How does a middle-class mindset help build better founders?
As I sat down with Sameer Maheshwari, CEO of HealthKart, I couldn’t help but notice the humbleness and humility that radiated from him. Despite being a successful entrepreneur, he exuded a sense of relatability, as if he was just another ordinary person who had stumbled upon an extraordinary journey. Our conversation revolved around the topic of the middle-class mindset and how it has shaped his entrepreneurial journey.
Sameer’s story is a testament to the power of the middle-class mindset. Growing up in a middle-class family, he never had the luxury of taking anything for granted. He learned early on that every accomplishment, every success, and every failure was a direct result of his own hard work and determination. This mindset, he believes, has given him an edge as a founder, instilling values that no amount of money can buy.
Resilience: The Middle-Class Mindset
Sameer’s journey began when he was just a teenager. He had a passion for entrepreneurship, but his family couldn’t afford to support him. He had to work multiple jobs to make ends meet, while also studying and building his business. This experience taught him the value of resilience. He learned to face rejection, failure, and uncertainty head-on, using each setback as an opportunity to grow and learn.
“I remember the countless nights I spent working late, trying to make ends meet, while also chasing my dreams,” Sameer recalls. “It was tough, but it made me realize that I had to be resourceful and adaptable. I had to learn to pivot and adjust my strategy to overcome obstacles.”
Sameer’s ability to bounce back from failure is a testament to the middle-class mindset. Without the safety net of a wealthy family or a privileged upbringing, he had to rely on his own strengths and abilities to overcome adversity. This resilience has served him well as a founder, allowing him to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship with confidence and determination.
Frugality: The Middle-Class Way
Growing up in a middle-class family, Sameer learned the value of frugality. He never took anything for granted, and he always looked for ways to conserve resources and cut costs. This mindset has stayed with him throughout his entrepreneurial journey, serving as a guiding principle for his business decisions.
“Frugality is not just about saving money; it’s about being resourceful and leveraging what you have to achieve your goals,” Sameer explains. “As a founder, I’ve learned to prioritize and focus on the essentials, cutting unnecessary costs and allocating resources effectively. This approach has allowed me to build a sustainable business that can withstand the test of time.”
Sameer’s ability to be frugal has also allowed him to be more agile and adaptable as a founder. Without the burden of unnecessary expenses, he’s able to quickly pivot and respond to changing market conditions, always staying one step ahead of the competition.
Grit: The Middle-Class Advantage
Perhaps the most valuable lesson Sameer learned from his middle-class upbringing is the importance of grit. Growing up without privilege or safety nets, he had to be willing to roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty. He had to be willing to put in the hard work and sweat equity required to achieve his goals.
“Grit is not just about perseverance; it’s about the willingness to put in the effort required to achieve your goals,” Sameer emphasizes. “As a founder, I’ve learned to be relentless in my pursuit of success, never giving up, even in the face of adversity. This grit has allowed me to overcome challenges and achieve my goals, even when others might have given up.”
Sameer’s ability to be gritty has served him well as a founder. He’s able to push through challenges and stay focused on his goals, even when the going gets tough. This mindset has allowed him to build a successful business that has withstood the test of time.
The Middle-Class Mindset: A True Entrepreneurial Advantage
As we concluded our conversation, I couldn’t help but ask Sameer what advice he would give to aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to build successful businesses. His response was simple yet profound: “Embrace the middle-class mindset. It’s not about the amount of money you have; it’s about the values you hold dear. Resilience, frugality, and grit are the keys to success, and they can be learned by anyone, regardless of their background or upbringing.”
Sameer’s story is a testament to the power of the middle-class mindset. Without privilege or safety nets, he learned to earn everything, turning hardship into strength. This mindset, he believes, gives founders an edge, instilling values that no money can buy, a true entrepreneurial advantage.
Source:
https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
