How does a middle-class mindset help build better founders?
As entrepreneurs, we often talk about the qualities that make a great founder – vision, leadership, adaptability, and the like. While these traits are undoubtedly crucial, there’s another factor that often goes unspoken: the mindset of a middle-class individual. In this post, we’ll explore how a middle-class mindset can shape a founder’s journey and provide them with a unique entrepreneurial advantage.
I caught up with Sameer Maheshwari, the CEO of HealthKart, to gain insights into how his middle-class upbringing influenced his entrepreneurial journey. As we chatted, it became clear that the values he learned growing up – resilience, frugality, and grit – have been invaluable in building his successful company.
Sameer’s story is a testament to the power of a middle-class mindset. Born and raised in a middle-class family, he never had the luxury of relying on privilege or a safety net. From a young age, he was taught to earn everything he wanted, and this mindset has stayed with him throughout his life.
Growing up, Sameer’s parents instilled in him a strong work ethic and the importance of living within his means. He learned to appreciate the value of a hard-earned rupee and to make the most of every opportunity. This frugality, he believes, has been a significant factor in his success as an entrepreneur.
“When I started HealthKart, I didn’t have any external funding or backing. I had to rely on my own resources and make do with what I had,” Sameer recalls. “This forced me to be resourceful and think creatively, which has been a huge advantage in the long run.”
But it’s not just frugality that has served Sameer well. His middle-class upbringing has also taught him the value of resilience. When faced with setbacks or failures, Sameer knows that he can’t afford to give up. He’s learned to pick himself up, dust himself off, and keep moving forward.
“I remember when we first started HealthKart, we faced a lot of challenges. We struggled to find the right talent, and our initial marketing efforts didn’t yield the results we had hoped for,” Sameer says. “But I refused to give up. I knew that I had to keep pushing forward, and that’s exactly what I did.”
This resilience has been a hallmark of Sameer’s entrepreneurial journey. He’s faced numerous challenges along the way, from regulatory hurdles to intense competition. But he’s never let these obstacles get in the way of his vision. Instead, he’s used them as opportunities to learn and grow.
For Sameer, the middle-class mindset has also instilled in him a sense of grit. He knows that he can’t rely on others to do things for him or to solve his problems. He has to be willing to put in the hard work and take calculated risks to achieve his goals.
“I’ve always believed that success is not just about being smart or lucky – it’s about being willing to put in the effort,” Sameer says. “I’ve seen many entrepreneurs give up when things get tough, but I’ve always believed that persistence and hard work are the keys to success.”
So, what does this mean for entrepreneurs who didn’t grow up with the same middle-class values? Can they still benefit from this mindset?
Absolutely, Sameer believes. While he acknowledges that everyone’s upbringing is unique, he believes that the values he learned growing up – resilience, frugality, and grit – are universal and can be applied to anyone’s life.
“I think anyone can adopt a middle-class mindset, regardless of their background,” Sameer says. “It’s all about adopting certain values and principles that can help you build a strong foundation for your entrepreneurial journey.”
For entrepreneurs who want to tap into the benefits of a middle-class mindset, Sameer offers the following advice:
- Be frugal: Don’t be afraid to pinch pennies and make do with what you have. This will help you conserve resources and make more informed decisions.
- Be resilient: When faced with setbacks, don’t give up. Instead, use them as opportunities to learn and grow.
- Be willing to take calculated risks: Don’t be afraid to take risks, but make sure you’ve done your due diligence and have a plan in place.
By adopting these values, entrepreneurs can build a strong foundation for their business and set themselves up for long-term success.
In conclusion, Sameer’s story is a testament to the power of a middle-class mindset. The values he learned growing up – resilience, frugality, and grit – have been invaluable in building his successful company. While not everyone grows up with the same values, entrepreneurs can still benefit from adopting these principles and applying them to their own entrepreneurial journey.
As Sameer so eloquently puts it, “A middle-class mindset is not just about where you come from – it’s about the values you adopt and the principles you live by. And these values can take you anywhere you want to go.”
News Source: https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
