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 luxurious lifestyles that often come with it. But what often gets overlooked is the humble beginnings and the mindset that shapes the journey of many successful founders. Sameer Maheshwari, CEO of HealthKart, is one such entrepreneur who credits his middle-class upbringing for instilling in him the values that have contributed to his success.
In an exclusive interview with Ascendants, Sameer shared his personal story of struggle and resilience, highlighting the key role his middle-class mindset played in shaping his entrepreneurial journey. According to him, growing up in a middle-class family taught him the importance of frugality, grit, and hard work – values that are essential for any entrepreneur looking to build a successful business.
The power of resilience
Sameer’s journey began when he was just a teenager. He grew up in a small town in India, where opportunities were limited, and competition was fierce. Despite these challenges, he was determined to make a difference. He worked multiple jobs to support his family and put himself through college, all while studying for his entrance exams to get into a good engineering college.
This experience of overcoming adversity at a young age taught Sameer the value of resilience. He learned to adapt to new situations, to think on his feet, and to find creative solutions to problems. These skills have been invaluable to him as an entrepreneur, allowing him to navigate the ups and downs of the business world with ease.
Frugality as a virtue
Another key aspect of the middle-class mindset is frugality. Growing up in a family where every rupee counted, Sameer learned to be mindful of his expenses and to make the most of every opportunity. This habit has stayed with him to this day, and he believes it’s essential for any entrepreneur looking to build a successful business.
“Frugality is not just about saving money; it’s about being smart with your resources,” Sameer explains. “As an entrepreneur, you’re going to face setbacks and failures, and you need to have the financial discipline to bounce back from those failures. Frugality helps you stay focused on your goals and avoid distractions.”
Grit and determination
The middle-class mindset also instills a sense of grit and determination in individuals. Growing up in a lower-middle-class family, Sameer knew that he had to work twice as hard to achieve his goals. This sense of determination has driven him to push through challenges and obstacles, even when the going got tough.
“For me, grit is about having the mental toughness to keep going, even when things seem impossible,” Sameer says. “It’s about having the courage to take risks and to believe in yourself, even when nobody else does. That’s what separates successful entrepreneurs from those who give up.”
The entrepreneurial advantage
So, what does this middle-class mindset bring to the table for entrepreneurs? In Sameer’s opinion, it’s a true entrepreneurial advantage. The values of resilience, frugality, and grit that are instilled in individuals growing up in a middle-class family cannot be replicated by those who have had more privileged upbringings.
“Money can’t buy these values,” Sameer emphasizes. “You can’t buy resilience, frugality, or grit. These are qualities that are developed over time, through hard work and determination. And that’s what sets apart successful entrepreneurs from those who are just lucky or have a lot of resources.”
Conclusion
Sameer’s story is a testament to the power of the middle-class mindset in shaping the journey of entrepreneurs. By instilling values like resilience, frugality, and grit, this mindset gives founders an edge that can’t be replicated by those who have had more privileged upbringings. As Sameer’s experience has shown, it’s not the lack of resources that holds entrepreneurs back, but rather their ability to adapt, be resourceful, and stay focused on their goals.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Sameer’s story is a reminder that success is not just about talent or luck, but about the values and mindset that drive you to succeed. And for those who have already achieved success, it’s a reminder to stay humble and continue to learn from their experiences, knowing that it’s the middle-class mindset that has given them the edge they need to thrive.
Source: https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
