How does a middle-class mindset help build better founders?
When Sameer Maheshwari, CEO of HealthKart, looks back on his entrepreneurial journey, he credits his middle-class upbringing with teaching him valuable lessons that have been instrumental in his success. Growing up without privilege or a safety net, he learned to earn everything from scratch, and these experiences shaped his mindset in ways that have given him a unique edge as a founder.
In an exclusive interview with Ascendants, Sameer shares how his middle-class background instilled values in him that no amount of money can buy – values that have been crucial in his journey as a founder. He believes that this mindset is essential for building successful entrepreneurs, and we’re here to explore how.
The power of resilience
Growing up in a middle-class family, Sameer faced his fair share of challenges. His parents worked hard to make ends meet, and there was never a guarantee of a steady income. This uncertainty forced him to be resourceful and adaptable, traits that have served him well in his entrepreneurial career.
As a founder, Sameer has encountered numerous setbacks, from failed product launches to team departures. However, his middle-class upbringing taught him to be resilient in the face of adversity. He learned to bounce back from failures, to pivot and adjust his strategy when necessary, and to never give up on his vision.
“This mindset of ‘I’ll make do with what I have’ has been incredibly valuable,” Sameer says. “It’s allowed me to be more resourceful, to find creative solutions to problems, and to prioritize my goals more effectively. When you’re used to making the most of a limited budget, you develop a sense of thriftiness that serves you well in business.”
Frugality and cost-consciousness
Speaking of budgeting, Sameer’s middle-class upbringing also instilled in him a sense of frugality. As a founder, he’s learned to be mindful of costs, to prioritize his spending, and to make the most of every rupee.
“When you’re used to living on a tight budget, you develop a sense of what’s truly essential,” he explains. “You learn to differentiate between needs and wants, and to make sacrifices when necessary. This cost-consciousness has been instrumental in keeping me grounded and focused on my goals, even when faced with tough decisions.”
Grit and determination
Perhaps most importantly, Sameer’s middle-class background taught him the value of grit and determination. Growing up without a safety net, he learned to work hard and persevere, even when the going got tough.
“As a founder, I’ve faced countless challenges, from regulatory hurdles to market competition,” he says. “But my middle-class upbringing taught me that quitting wasn’t an option. I learned to persevere, to find ways to overcome obstacles, and to stay focused on my goals, no matter what.”
The entrepreneurial advantage
So, what does this middle-class mindset bring to the table for entrepreneurs? According to Sameer, it’s a unique combination of resilience, frugality, and grit that sets founders from middle-class backgrounds apart.
“When you’re not privileged with wealth or connections, you have to work twice as hard to achieve your goals,” he says. “This mindset becomes a strength, a true entrepreneurial advantage that no amount of money can buy. It’s a reminder that success is not solely dependent on privilege or luck, but on hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes.”
Conclusion
Sameer’s story serves as a powerful reminder that success as a founder is not solely dependent on privilege or wealth. His middle-class upbringing taught him valuable lessons that have been instrumental in his journey, from resilience and frugality to grit and determination.
As entrepreneurs, we can all learn from Sameer’s story. By embracing our own middle-class mindset, we can develop the same values that have served him so well – values that will give us a unique edge in the competitive world of entrepreneurship.
Source: https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
