How does a middle-class mindset help build better founders?
As entrepreneurs, we often talk about the importance of having a strong support system, mentors, and resources to help us succeed. But what about the mindset that shapes our journey? In this article, Sameer Maheshwari, CEO of HealthKart, shares his personal experience of growing up with a middle-class mindset and how it has helped him become a better founder.
Growing up in a middle-class family, Sameer never took anything for granted. His parents worked hard to provide for their family, and he learned early on that nothing comes easily. This mindset, shaped by his humble beginnings, has been instrumental in his entrepreneurial journey. In this exclusive interview, Sameer shares how his middle-class upbringing has helped him develop the resilience, frugality, and grit needed to build a successful business.
Resilience: The Middle-Class Mindset
Sameer believes that growing up in a middle-class family taught him to face challenges head-on. When faced with obstacles, he learned to adapt and find solutions, rather than giving up. This resilience has been invaluable in his entrepreneurial journey, helping him navigate the ups and downs of building a business.
“I remember when I was starting HealthKart, we faced numerous challenges, from finding the right team to dealing with regulatory issues. But I drew from my middle-class upbringing, where we had to be resourceful and adaptable to make ends meet. That mindset helped me stay focused and driven, even in the face of adversity,” Sameer says.
Frugality: The Power of Resourcefulness
Growing up in a middle-class family also taught Sameer the value of frugality. He learned to make do with limited resources, often finding creative ways to reuse and recycle. This resourcefulness has been essential in building a successful business.
“When we started HealthKart, we didn’t have a lot of resources to spare. We had to be frugal and find ways to make the most of what we had. That’s helped us innovate and find cost-effective solutions to our problems. It’s also taught us to prioritize our spending and make smart financial decisions,” Sameer explains.
Grit: The Middle-Class Work Ethic
Finally, Sameer credits his middle-class upbringing with instilling a strong work ethic in him. Growing up, he was expected to work hard to achieve his goals, and that mindset has stayed with him throughout his career.
“I’ve always believed that hard work and dedication are essential to success. Growing up in a middle-class family taught me that there are no shortcuts to achieving your goals. You have to put in the effort and be willing to learn from your mistakes. That’s a mindset that has served me well in my entrepreneurial journey,” Sameer says.
The Entrepreneurial Advantage
So, what sets apart entrepreneurs with a middle-class mindset? Sameer believes that it’s the values they’ve learned along the way. “When you grow up with limited resources, you learn to appreciate what you have and make the most of it. You also develop a strong work ethic and a willingness to take calculated risks. Those are values that no amount of money or privilege can buy,” he says.
In conclusion, Sameer’s experience highlights the importance of a middle-class mindset in building successful founders. By instilling resilience, frugality, and grit, this mindset provides entrepreneurs with a unique set of values that can’t be replicated by privilege or wealth. As entrepreneurs, we can all learn from Sameer’s story and adapt these values to our own journeys, turning hardship into strength and building a strong foundation for our businesses.
Source: https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
