Zen Hustler: Nick Jekogian

Company: Signature Group

Title: Real Estate Developer

HQ City: New York City, NY

Web: waldenmonterey.com

IG: @waldenmonterey

Fav tag: #waldengathering

Where is your favorite place to visit in the world and why?
The next place, travel is about exploring new experiences.

Who do you want to meet?
The person next to me, we can learn something from everyone if we just try.

Who did you want to meet why?
Ben Franklin, not too many people invent things being used 200 years later.

How does your work fulfill you, what’s your purpose in life?
I’m in the real estate business and money comes fairly easy in and provides lots of open space to do interesting things.  My purpose in life has changed over the decades and right now its to create a legacy that impacts the community.

What are you reading right now?
Enlightenment Now. Highly recommend

What are you watching?
If any… just finished Solitude - scary story about how bad the world could turn.

When most relaxed?
Sitting outside under an old oak tree overlooking the Monterey Bay.

When are you most in flow, productive, energized?
Learning about new things.

Do you meditate or practice mindfulness?
20 mins of transcendental meditation (TM) everyday, plus walking meditation in nature at least once a day.

Who taught you how to hustle?
I was born this way, paperboy at 8, my first startup at 14.

What keeps you up at night?
My news feed, sadly it’s never good news.

Do you exercise?
I just stopped ultra-marathon running, so I walk everywhere possible to stay fit.

What communities inspire you?
TED talks, social enterprise events and YPO.

Are you more Hustler or more Zen lately?
I am balanced now.

What would you do if you did not do your existing work?
Nothing, I love what I do.

How do you define a good work/life balance?
It is very important, first you have to love your job, then make time for the other loves in your life (family/friends/interests)

How has family and kids affected your balance?
I’m married with two teenage daughters. Just before my first daughter was born I was 100% hustle in business, just before she was born I hired a coach to teach me balance. The best decision ever!  

What is some advice you would give to new or struggling entrepreneurs/hustlers that seem out of balance?
Think of the 6 most important things you want to do this decade.
Write them down everyday and make sure you are doing something in those areas each day.

What advice would you tell your younger self?
Send the letter (ask me about it)

What is one issue you are out to change in the world?
Using business models to grow social solutions.

What is your favorite saying?
MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Your last 2¢?
When we eliminate the need for sleep the inequalities created by real estate costs will change.

Learn more about Nick and his sustainable upscale community, lots are now being sold and built down in Walden Monterey, California.
E: breathe@waldenmonterey.com

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