How does a middle-class mindset help build better founders?
In an interview with Ascendants, Sameer Maheshwari, the CEO of HealthKart, shares his personal journey and the role of the middle-class mindset in shaping his entrepreneurial path. With no privilege or safety nets, Sameer had to learn to earn everything, turning hardship into strength. He believes that this mindset gives founders an edge by instilling values that no money can buy, a true entrepreneurial advantage.
Sameer’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, frugality, and grit that defines the middle-class mindset. Growing up in a middle-class family, he faced numerous challenges, from limited financial resources to lack of connections. However, these constraints forced him to think creatively and work hard to achieve his goals. This mindset, shaped by his middle-class upbringing, has been instrumental in his success as a founder.
Resilience: The ability to bounce back
One of the most significant benefits of a middle-class mindset is the ability to bounce back from setbacks. Sameer recalls facing numerous rejections and failures during his entrepreneurial journey. However, he never gave up. Instead, he used each failure as an opportunity to learn and improve. This resilience, he believes, is a critical trait for founders, as it allows them to navigate the unpredictable landscape of entrepreneurship.
“In the middle class, you’re forced to be resilient. You can’t afford to give up. You have to find a way to make it work, no matter what. This mindset has been incredibly valuable for me as a founder, as it’s helped me navigate the many challenges I’ve faced,” says Sameer.
Frugality: The power of living below your means
Another key aspect of the middle-class mindset is frugality. Sameer believes that living below your means is essential for founders, as it allows them to conserve resources and focus on building a sustainable business. This frugality also instills a sense of discipline and responsibility, which is critical for making tough decisions and cutting costs when necessary.
“For me, living below my means was a necessity. We didn’t have the luxury of spending money recklessly, so I had to be smart about how I spent my money. This frugality has been instrumental in my success as a founder, as it’s allowed me to build a sustainable business that can weather any storm,” says Sameer.
Grit: The willingness to put in the hard work
Finally, the middle-class mindset is characterized by grit, the willingness to put in the hard work necessary to achieve success. Sameer believes that this grit is essential for founders, as it allows them to persevere through the many challenges they will face. This mindset is also critical for building a strong work ethic, which is essential for driving innovation and growth.
“For me, grit has been the key to my success. I’ve always been willing to put in the hard work necessary to achieve my goals, even when it meant sacrificing my personal life. This grit has allowed me to build a successful business, and I believe it’s essential for any founder who wants to achieve their goals,” says Sameer.
Conclusion
Sameer’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of the middle-class mindset in building successful founders. By instilling values such as resilience, frugality, and grit, this mindset provides entrepreneurs with a unique set of skills that can be leveraged to build a successful business. Without the luxury of privilege or safety nets, Sameer had to learn to earn everything, turning hardship into strength. This mindset, he believes, gives founders an edge by instilling values that no money can buy, a true entrepreneurial advantage.
As founders, it’s essential to recognize the value of the middle-class mindset and to cultivate these values in ourselves. By doing so, we can build a strong foundation for our businesses, and achieve the success we desire.
About the Author:
Sameer Maheshwari is the CEO of HealthKart, a leading online health and wellness platform. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Sameer has built a reputation as a visionary leader and entrepreneur. He is passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship, and is committed to building a sustainable and responsible business.
Source:
https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
