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- Impact without the ego
Impact without the ego
These founders are building for something much bigger than themselves.
Eric Harrison
May 02, 2025
Some founders build for themselves.
Others build because the world needs what they’re creating.
In this edition of Underestimated, we’re sharing two stories of founders who stayed obsessed with the mission—not the spotlight (although the spotlight found them anyway).
 | Josefa Cortes didn’t wait for a grant or a research team. She built Palpa, an in-shower tool that helps women detect breast cancer early through regular self-checks. What started as a simple idea after a friend’s diagnosis has already helped thousands of women—and she’s just getting started. “I wanted to design something that could help women get to know their own bodies better. Something that could help them detect changes earlier. Something simple.” This one’s for the founders who know that simple doesn’t mean easy. Read Josefa’s full story here! |
Michael Sheldrick wanted to help end extreme poverty—and realized the traditional paths weren’t moving fast enough. So he co-founded Global Citizen and spent years scaling it from grassroots rallies to a global platform that drives real policy change. No ego. No shortcuts. Just staying focused on the work that matters. “I started asking—who’s paying the teacher’s salary 365 days a year? Who’s making sure these kids eat every day, not just when a charity dinner is held?” This one’s for the founders who see a problem and decide to be the one to solve it by any means necessary. More about Michael here! |  |
If these stories hit a little too close to home, good.
You’re not the only one figuring it out as you go. There’s a whole group of us doing the same—comparing notes, trading wins, and building real businesses without pretending to have it all together.
Some of those people are already in Thrive.
Some aren’t yet.
You’ll know which one you are.
— Eric 👋
 | Thrive is where founders find their people. |