How does a middle-class mindset help build better founders?
As a founder, you’ve likely been bombarded with advice on how to build a successful startup. But what about the mindset that sets apart successful founders from those who may be struggling? According to Sameer Maheshwari, CEO of HealthKart, a middle-class mindset can be the key to unlocking true entrepreneurial potential.
In an exclusive interview with Ascendants, Sameer shared his own journey, highlighting how his humble beginnings as a middle-class individual shaped his approach to entrepreneurship. From resilience and frugality to grit and determination, Sameer’s experiences have taught him valuable lessons that he believes are essential for any founder looking to build a successful business.
Growing up in a middle-class family, Sameer was taught the value of hard work and earning a living. He never had the luxury of relying on privilege or safety nets, which forced him to be resourceful and adapt to any situation. This mindset, he believes, has given him an edge in entrepreneurship.
“I was never given anything on a platter,” Sameer said. “I had to work hard to get everything I wanted. And that’s what makes me a better founder today. I understand the value of every rupee, every minute, and every effort. I know that if I want something, I need to go out and get it myself.”
This frugality, Sameer argues, is a key characteristic of middle-class entrepreneurs. They’re not afraid to get their hands dirty, to roll up their sleeves, and to do whatever it takes to get the job done. They’re not beholden to lavish lifestyles or expensive habits, which allows them to focus on the core of their business.
“Middle-class entrepreneurs are forced to be frugal,” Sameer explained. “They can’t afford to waste money or resources. They have to be careful with every decision, every investment, and every hire. This discipline is invaluable in entrepreneurship, where every decision can make or break a business.”
But frugality is just one aspect of the middle-class mindset that Sameer believes is essential for founders. Resilience is another key trait that has served him well during his journey. As someone who’s faced numerous setbacks and failures, Sameer has learned to bounce back from adversity, to adapt to changing circumstances, and to keep moving forward.
“I’ve had my fair share of failures,” Sameer acknowledged. “But I’ve never let them define me. I’ve always looked for ways to learn from them, to grow from them, and to use them as an opportunity to improve. And that’s what’s made me a stronger founder today.”
Grit, another key characteristic of middle-class entrepreneurs, is also essential for founders. Sameer believes that this determination to succeed, no matter what obstacles are thrown in their way, is what sets apart successful founders from those who may be struggling.
“Middle-class entrepreneurs are gritty,” Sameer said. “They’re not afraid of hard work, of long hours, or of making sacrifices. They’re willing to put everything on the line to achieve their goals, and that’s what makes them successful.”
So, what does this mean for founders? How can they incorporate a middle-class mindset into their own approach to entrepreneurship?
For Sameer, it’s all about embracing the values that he believes are essential for success. It’s about being frugal, being resilient, and being gritty. It’s about understanding the value of every rupee, every minute, and every effort. And it’s about being willing to put in the hard work necessary to achieve your goals.
“Founders need to understand that entrepreneurship is not about privilege or safety nets,” Sameer emphasized. “It’s about hard work, determination, and grit. It’s about being willing to take risks, to adapt to changing circumstances, and to keep moving forward. And that’s where a middle-class mindset can give you an edge.”
In conclusion, Sameer’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of a middle-class mindset in entrepreneurship. By embracing values such as frugality, resilience, and grit, founders can build stronger businesses, overcome adversity, and achieve their goals.
As Sameer so eloquently put it, “A middle-class mindset is not just about where you come from, it’s about the values you adopt and the habits you form. And those values and habits can give you an edge in entrepreneurship that no amount of money or privilege can buy.”
Source: https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
