How does a middle-class mindset help build better founders?
As I sat down with Sameer Maheshwari, the CEO of HealthKart, I was struck by the humility and resilience that radiated from him. Despite being a successful entrepreneur, he exuded a sense of vulnerability, as if he was still fighting to make ends meet. It was as if his journey, one marked by hardship and struggle, had imprinted itself on him, shaping his very being.
As we delved deeper into our conversation, it became clear that his middle-class upbringing had played a significant role in shaping his entrepreneurial mindset. Growing up in a modest family, Sameer had to work multiple jobs to make ends meet, often going without luxuries and comforts. This experience, he believes, instilled in him a sense of resilience, frugality, and grit that has been instrumental in his success as a founder.
When I asked him to elaborate on how his middle-class mindset has helped him as a founder, Sameer was quick to share his insights. “I believe that growing up in a middle-class family taught me the value of hard work and earning everything I have. I didn’t have any safety nets or privilege, so I had to be resourceful and creative to get by. This experience has given me a unique perspective on entrepreneurship, one that is rooted in a deep understanding of the value of every rupee and every minute.”
For Sameer, the middle-class mindset has been a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it has given him a sense of responsibility and accountability that he believes is essential for success. On the other hand, it has also taught him to be frugal and resourceful, often having to make do with limited resources.
“I remember when we were first starting out, we didn’t have a lot of money to spare. We had to be creative with every rupee, every minute, and every resource. This forced us to think outside the box, to innovate, and to find ways to solve problems quickly and effectively. It’s a mindset that has served us well, even to this day.”
But the middle-class mindset has also given Sameer a sense of humility and empathy that he believes is essential for building strong relationships with his team and customers. “When you come from a middle-class background, you understand what it’s like to struggle, to have to work hard to make ends meet. This gives you a sense of empathy and compassion that is invaluable in building strong relationships with your team and customers. You understand their struggles, their pain points, and their aspirations, and you can tailor your approach to meet their needs more effectively.”
For Sameer, the middle-class mindset has also given him a sense of responsibility to give back to his community. As a founder, he believes that it’s not just about building a successful business, but also about creating positive impact in the world.
“I believe that as founders, we have a responsibility to use our platform to make a positive impact in the world. Growing up in a middle-class family taught me the value of hard work and the importance of giving back to my community. As a founder, I try to incorporate these values into my business, whether it’s through our social initiatives or our commitment to sustainability.”
When I asked him to share some specific examples of how his middle-class mindset has helped him as a founder, Sameer was quick to share a few stories.
“One example that comes to mind is when we were first starting out, we didn’t have a lot of money to spare. We had to be resourceful and creative to get by, often having to make do with limited resources. One time, we had to cancel a major marketing campaign because we couldn’t afford it. But instead of giving up, we decided to think outside the box and come up with a creative solution. We ended up creating a social media campaign that was more cost-effective and ended up generating more buzz than the original marketing campaign would have.
“Another example is when we were struggling to find the right talent for our team. We didn’t have the resources to offer high salaries or benefits, so we had to get creative. We ended up partnering with local colleges and universities to find interns and train them on the job. It was a win-win situation for everyone involved, and it allowed us to build a strong team without breaking the bank.”
As our conversation came to a close, it became clear that Sameer’s middle-class mindset has been instrumental in shaping his entrepreneurial journey. His experience growing up in a modest family has given him a sense of resilience, frugality, and grit that has allowed him to build a successful business despite the odds.
For entrepreneurs who are just starting out, Sameer’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of hard work, resourcefulness, and creativity. It’s a message that transcends class and privilege, one that is applicable to anyone who is willing to put in the effort and dedication required to build a successful business.
Sources:
https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
