Transformational Leader and Wellness Visionary

Niki Smirni is an entrepreneur, transformational leadership expert, and marketing strategist with over 20 years of experience in corporate strategy, psychology, and personal development. She is the founder and CEO of Travelgems, Europe’s leading luxury well-being company, and the creator of the YouDoYou strategy, a transformational management tool that incorporates business principles, philosophy, and psychology. Niki exemplifies this strategy through her strong leadership, resilience, and a proven history of entrepreneurial achievements and overcoming challenges to create meaningful success. As a frequent speaker, she inspires audiences on topics such as leadership, women’s empowerment, and personal growth.

Niki and Travelgems are regularly featured in publications including The Telegraph, Forbes, ELLE, Decanter, Woman & Home, Citizen Femme, Evening Standard, Fortune (GR), Madame Figaro (GR), and Marie Claire (GR), as well as various podcasts. She has established partnerships with world-renowned leaders, including Dr. Deepak Chopra—whom she also considers one of her biggest teachers and a close partner the last 3 years—Esther Perel, Natalie Haynes, Madeleine Miller, and Sarah Platt-Finger. Her teachers include Jack Kornfield, Tara Brach, Jeremy Hunter, and others.

Niki holds two MSc degrees: Inner MBA and Transformational Leadership from NYU and International Marketing from the University of Strathclyde. Prior to founding Travelgems, she held leadership roles at two prominent Greek companies, directing global brand strategy for Chipita, a leader in snack foods across 55 countries, and managing over 200 stores as Marketing and Business Development Director at Vivartia, Greece’s largest food group. During her career, she developed 288 TV spots, over 80 digital campaigns, and innovative strategies that elevated major brands internationally. She has received the European Marketing Award from CIM and a Silver INGP Award for a market entry strategy that delivered real-world success.

Her most important role is being a single mother to 20-year-old twin boys, whom she fondly refers to as her greatest teachers. Embracing the challenges of raising them with happiness and resilience, she discovered the transformative power of philosophy and spirituality. This journey inspired her to integrate these principles into practical, everyday living.

Currently, Niki serves as a Board Member at Bespoke Investments, one of Greece’s leading private equity firms. She is also an Ambassador for the Global Wellness Institute. A committed mentor, Niki has guided over 260 teenagers and young women entrepreneurs, sharing her insights to empower the next generation of leaders. She volunteers with 100 Mentors and The Tipping Point of Education, supporting students in remote areas of Greece, and actively contributes to women’s empowerment through MeXoXo.