How Does a Middle-Class Mindset Help Build Better Founders?
As a founder, it’s often assumed that a successful entrepreneurial journey requires a luxurious upbringing, connections, and a safety net. However, Sameer Maheshwari, CEO of HealthKart, a leading online health and wellness platform, defies this notion. In a recent interview, he shared how his middle-class upbringing shaped his journey, teaching him resilience, frugality, and grit. This mindset, he believes, gives founders an edge by instilling values that no money can buy, a true entrepreneurial advantage.
Growing up in a middle-class family, Sameer faced numerous challenges that forced him to be resourceful and determined. His parents, both pillars of his support system, instilled in him the importance of hard work and self-reliance. “My parents never gave me anything on a platter. I had to earn every penny, every privilege, and every opportunity,” he recalls. This approach taught him the value of earning everything, a mentality that would serve him well throughout his entrepreneurial journey.
Sameer’s middle-class upbringing also taught him to be frugal. He learned to prioritize needs over wants, to make do with limited resources, and to find innovative solutions to problems. These skills, often overlooked in the startup ecosystem, are crucial for success. “When you’re from a middle-class background, you don’t take things for granted. You appreciate the value of money and the effort that goes into earning it,” he explains.
The middle-class mindset also instilled in Sameer a sense of resilience. He faced numerous setbacks, including failure, rejection, and criticism, but never gave up. This ability to bounce back from adversity is a hallmark of successful entrepreneurs, and Sameer credits his middle-class upbringing for this quality. “When you’re from a middle-class family, you’re taught to be resilient. You learn to adapt, to pivot, and to overcome obstacles,” he emphasizes.
The importance of a middle-class mindset in building better founders cannot be overstated. It teaches entrepreneurs the value of hard work, self-reliance, and resourcefulness. These values are not unique to the middle class, but they are more pronounced in those who have had to struggle to make ends meet. “A middle-class mindset gives founders an edge because it teaches them to be humble, to be grateful, and to appreciate the value of every opportunity,” Sameer believes.
Moreover, a middle-class upbringing can help founders develop a growth mindset. They learn to adapt to changing circumstances, to pivot when necessary, and to find creative solutions to problems. These skills are essential for success in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape.
The middle-class mindset also fosters a sense of community and social responsibility. Entrepreneurs who have had to work hard to achieve their goals are more likely to be empathetic and understanding of others who are struggling. They are more likely to give back to their community, to support social causes, and to use their platform to make a positive impact. “A middle-class mindset teaches founders to be socially responsible, to recognize that their success is not just about themselves, but about the people and communities around them,” Sameer stresses.
In conclusion, Sameer Maheshwari’s story is a testament to the power of a middle-class mindset in building better founders. His journey, marked by hardship and resilience, taught him valuable lessons that have served him well throughout his entrepreneurial career. The values of hard work, self-reliance, and resourcefulness, instilled in him by his middle-class upbringing, have given him a true entrepreneurial advantage.
As founders, we would do well to recognize the importance of a middle-class mindset in our own journeys. By embracing the values of hard work, self-reliance, and resourcefulness, we can build a stronger, more resilient, and more socially responsible entrepreneurial community.
Source: https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
