Bio: Irini Michaelidis

Irini is a Leadership Advisor, educator, and industry professional with over 25 years of experience in luxury and fashion retail across Canada, the United States, and Europe. 

She has held senior leadership roles with globally recognized brands including Louis Vuitton, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Holt Renfrew, where she led high-performing teams, drove business growth, and delivered results across operations, sales, and organizational development. Her work has consistently focused on the intersection of leadership, performance, and people. 

Irini is the Founder of 6SESS, a leadership consultancy through which she has advised and supported global brands and executives in strengthening leadership capability, team performance, and business outcomes. 

Since 2015, she has been a part-time professor at George Brown Polytechnic in the Fashion Business and Fashion Management programs. She teaches courses including World of Luxury, Retail Operations, Apparel Marketing (Advanced) and Sales Management. In the classroom, she brings a practical, real-world perspective, preparing students to navigate the evolving demands of the global fashion and retail industries with confidence and clarity. 

In addition to teaching, Irini is an executive coach, speaker, and mentor, committed to developing both emerging and experienced leaders. Her work focuses on helping individuals strengthen decision-making, lead effectively in complex environments, and build sustainable, high-performing teams.

Irini holds a diploma in Business Administration – Marketing from Sheridan College, an Elite Life Coach Certification from The Coach Mindset, and an Adult Education Certificate from the Canadian College of Educators. She is multilingual and brings a global perspective shaped by her international experience.