How Does a Middle-Class Mindset Help Build Better Founders?
As an entrepreneur, Sameer Maheshwari, the CEO of HealthKart, has had his fair share of challenges. Having grown up in a middle-class family, he attributes his success to the values and mindset that this background instilled in him. In a recent interview, Maheshwari shared his perspective on how a middle-class mindset can shape a founder’s journey, teaching them resilience, frugality, and grit.
Growing up without privilege or safety nets, Maheshwari learned to earn everything from scratch. He believes that this experience is a fundamental aspect of building a successful entrepreneurial career. “When you grow up without a silver spoon, you learn to hustle and earn every penny,” he says. This mindset, he believes, gives founders an edge by instilling values that no amount of money can buy – a true entrepreneurial advantage.
So, what exactly does a middle-class mindset entail? For Maheshwari, it’s about being resourceful, adaptable, and determined. As a child, he had to work hard to make ends meet, and this instilled in him a strong work ethic. He learned to prioritize his spending, making do with limited resources, and to be innovative in finding solutions to problems.
These skills, Maheshwari argues, are essential for any entrepreneur. “When you’re resourceful and adaptable, you can turn obstacles into opportunities,” he says. This ability to think on your feet and find creative solutions is a key characteristic of successful founders. Moreover, being frugal and responsible with finances is crucial for building a sustainable business.
Maheshwari’s own journey is a testament to the power of a middle-class mindset. He started his career as an engineer, working multiple jobs to support himself. When he decided to start his own business, he drew on this experience to bootstrap his startup, HealthKart. With no external funding, he relied on his own savings and determination to drive the company’s growth.
This approach, he believes, taught him valuable lessons about discipline and perseverance. “When you’re not backed by external funding, you have to be responsible with your finances and make every dollar count,” he says. This mindset allowed him to make tough decisions and prioritize his spending, ultimately leading to the success of his business.
Moreover, Maheshwari argues that a middle-class mindset helps founders develop a strong sense of resilience. Growing up without a safety net, he learned to face challenges head-on and bounce back from setbacks. This ability to adapt to adversity is essential for entrepreneurs, who often face unexpected obstacles and setbacks.
As a founder, Maheshwari has faced his fair share of challenges, from funding issues to market competition. However, he believes that his middle-class background has given him an edge in overcoming these hurdles. “When you’re not used to having things handed to you, you learn to rely on yourself and your abilities,” he says.
This mindset has also helped Maheshwari build strong relationships with his team and stakeholders. “When you’re humble and grounded, you’re able to build trust and credibility with others,” he says. This approach has allowed him to foster a positive and supportive work environment, which is essential for driving business success.
In conclusion, Sameer Maheshwari’s journey as a founder is a testament to the power of a middle-class mindset. By instilling values of resilience, frugality, and grit, this background has given him a unique edge in building a successful entrepreneurial career. As entrepreneurs, we can learn from Maheshwari’s experiences and adopt these values to build our own successful businesses.
Source: https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
