You use hard-headed to describe someone who is practical and determined to get what they want or need, and who does not allow emotions to affect their actions.
...a hard-headed and shrewd businesswoman.
They are taking a hard-headed commercial decision.
Synonyms: shrewd, tough, practical, cool More Synonyms of hard-headed
hard-headed in British English
adjective
1.
tough, realistic, or shrewd; not moved by sentiment
2. US and Canadian
stubborn; obstinate
Derived forms
hard-headedly (ˌhard-ˈheadedly)
adverb
hard-headedness (ˌhard-ˈheadedness)
noun
Examples of 'hard-headed' in a sentence
hard-headed
For a hard-headed businessman that is a pretty good bargain.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
For a hard-headed businessman that is a pretty good bargain.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
On the other will be hard-headed realism.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
But there are hard-headed economic calculations to be made here too.
The Sun (2015)
In a hard-headed calculation, the actual amount extra is not that much.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
For my part, the case for allowing most of those in prison to vote is hard-headed and realistic.