How does a middle-class mindset help build better founders?
As the CEO of HealthKart, Sameer Maheshwari has built a successful entrepreneurial journey, driven by the values instilled in him by his middle-class upbringing. In a recent interview, he shared how his experiences shaped his resilience, frugality, and grit, which ultimately gave him an edge as a founder. In today’s fast-paced business world, where privilege and safety nets often provide a cushion for success, Maheshwari’s story is a testament to the power of a middle-class mindset in building better founders.
Growing up in a middle-class family, Maheshwari knew that he had to work hard to achieve his goals. His parents, though not affluent, instilled in him the importance of education and hard work. They encouraged him to pursue his passions, even if it meant taking calculated risks. This mindset, rooted in the values of self-reliance and resourcefulness, has been instrumental in shaping his entrepreneurial journey.
As a founder, Maheshwari has faced numerous challenges, from building a team to navigating the complexities of the Indian healthcare market. However, his middle-class upbringing has taught him to be resilient in the face of adversity. He recalls the times when he had to juggle multiple jobs to make ends meet, and how this experience prepared him for the uncertainties of entrepreneurship. “When you grow up with limited resources, you learn to be resourceful,” he says. “You learn to earn every rupee, and that’s a valuable lesson for any entrepreneur.”
Another key value that Maheshwari credits his middle-class upbringing with is frugality. As a founder, he has always been mindful of expenses, knowing that every rupee counts. This approach has allowed him to allocate resources effectively, prioritize his goals, and make tough decisions when necessary. “When you’re not used to having a lot of money, you learn to appreciate the value of every rupee,” he explains. “You learn to be frugal, to make do with what you have, and to find ways to innovate and create more with less.”
Grit is another quality that Maheshwari believes his middle-class upbringing has instilled in him. Growing up, he faced numerous challenges, from academic pressures to financial constraints. However, he never let these obstacles define him. Instead, he used them as opportunities to learn and grow. “When you’re faced with hardship, you have two choices: you can either give up or use it as a chance to learn and come out stronger,” he says. “I chose the latter, and that’s what’s made me the person I am today.”
So, what does this mean for aspiring founders? Maheshwari believes that a middle-class mindset can provide a true entrepreneurial advantage. “When you grow up without privilege or safety nets, you learn to earn everything,” he says. “You learn to be resourceful, frugal, and resilient. These values, no matter how hard you try, cannot be bought or taught. They’re innate, and they’re what set us apart as founders.”
In an era where entrepreneurship is often romanticized, Maheshwari’s story serves as a reminder that success is not solely dependent on talent or resources. It’s about the values and mindset that drive you, and the willingness to learn and adapt in the face of adversity.
As founders, we often talk about the importance of mentorship, networking, and funding. But Maheshwari’s story shows that the most valuable lessons can come from the most unlikely places – our own experiences, our family, and our upbringing. By embracing the values of frugality, resilience, and grit, we can build a stronger, more resilient foundation for our businesses.
In conclusion, Sameer Maheshwari’s story is a testament to the power of a middle-class mindset in building better founders. It’s a reminder that success is not just about talent or resources, but about the values and mindset that drive you. As entrepreneurs, we would do well to learn from Maheshwari’s experiences and incorporate these values into our own journey.
Source: https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
