How does a middle-class mindset help build better founders?
As entrepreneurs, we often talk about the importance of grit, resilience, and adaptability in building successful startups. But what shapes these qualities in founders? For Sameer Maheshwari, CEO of HealthKart, it was his middle-class upbringing that instilled in him the values that have been instrumental in his journey.
Growing up in a middle-class family, Sameer didn’t have the luxury of privilege or safety nets. He had to work hard to earn every penny, and that’s exactly what he did. From a young age, he took on responsibilities and started working part-time to support his family. This experience taught him the value of frugality, hard work, and resourcefulness.
In an interview with Ascendants, Sameer shared how his middle-class mindset has helped him build a successful startup. “I think the middle-class mindset gives you an edge because it teaches you to earn everything. You can’t take anything for granted. You have to work hard to get what you want, and that’s a valuable lesson.”
Sameer’s journey is a testament to the power of a middle-class mindset. Without the cushion of wealth or family connections, he had to rely on his own abilities and determination to succeed. He started his entrepreneurial journey with a small team and limited resources, but his middle-class upbringing taught him to be resourceful and make the most of what he had.
One of the most significant advantages of a middle-class mindset is the ability to adapt to adversity. Sameer has faced his share of challenges, from market fluctuations to team setbacks, but he believes that his middle-class upbringing has helped him navigate these challenges with ease. “When you’re from a middle-class background, you’re used to dealing with uncertainty. You learn to be flexible and adjust to changing circumstances. That’s a valuable skill for any entrepreneur.”
Another key aspect of a middle-class mindset is frugality. Sameer learned to prioritize his spending and make the most of his resources. This habit has served him well in his entrepreneurial journey, where every rupee counts. “I think frugality is a great trait for entrepreneurs. It teaches you to be responsible with your finances and make the most of your resources. When you’re frugal, you’re forced to be creative and find innovative solutions to problems.”
Grit is another quality that Sameer attributes to his middle-class upbringing. Growing up, he had to work hard to achieve his goals, and that’s a habit that has stayed with him throughout his life. “I think grit is essential for entrepreneurs. You’re going to face setbacks and failures, but if you’re not willing to get back up and keep going, you’ll never succeed. My middle-class upbringing taught me to be resilient and persistent, even in the face of adversity.”
So, what can founders learn from Sameer’s middle-class mindset? For one, it’s essential to focus on building resilience and adaptability. A middle-class upbringing teaches you to be resourceful and flexible, skills that are essential for entrepreneurs. Additionally, frugality is a valuable trait that can help you prioritize your spending and make the most of your resources.
Perhaps most importantly, a middle-class mindset instills a sense of humility and gratitude. When you’ve had to work hard to achieve your goals, you appreciate the value of every opportunity and are more likely to be grateful for what you have. This mindset can help you build stronger relationships and make more informed decisions as an entrepreneur.
In conclusion, Sameer’s middle-class upbringing has been instrumental in shaping his entrepreneurial journey. From resilience and frugality to grit and adaptability, the values he learned growing up have given him a unique edge as a founder. As entrepreneurs, we can learn a lot from Sameer’s story and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Source: https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
