How does a middle-class mindset help build better founders?
As the CEO of HealthKart, Sameer Maheshwari has had a remarkable journey, from humble beginnings to building a successful e-commerce platform for health and wellness products. But what’s even more fascinating is how his middle-class upbringing shaped his entrepreneurial journey, teaching him valuable lessons that have been instrumental in his success. In an exclusive interview with Ascendants, Sameer shares how his middle-class mindset has given him a unique edge as a founder.
Growing up in a middle-class family, Sameer faced many challenges that most entrepreneurs don’t. His parents, although well-meaning, didn’t have the financial resources to support his entrepreneurial ambitions. Sameer had to work hard to earn everything he wanted, from buying books to paying for his education. This scarcity mindset taught him the value of frugality, resilience, and grit.
“I didn’t have the luxury of taking risks or making mistakes,” Sameer says. “I had to be careful with every single decision, every single rupee. This taught me to be resourceful, to find creative solutions to problems, and to be resilient in the face of setbacks.”
Sameer’s middle-class upbringing also instilled in him a strong work ethic. He knew that he had to earn every rupee, and this sense of responsibility drove him to work tirelessly to achieve his goals. “I didn’t have the option of relying on family or friends for financial support,” he explains. “I had to rely on myself, and that’s what taught me the value of hard work and determination.”
But perhaps the most significant lesson Sameer learned from his middle-class upbringing is the importance of humility. Growing up in a family with limited resources, he learned to appreciate the value of every rupee, every opportunity, and every relationship. This humility has served him well as a founder, allowing him to stay grounded and focused on his goals.
“Many entrepreneurs, especially those from privileged backgrounds, may not appreciate the value of money or the importance of earning every rupee,” Sameer says. “But when you’re from a middle-class background, you learn to respect the value of every rupee. You learn to be frugal, to prioritize, and to make the most of every opportunity.”
So, how does this middle-class mindset help build better founders? For Sameer, it’s all about the values that come with it. “A middle-class mindset teaches you to be resourceful, resilient, and humble,” he explains. “It teaches you to earn every rupee, to respect the value of money, and to make the most of every opportunity. These values are essential for entrepreneurs, as they help you stay focused, driven, and grounded.”
Sameer’s experience is a testament to the power of a middle-class mindset in building better founders. Without the luxury of privilege or safety nets, he learned to earn every rupee, turning hardship into strength. This mindset has given him a unique edge as a founder, one that he believes can’t be replicated by entrepreneurs from more privileged backgrounds.
“Money can’t buy these values,” Sameer says. “You can’t buy resilience, frugality, or humility. These values are earned through hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. And that’s what makes a middle-class mindset so valuable for entrepreneurs.”
In conclusion, Sameer’s journey as a founder is a testament to the power of a middle-class mindset. His middle-class upbringing taught him valuable lessons that have been instrumental in his success, from resourcefulness and resilience to humility and frugality. As entrepreneurs, we can learn a lot from Sameer’s experience, and it’s essential to recognize the value of a middle-class mindset in building better founders.
Source: https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
