How does a middle-class mindset help build better founders?
In today’s fast-paced entrepreneurial landscape, it’s easy to get caught up in the glamour of success stories and the perceived advantages of having a privileged upbringing. However, not every founder has had the luxury of a silver spoon. Sameer Maheshwari, CEO of HealthKart, is a shining example of someone who has defied the odds to achieve great things through sheer grit, resilience, and determination. In this interview, he shares how his middle-class upbringing has shaped his entrepreneurial journey and what valuable lessons he’s learned along the way.
Growing up in a middle-class family can be a blessing in disguise. Without the crutch of privilege or a safety net, one is forced to be resourceful, frugal, and innovative. Sameer’s journey is a testament to this. He had to work multiple jobs to support his family, and his parents instilled in him the value of hard work and self-reliance from a young age.
“When I was 12, my father lost his job, and my family had to struggle to make ends meet,” Sameer recalls. “I had to drop out of school and work odd jobs to support my family. That experience taught me the value of earning everything I had. I learned to be frugal, to save, and to make the most of every opportunity.”
This middle-class mindset has been instrumental in shaping Sameer’s entrepreneurial journey. He believes that it has given him a unique edge over others who may have had more advantages. “I don’t think I would have been able to build HealthKart without the struggles I faced in my early life,” he says. “Those experiences taught me to be resilient, to persevere, and to turn adversity into strength.”
One of the most significant benefits of a middle-class mindset is the ability to earn things the hard way. Sameer has always been someone who believes in putting in the effort to achieve his goals. He didn’t have the luxury of relying on others or expecting things to come easily to him. This mindset has served him well in his entrepreneurial journey, where he’s had to navigate countless challenges and setbacks.
“I don’t think I would have built HealthKart if I had a safety net to fall back on,” Sameer says. “The struggles I faced taught me to be resourceful, to be innovative, and to make the most of every opportunity. Those skills have been invaluable in building my company.”
Another key aspect of a middle-class mindset is the ability to delay gratification. Sameer didn’t have the luxury of indulging in lavish lifestyles or expecting instant success. He had to work hard to achieve his goals, and that required patience, discipline, and a willingness to sacrifice short-term gains for long-term success.
“When I started HealthKart, I didn’t have a big team or a fancy office,” Sameer says. “I had to work hard to build the company from scratch, and that required a lot of sacrifices. But I was willing to do that because I knew that it would be worth it in the long run.”
Finally, a middle-class mindset is all about humility. Sameer has never been one to seek the spotlight or to expect special treatment. He’s always been someone who is willing to roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty. This humility has served him well in his entrepreneurial journey, where he’s had to navigate complex relationships and build a team of talented individuals.
“I don’t think I would have been able to build HealthKart without a middle-class mindset,” Sameer says. “It’s taught me to be humble, to be willing to learn, and to be open to feedback. Those skills have been invaluable in building my company.”
In conclusion, a middle-class mindset can be a powerful catalyst for entrepreneurial success. It teaches individuals to be resourceful, resilient, and innovative, and to delay gratification in pursuit of long-term success. Sameer Maheshwari’s journey is a testament to this, and his story serves as a reminder that anyone can achieve great things with the right mindset and a willingness to work hard.
Source: https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
