How does a middle-class mindset help build better founders?
As entrepreneurs, we often hear stories of successful founders who have had a privileged upbringing, with access to the best resources, networks, and opportunities. However, what about those who have had to work twice as hard to achieve their goals, simply because they didn’t have the luxury of a silver spoon to fall back on? Sameer Maheshwari, CEO of HealthKart, believes that it is precisely this middle-class mindset that has given him an edge as a founder.
In an exclusive interview with Ascendants, Sameer shared his personal journey, from growing up in a middle-class family in India to building a successful e-commerce company. He explains how the values instilled in him during his formative years have shaped his approach to entrepreneurship, and why he believes that a middle-class mindset can be a significant advantage for founders.
Growing up in a middle-class family, Sameer’s childhood was marked by financial constraints. His parents, both government employees, worked hard to provide for their family, but there was never any excess. This limited budget forced Sameer to be creative and resourceful, teaching him the value of frugality from a young age.
“I remember my parents telling me that we couldn’t afford something, and I would think to myself, ‘Okay, what can I do to get it?'” Sameer recalls. “I would find ways to save money, or look for alternative solutions. This taught me to be resourceful and adaptable, and it’s a skill that has served me well as an entrepreneur.”
As Sameer grew older, he realized that his middle-class upbringing had also instilled in him a strong sense of resilience. With no safety net to fall back on, he learned to be self-reliant, taking calculated risks and facing challenges head-on.
“When you’re from a middle-class background, you don’t have the luxury of making mistakes,” Sameer explains. “You have to be careful with your resources, and you have to be willing to learn from failure. This mindset has helped me navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and it’s given me the confidence to take bold decisions.”
Another valuable lesson Sameer learned from his middle-class upbringing is the importance of hard work and grit. Without the cushion of privilege, he had to earn everything he wanted, from his education to his career. This taught him to be diligent, persistent, and patient, qualities that have been essential to his success as a founder.
“When you’re from a middle-class background, you don’t have the option of giving up,” Sameer says. “You have to keep pushing forward, no matter what obstacles you face. This has helped me build a strong work ethic and a growth mindset, and it’s allowed me to overcome many challenges in my journey as an entrepreneur.”
So, what does this mean for founders who didn’t come from a middle-class background? Sameer believes that it’s never too late to adopt a middle-class mindset. By embracing the values of frugality, resilience, and grit, founders can build a strong foundation for their businesses and achieve success despite any obstacles they may face.
“I don’t believe that a middle-class mindset is exclusive to those who grew up in a middle-class family,” Sameer says. “Anyone can adopt these values and apply them to their own life and business. It’s about being resourceful, adaptable, and determined, and it’s something that can be learned and developed over time.”
In conclusion, Sameer’s story is a powerful reminder that success as a founder is not solely dependent on privilege or background. A middle-class mindset, with its values of frugality, resilience, and grit, can be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs, providing a strong foundation for their businesses and a competitive edge in the market.
Source: https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
