How does a middle-class mindset help build better founders?
As entrepreneurs, we often talk about the importance of resilience, grit, and adaptability in the face of adversity. But what enables some founders to develop these essential qualities, while others may struggle to overcome the inevitable setbacks? For Sameer Maheshwari, CEO of HealthKart, the answer lies in his middle-class upbringing. In this article, we’ll explore how his humble beginnings shaped his entrepreneurial journey and instilled values that have given him a unique edge as a founder.
Growing up in a middle-class family, Sameer never took anything for granted. His parents, both educators, instilled in him a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility. “I was always told that everything we had was earned, and that we should never expect anything to come easily,” he recalls. This mindset had a profound impact on his approach to life and business.
One of the most significant lessons Sameer learned from his middle-class upbringing is the value of frugality. “I was never given a safety net, so I had to learn to manage my finances carefully,” he explains. “I remember saving up to buy my first bike, and then spending hours fixing it up to make it last longer. This taught me the importance of being resourceful and making do with what I had.”
As an entrepreneur, this frugality has served Sameer well. He’s always been mindful of costs, knowing that every dollar counts. This has allowed him to make smart decisions about investments, hiring, and resource allocation, giving HealthKart a competitive edge in the market.
But frugality is just one aspect of the middle-class mindset. Resilience is another key quality that Sameer developed during his formative years. “I faced my share of challenges growing up, from struggling in school to dealing with bullying,” he shares. “But my parents always encouraged me to keep going, to never give up. They taught me that setbacks are a natural part of life, and that it’s how you respond to them that matters.”
As a founder, Sameer has faced his fair share of obstacles, from regulatory hurdles to funding challenges. But he’s learned to channel his frustrations into motivation, using setbacks as opportunities to grow and adapt. “I believe that every failure is an opportunity to learn and come back stronger,” he says. “And that’s exactly what I did when we faced our first major setback at HealthKart. We regrouped, re-strategized, and came back even stronger.”
So, how does a middle-class mindset shape a founder’s approach to business? For Sameer, it’s all about earning everything. “I never took anything for granted, and that’s a mindset that has served me well as an entrepreneur,” he explains. “I earned every success, every milestone, and every achievement. And that’s what gives me the grit and determination to keep pushing forward, even in the face of adversity.”
This earning mentality has also taught Sameer the value of hard work and perseverance. “I’ve never been one to shy away from hard work,” he says. “I believe that every success is the result of blood, sweat, and tears. And that’s exactly what I’ve put into HealthKart – every single day, for years on end.”
In an era where privilege and entitlement often seem to hold sway, Sameer’s middle-class upbringing has given him a unique advantage as a founder. “I’ve learned to be resourceful, to be frugal, and to be resilient,” he says. “And these values are priceless. No amount of money or privilege can buy these qualities – they’re earned through hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes.”
So, what can aspiring founders learn from Sameer’s journey? For one, the importance of a middle-class mindset cannot be overstated. “It’s not about having a certain amount of money or connections,” he says. “It’s about having the right mindset – one that’s focused on earning everything, being resourceful, and persevering through adversity.”
Secondly, Sameer’s story is a testament to the power of grit and determination. “I’ve never given up, even when the going got tough,” he says. “And that’s what’s allowed me to overcome every obstacle and achieve my goals.”
Finally, Sameer’s journey serves as a reminder that entrepreneurship is not just about building a business – it’s about building a life. “As a founder, you’re not just building a company – you’re building a legacy,” he says. “And that requires a deep sense of purpose, a willingness to take risks, and a commitment to learning and growing every day.”
In conclusion, Sameer Maheshwari’s middle-class mindset has given him a unique edge as a founder. By instilling values like frugality, resilience, and grit, he’s developed a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn from his mistakes, and a determination to succeed. As entrepreneurs, we can all learn from his journey – and the importance of earning everything, being resourceful, and persevering through adversity.
Source: https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
