you’re also representing yourself—your values, expertise, and leadership style.
I think one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t have to be perfect. Authenticity resonates more than perfection. Some of the most compelling speakers I’ve seen are the ones who share their challenges and vulnerabilities. That honesty creates connection and inspires others. For women especially, it’s vital to step into these spaces because our perspectives matter, and our visibility can pave the way for others.
Over the years, I’ve seen how speaking opportunities can open doors. They help you network, showcase your expertise, and build credibility.
Over the years, I’ve seen how speaking opportunities can open doors. They help you network, showcase your expertise, and build credibility. For anyone hesitant to do a panel or an interview, my advice is simple: prepare thoroughly, embrace the nerves, and remind yourself that your voice adds value. Confidence comes with practice, and the more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll become. Every time you say yes, you’re not just contributing to the conversation—you’re growing as a professional and leader.
What advice would you give to working moms trying to juggle it all?
Give yourself grace. It’s a balancing act, some balls will drop—and that’s okay. Do your best and release the rest. When my kids were younger, it was harder to travel for work, but now that they’re older, it’s easier to find balance. I’ve learned to prioritize, let go of guilt, and focus on being present when I’m home. Also, surround yourself with a strong support system—whether it’s a partner, family, or trusted caregivers.
Quickfire Tips from Tiffany
Speaking at Conferences: Practice your “Wonder Woman” pose—people can feel your energy! Focus on your breathing; slow, steady breaths are calming.
Best Travel Hack: Always pack comfortable shoes and cozy socks—they’re lifesavers after a long day or for dashing around airports.
Daily Routine: Start with gratitude, get moving (yoga or a walk), and avoid your phone first thing in the morning.
Books & Podcasts: Lead It Like Lasso (leadership tips inspired by Ted Lasso) and the Acquired podcast for deep dives into business stories—I especially loved the episode on Hermès!