We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mike Zikri. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Mike, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
“I think one common misunderstanding about real estate is that it’s purely about buildings and transactions. For me, it’s much more about creating a unique concept and long-term value for communities, partners, and the people who live or work in the spaces we help shape. It’s not just business, it’s about vision, patience, and responsibility.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Mike Zikri, I am a real estate investor and creative developer with a passion for turning overlooked spaces into meaningful destinations. Through my company Zig Investment Group, I focus on mixed-use projects that blend design, hospitality, art, creative studios, and cultural storytelling. One of my most distinctive projects is the transformation of “Villa Paula” – a historic property – and next to it, developing a boutique hotel, “Casa Paula,” along with “Zig 54,” a mixed-use project, and “Zig 62,” a mixed-use project that includes live and work studios. The excitement in my work is the intersection of real estate, art, and emotion – I see properties not just as assets, but as narratives waiting to be brought to life.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One moment that shaped how I see the world wasn’t a single event, but rather the realization that came through years of traveling and experiencing different cultures, that life itself is a never-ending school. Whether in a bustling city or a quiet village, I’ve learned that every person, place, and challenge carries a lesson. This perspective has taught me to stay curious and open-minded, constantly evolving, always learning.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
One thing I changed my mind about after failing hard was the idea that success depends solely on control and planning. In one of my earlier projects, I tried to manage every detail myself, believing that tight control would guarantee results. When things unraveled despite all my efforts, I realized that flexibility, trust in others, and the ability to adapt were just as important as strategy. That failure shifted my mindset from perfection to collaboration, and from rigidity to resilience.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire my father for his character — not because of any title or influence, but because of the values he lived by. His integrity, humility, and quiet strength shaped the way I see many things in life. He taught me that character is built in the small, consistent choices we make every day, how we treat others, and how we carry ourselves when no one is watching. That left a much deeper impression on me than any position of power ever could.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m immersed in creative work — whether it’s shaping a new concept for a project or envisioning how a space could come to life. There’s a flow that takes over when inspiration meets intention, and in those moments, time disappears. It’s a quiet kind of fulfillment that grounds me, challenges me, and gives me a deep sense of purpose.
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