How does a middle-class mindset help build better founders?
As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to get caught up in the glamour of success stories and forget the humble beginnings that often precede them. But what about the founders who didn’t inherit wealth or privilege? What about those who started from scratch, with nothing but their wits and determination to fall back on?
For Sameer Maheshwari, CEO of HealthKart, it’s precisely this middle-class mindset that has shaped his journey and given him an edge as a founder. In a recent conversation with Ascendants, Sameer explained how his middle-class upbringing taught him the values of resilience, frugality, and grit – values that are essential for any entrepreneur looking to build a successful business.
Growing up in a middle-class family, Sameer’s parents instilled in him the importance of hard work and self-reliance. They didn’t have the luxury of overindulging him or providing a safety net, so he learned to earn everything he wanted. This mindset, he believes, gave him a unique perspective on entrepreneurship.
“When I started HealthKart, I didn’t have any funding or resources,” Sameer said. “I had to figure things out on my own, which taught me to be resourceful and adaptable. I learned to prioritize spending and make the most of every rupee. It was a tough journey, but it made me a stronger and more resilient entrepreneur.”
The middle-class mindset is not just about being frugal; it’s also about being resourceful and creative. Sameer shared a story about how he used to sell newspapers on the streets to make extra money as a teenager. “It was a tough job, but it taught me to think on my feet and come up with innovative solutions to problems. Those skills have served me well in my entrepreneurial journey.”
Another key characteristic of the middle-class mindset is a strong work ethic. Sameer’s parents taught him that success comes from putting in the effort, not just relying on luck or privilege. “I used to study for hours every day, and I would always push myself to do better. This work ethic has stayed with me throughout my career, and it’s something I try to instill in my team as well.”
So, how does this middle-class mindset help build better founders? For one, it teaches entrepreneurs to be resourceful and adaptable, essential skills for navigating the ups and downs of the entrepreneurial journey. It also instills a strong work ethic and a willingness to put in the effort required to achieve success.
But perhaps most importantly, the middle-class mindset gives founders a sense of humility and gratitude. When you’ve had to work hard for everything you’ve achieved, you’re more likely to appreciate the value of your success and be humble about your accomplishments.
“Many founders I meet are used to having everything handed to them on a silver platter,” Sameer said. “They don’t understand the value of hard work and resilience. But when you’ve had to fight for everything, you develop a sense of humility and gratitude that’s essential for building a successful business.”
In conclusion, Sameer’s story is a powerful reminder that success is not just about privilege or luck; it’s about the mindset and values you develop along the way. The middle-class mindset has given him an edge as a founder, teaching him resilience, frugality, and grit. As entrepreneurs, we would do well to learn from his example and cultivate these values in ourselves and our teams.
Source: https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
