How does a middle-class mindset help build better founders?
As entrepreneurs, we often talk about the importance of grit, resilience, and determination in building successful startups. But what shapes these qualities in founders? In an exclusive interview with ASCENDANTS, Sameer Maheshwari, CEO of HealthKart, shares how his middle-class upbringing instilled these values, teaching him to earn everything and turn hardship into strength. He believes that this mindset gives founders an edge, providing values that no amount of money can buy – a true entrepreneurial advantage.
Growing up in a middle-class family, Sameer’s childhood was marked by scarcity and financial constraints. His parents, though not wealthy, instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility and resourcefulness. “I was taught to be frugal and make the most of what we had,” he recalls. “I remember my parents would re-use plastic bags, make clothes last longer, and cook meals from scratch. These habits stuck with me and shaped my approach to life.”
This middle-class mindset taught Sameer the value of hard work and earning every penny. “I had to work part-time jobs during school and college to support myself,” he says. “This taught me the importance of financial discipline and the value of every rupee.” This experience also instilled in him a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the little things in life. “I learned to cherish what I had and not take anything for granted,” he adds.
When Sameer founded HealthKart, this middle-class mindset proved to be a significant advantage. “I was not afraid to take risks or face challenges head-on,” he says. “I knew that I had to work twice as hard to achieve my goals, and that this would ultimately lead to success.” His frugal nature also helped him make the most of limited resources, allowing him to be innovative and resourceful in the face of adversity.
But it’s not just financial constraints that shaped Sameer’s mindset. Growing up in a middle-class family also taught him to be resilient and adaptable. “When things didn’t go as planned, I learned to pick myself up and move forward,” he says. “I developed a ‘can-do’ attitude and a willingness to learn from failures.” This ability to bounce back from setbacks has been a key factor in his success as a founder.
So, what does this middle-class mindset look like in action? For Sameer, it means being willing to take calculated risks and step out of his comfort zone. “I’m not afraid to ask for help or seek advice from others,” he says. “I know that I don’t have all the answers, and that’s okay. I’m willing to learn and grow.” This mindset also encourages him to be humble and recognize that success is not solely dependent on individual effort. “I believe that success is a team effort, and that’s why I surround myself with talented and dedicated people,” he adds.
In contrast, founders from more affluent backgrounds may have access to resources and networks that can provide a safety net, but Sameer believes that this can actually hinder their ability to develop the same level of resilience and resourcefulness. “When you have a safety net, you may not feel the same sense of urgency or motivation to innovate and adapt,” he says. “In contrast, founders from middle-class backgrounds are forced to be more resourceful and creative, which can lead to more innovative solutions and a greater sense of accomplishment.”
So, how can other founders cultivate this middle-class mindset? For Sameer, it starts with a willingness to learn and grow. “Be open to new experiences and perspectives,” he advises. “Surround yourself with people who challenge your assumptions and push you to be better.” It also means being willing to take calculated risks and step out of your comfort zone. “Don’t be afraid to fail,” he adds. “Every failure is an opportunity to learn and grow, and it’s often the best way to develop the skills and resilience needed to succeed as a founder.”
In conclusion, Sameer’s story demonstrates how a middle-class mindset can be a significant advantage for founders. By instilling values such as frugality, resilience, and grit, this mindset teaches entrepreneurs to earn everything and turn hardship into strength. While privilege and safety nets may provide certain benefits, they can also hinder the development of these essential qualities. By embracing the challenges and uncertainties of a middle-class upbringing, founders can cultivate a true entrepreneurial advantage that sets them apart from their peers.
Source: https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
