
How does a middle-class mindset help build better founders?
As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to get caught up in the glamour of success stories and the notion that founders are born with a silver spoon in their mouth. But the truth is, many successful founders have humble beginnings and a middle-class mindset that has shaped their journey. Sameer Maheshwari, CEO of HealthKart, is one such example. In this blog post, we’ll explore how a middle-class mindset can help build better founders, and Sameer’s story serves as a testament to this.
Sameer’s Story
Sameer Maheshwari, the CEO of HealthKart, is a shining example of a middle-class entrepreneur who has defied the odds to achieve success. Growing up in a middle-class family, Sameer never had the luxury of a safety net. His parents, both teachers, struggled to make ends meet, and Sameer learned early on to be resourceful and frugal. This mindset served him well as he started his entrepreneurial journey, facing numerous challenges and setbacks along the way.
Resilience
One of the key qualities that Sameer attributes to his middle-class upbringing is resilience. Growing up without the luxury of spending money on every whim, Sameer learned to be resourceful and adaptable. He would often help his parents with household chores and small tasks to earn pocket money, which taught him the value of hard work and perseverance. This resilience has been instrumental in his entrepreneurial journey, allowing him to bounce back from failures and setbacks.
Frugality
Another key aspect of the middle-class mindset is frugality. Sameer never took his family’s financial struggles for granted and learned to make do with what he had. This frugality extended to his entrepreneurial journey, where he would often opt for the most affordable options or find creative ways to reduce costs. This frugality has allowed him to allocate resources more efficiently and make smart business decisions.
Grit
Lastly, Sameer’s middle-class upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of grit. Without the safety net of privilege, Sameer knew that he had to work hard to achieve his goals. This grit has driven him to push beyond his limits and overcome obstacles, often in the face of adversity.
The Edge of a Middle-Class Mindset
So, what does this middle-class mindset bring to the table that can help founders achieve success? Here are a few key takeaways:
- Resilience: The ability to bounce back from failures and setbacks is crucial for any entrepreneur. A middle-class mindset teaches you to be resourceful and adaptable, allowing you to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
- Frugality: Frugality is not just about saving money; it’s about being smart with your resources and making the most of what you have. This frugality can help founders make smart business decisions and allocate resources more efficiently.
- Grit: The middle-class mindset instills a strong sense of grit and determination, driving founders to push beyond their limits and overcome obstacles.
- Values: The values instilled by a middle-class upbringing – such as hard work, perseverance, and frugality – are essential for building a successful business. These values cannot be bought or learned; they are earned through experience and hard work.
The Bottom Line
Sameer Maheshwari’s story is a testament to the power of a middle-class mindset in building successful founders. By instilling resilience, frugality, and grit, a middle-class upbringing can provide a strong foundation for entrepreneurial success. As entrepreneurs, we often focus on the glamorous aspects of success, but it’s essential to remember that the values of hard work, perseverance, and frugality are what truly set us apart.
Source:
https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/