How does a middle-class mindset help build better founders?
As a founder, it’s common to hear about the importance of a strong work ethic, resilience, and determination. But what about the mindset that shapes these qualities? For Sameer Maheshwari, CEO of HealthKart, it’s his middle-class upbringing that has been instrumental in shaping his entrepreneurial journey.
Growing up in a middle-class family, Sameer didn’t have the luxury of a silver spoon. His parents worked hard to provide for the family, and he learned early on that every rupee counted. This experience instilled in him a strong sense of frugality, which has been a guiding principle throughout his career.
In an exclusive interview with Ascendants, Sameer shared his insights on how a middle-class mindset can be a game-changer for founders. “When you’re from a middle-class background, you don’t have the luxury of taking risks. You have to be frugal, you have to be careful with your resources. This forces you to be more innovative, more resourceful, and more resilient,” he explained.
For Sameer, this mindset was a blessing in disguise. Without the safety net of privilege or wealth, he learned to earn everything from scratch. He turned every hardship into a strength, using it as an opportunity to grow and learn. This mindset, he believes, gives founders an edge over others.
Frugality as a strength
Frugality is often seen as a limitation, but for Sameer, it’s been a key driver of success. “When you’re frugal, you’re forced to think creatively, to find ways to make do with what you have. This is a skill that can’t be bought or taught; it’s a mindset that comes from having to make do with limited resources,” he said.
As a founder, Sameer has applied this principle to every aspect of his business. From finding affordable office space to negotiating with suppliers, he’s always looking for ways to save money without compromising on quality. This mindset has not only helped him build a sustainable business but also given him a unique perspective on entrepreneurship.
Resilience as a superpower
Resilience is another quality that Sameer attributes to his middle-class upbringing. Growing up, he faced his fair share of setbacks and failures, from being rejected by multiple universities to struggling to make ends meet. But instead of letting these challenges break him, he learned to bounce back, to adapt, and to innovate.
For founders, resilience is a crucial quality that can make all the difference between success and failure. When faced with setbacks, a resilient mindset allows you to pivot, to adjust, and to keep moving forward. Sameer believes that this quality is essential for navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
Grit as a foundation
Grit, the combination of passion and perseverance, is another quality that Sameer credits to his middle-class upbringing. Growing up, he had to work multiple jobs to support his family, and this experience instilled in him a strong sense of determination.
For founders, grit is what separates the winners from the losers. When faced with challenges, a gritty mindset allows you to push through the tough times, to stay focused on your goals, and to persevere even when the going gets tough.
The middle-class advantage
So what does this middle-class mindset look like in practice? For Sameer, it’s about being resourceful, resilient, and determined. It’s about being frugal without being cheap, and being innovative without being reckless.
As a founder, this mindset gives you an edge over others. You’re not limited by your resources or your connections; you’re limited only by your imagination and your willingness to work hard.
Conclusion
Sameer Maheshwari’s journey is a testament to the power of a middle-class mindset. Without privilege or safety nets, he learned to earn everything from scratch, turning hardship into strength. This mindset has given him a unique perspective on entrepreneurship, and has helped him build a successful business.
For founders, a middle-class mindset can be a game-changer. It’s about being resourceful, resilient, and determined. It’s about being frugal without being cheap, and being innovative without being reckless.
So the next time you’re faced with a challenge, remember Sameer’s story. Remember that hardship can be a strength, and that a middle-class mindset can be a powerful tool in your entrepreneurial journey.
Source: https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
