How does a middle-class mindset help build better founders?
As we delve into the world of entrepreneurship, it’s easy to assume that success is solely dependent on factors like funding, connections, and privilege. However, Sameer Maheshwari, CEO of HealthKart, would disagree. In a recent interview, he shared his personal journey as a middle-class entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of a middle-class mindset in shaping his entrepreneurial journey.
Born and raised in a middle-class family, Sameer’s upbringing taught him the value of resilience, frugality, and grit. Without the safety net of privilege, he learned to earn everything, turning hardship into strength. This mindset, he believes, gives founders an edge by instilling values that no amount of money can buy – a true entrepreneurial advantage.
The Power of Resilience
Growing up in a middle-class family, Sameer faced his fair share of challenges. He had to work multiple part-time jobs to support his family, often sacrificing his own interests and desires for the sake of others. This experience taught him to be resilient, to bounce back from failure, and to never give up.
As an entrepreneur, Sameer believes that resilience is a crucial quality. “When things don’t go as planned, and they rarely do, you need to be able to adapt and pivot quickly,” he says. “Middle-class entrepreneurs are often forced to be more resourceful and innovative, which helps them develop this resilience.”
Frugality: The Key to Sustainability
Another key aspect of the middle-class mindset is frugality. Sameer’s family could never afford luxuries, so he learned to make do with what he had. This habit of thriftiness has served him well as an entrepreneur, allowing him to be more mindful of his spending and prioritize his resources.
“Frugality is not just about saving money; it’s about being intentional with your resources,” Sameer explains. “As an entrepreneur, you need to be able to make tough decisions and prioritize your resources accordingly. Middle-class entrepreneurs are more likely to develop this frugality, which helps them build sustainable businesses.”
Grit: The Hallmark of Middle-Class Entrepreneurs
Grit is perhaps the most critical component of the middle-class mindset. Sameer’s family expected him to work hard and make a name for himself, and he learned to channel this pressure into motivation.
“Grit is the ability to persevere in the face of adversity,” Sameer says. “Middle-class entrepreneurs are often forced to work multiple jobs, juggle responsibilities, and face rejection. They develop grit as a result, which helps them push through challenges and achieve their goals.”
The Entrepreneurial Advantage
So, what does this middle-class mindset look like in practice? Sameer believes that it gives founders an edge in several ways:
- Resourcefulness: Middle-class entrepreneurs are forced to be more resourceful, which helps them develop innovative solutions to problems.
- Resilience: The ability to bounce back from failure is a critical skill for entrepreneurs, and middle-class entrepreneurs have developed this resilience through their experiences.
- Frugality: By being mindful of their resources, middle-class entrepreneurs are more likely to build sustainable businesses that can weather financial storms.
- Grit: The ability to persevere in the face of adversity is a hallmark of middle-class entrepreneurs, and it helps them push through challenges and achieve their goals.
Conclusion
Sameer Maheshwari’s journey as a middle-class entrepreneur is a testament to the power of a middle-class mindset. By embracing resilience, frugality, and grit, he has built a successful business and created a true entrepreneurial advantage.
As entrepreneurs, we often focus on the glamour of success, but we forget that it’s the hard work, determination, and resourcefulness that truly set us apart. Sameer’s story is a reminder that, with the right mindset, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our goals.
Source:
https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
