How does a middle-class mindset help build better founders?
As entrepreneurs, we often talk about the qualities that make a great founder – vision, leadership, resilience, and adaptability, to name a few. But what about the mindset that shapes the journey of building a successful startup? I had the opportunity to speak with Sameer Maheshwari, CEO of HealthKart, to understand how his middle-class upbringing influenced his entrepreneurial journey.
Growing up in a middle-class family can be a blessing in disguise for entrepreneurs. Sameer’s journey, for instance, was marked by financial constraints, which taught him valuable lessons that have stood him in good stead throughout his career. In this article, we’ll explore how a middle-class mindset can help build better founders and what valuable lessons entrepreneurs can learn from Sameer’s story.
Resilience: The Middle-Class Advantage
Sameer’s story began in a small town in India, where he grew up in a middle-class family with limited financial resources. His parents, both government employees, worked hard to provide for their family, but there were no safety nets or backup plans. This forced Sameer to be resourceful and resilient from a young age.
“I never had the luxury of taking things for granted,” Sameer recalls. “I had to work hard to achieve everything I wanted, and that taught me to be resilient in the face of adversity.” This mindset, he believes, is a key advantage for entrepreneurs, as it allows them to bounce back from setbacks and failures.
Frugality: The Power of Financial Discipline
As a middle-class individual, Sameer was always mindful of money. He learned to make the most of what he had, whether it was saving up for college or starting a business. This frugality, he believes, is essential for entrepreneurs, as it helps them make smart financial decisions and allocate resources effectively.
“Growing up, I never had the option to waste money,” Sameer says. “I had to be frugal, and that taught me to prioritize and make smart financial decisions. As an entrepreneur, this discipline has been invaluable, as it allows me to make the most of every rupee.”
Grit: The Fuel for Innovation
Sameer’s middle-class upbringing also instilled in him a sense of grit and determination. He learned to work hard and persevere, even when faced with challenges and obstacles. This grit, he believes, is essential for entrepreneurs, as it fuels innovation and drives them to push beyond their limits.
“I never had the luxury of giving up,” Sameer says. “I had to keep pushing, even when things got tough. That taught me to be gritty and innovative, and to find creative solutions to problems.”
The Middle-Class Mindset: A True Entrepreneurial Advantage
So, how does a middle-class mindset help build better founders? For Sameer, it’s about the values and lessons he learned growing up that have stayed with him throughout his career. These values – resilience, frugality, and grit – are essential for entrepreneurs, as they provide a foundation for success.
“I believe that the middle-class mindset gives founders an edge,” Sameer says. “It teaches us to be resourceful, to make smart financial decisions, and to persevere in the face of adversity. These values are priceless, and they can’t be bought with money.”
Conclusion
Sameer’s story is a testament to the power of the middle-class mindset. His journey, marked by financial constraints and hardship, taught him valuable lessons that have stood him in good stead throughout his career. As entrepreneurs, we can learn from his story and adopt the values that have helped him succeed.
Resilience, frugality, and grit are essential for entrepreneurs, and they can be developed through a middle-class mindset. By embracing these values, we can build stronger, more resilient businesses that are better equipped to succeed in today’s fast-paced entrepreneurial landscape.
Source: https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
