How does a middle-class mindset help build better founders?
As a founder, one of the most crucial factors that can make or break your entrepreneurial journey is the mindset you cultivate. While privilege and safety nets can provide comfort, they can also breed complacency. On the other hand, a middle-class mindset, characterized by resilience, frugality, and grit, can instill values that are essential for success. Sameer Maheshwari, CEO of HealthKart, is a living testament to this. In this post, we’ll explore how the middle-class mindset shaped his journey and how it can benefit founders.
Growing up in a middle-class family in India, Sameer’s experiences were vastly different from those who had access to privilege. His parents, though not wealthy, instilled in him the value of hard work and self-reliance. This mindset helped him navigate the challenges that came with growing up in a lower-middle-class family. He learned to earn everything he wanted, from his pocket money to his education, by working multiple jobs and taking up extra responsibilities.
This experience not only taught him the importance of financial discipline but also imbued him with a sense of resilience. When faced with setbacks, he learned to adapt and pivot, rather than giving up. This ability to bounce back from failures became a hallmark of his entrepreneurial journey.
As he began his venture, HealthKart, Sameer applied the same middle-class mindset principles. He started small, bootstrapping the business and focusing on frugality. He invested every rupee wisely, cutting costs where possible, and prioritizing growth over luxury. This approach allowed him to stay agile and responsive to changing market conditions.
The middle-class mindset also taught Sameer the value of grit. Growing up without the proverbial “silver spoon” meant that he had to work twice as hard to achieve his goals. This grit, combined with his resilience and frugality, enabled him to navigate the challenges that came with building a startup.
But what makes the middle-class mindset particularly valuable for founders is its ability to instill values that no amount of money can buy. When you’re not born with privilege, you’re forced to earn everything. This mindset breeds a sense of humility, a willingness to learn, and a determination to succeed.
In contrast, founders who have access to privilege may struggle with taking calculated risks, as they may be insulated from the consequences of failure. The middle-class mindset, on the other hand, encourages founders to take calculated risks, knowing that failure is a natural part of the learning process.
Moreover, the middle-class mindset fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability. When you’re not used to having everything handed to you, you’re more likely to appreciate the value of hard work and the importance of delivering results. This mindset helps founders stay focused on their goals, prioritize their resources, and make decisions that drive growth and profitability.
In conclusion, the middle-class mindset is a valuable asset for founders. It teaches resilience, frugality, and grit, which are essential for navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. By instilling values that no amount of money can buy, this mindset gives founders a true entrepreneurial advantage.
As Sameer Maheshwari’s journey demonstrates, the middle-class mindset is not about being born into privilege or having access to resources. It’s about embracing the values that come with hard work, self-reliance, and determination. By adopting this mindset, founders can build stronger, more resilient businesses that are better equipped to withstand the rigors of the startup journey.
Source: https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
