How does a middle-class mindset help build better founders?
As entrepreneurs, we often talk about the importance of resilience, grit, and hard work. But what does it take to truly embody these qualities? In an exclusive interview with us, Sameer Maheshwari, CEO of HealthKart, shares his unique perspective on how his middle-class upbringing shaped his entrepreneurial journey and instilled values that have proven invaluable in his success.
Growing up in a middle-class family, Sameer faced his fair share of challenges. His parents, though not wealthy, instilled in him a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility. They taught him that every rupee earned was hard-won, and that there was no room for waste. This mindset, he believes, was instrumental in shaping his entrepreneurial spirit.
“I grew up without any privilege or safety nets,” Sameer reminisces. “I had to work multiple jobs to support my family, and that taught me the value of earning everything. I learned to be frugal, to make do with what I had, and to turn hardship into strength.” This experience, he says, gave him an edge that few privileged founders can match.
So, what exactly is a middle-class mindset, and how can it benefit entrepreneurs? For Sameer, it’s about breaking free from the constraints of societal expectations and embracing the humility that comes with being part of the middle class. “When you grow up with limited resources, you learn to be resourceful. You can’t afford to waste anything, and that forces you to be creative,” he explains.
This resourcefulness, he argues, is a key characteristic of successful entrepreneurs. “Founders who have had to fight tooth and nail for every opportunity are more likely to be resilient, adaptable, and innovative. They’ve learned to make do with what they have, and that’s a skill that money can’t buy.”
The middle-class mindset also fosters a sense of responsibility, which is essential for entrepreneurs. “When you’re not born with a silver spoon, you understand the value of every rupee. You’re more likely to be responsible with your finances, to make every decision count, and to prioritize your goals,” Sameer observes.
Moreover, the middle-class mindset encourages entrepreneurs to be humble and grounded. “When you’re not surrounded by luxuries, you’re forced to focus on what’s truly important. You learn to prioritize people, relationships, and purpose over material possessions,” he says.
Sameer’s own journey is a testament to the power of the middle-class mindset. After dropping out of college, he worked multiple jobs to support his family before co-founding HealthKart. His frugal nature and resourcefulness allowed him to turn a small investment into a successful startup.
“HealthKart wouldn’t have been possible without my middle-class upbringing,” he admits. “I learned to make do with limited resources, to be creative, and to turn hardship into strength. Those skills have been invaluable in my entrepreneurial journey.”
So, how can entrepreneurs cultivate a middle-class mindset, even if they didn’t grow up with one? Sameer offers some practical advice:
- Embrace frugality: “Be mindful of your expenses, and make every decision count. Cut unnecessary expenses, and prioritize your goals.”
- Focus on what’s truly important: “Don’t get distracted by material possessions or luxuries. Focus on what truly matters – people, relationships, and purpose.”
- Develop a growth mindset: “Believe that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work, dedication, and persistence.”
- Embrace failure: “Failure is an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial journey. Learn to pivot, adapt, and grow from your mistakes.”
In conclusion, Sameer’s story is a powerful reminder that the middle-class mindset is a valuable asset for entrepreneurs. By embracing the values of frugality, responsibility, and humility, founders can build stronger, more resilient businesses that truly make a difference.
As entrepreneurs, we often talk about the importance of hard work, resilience, and grit. But what does it take to truly embody these qualities? For Sameer, it’s the middle-class mindset that has given him an edge in his entrepreneurial journey. By adopting these values, founders can turn hardship into strength, and build better, more sustainable businesses.
Source:
https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
