Why Founder-Mindset Matters

Being a student leader is valuable. But being a founder; the person who sees a gap and starts something new is a different level.

Cynthia - University of Bristol - History I Had absolutely no confidence before HAPHE

At HAPHE, we view founders as changemakers: students who don’t just hold positions, but create opportunities where none existed.

Founder vs. Leader

• A leader takes responsibility for something already in motion.

• A founder builds the motion itself solving problems and inviting others in.

This difference matters because founders show initiative, adaptability, and problem-solving the very qualities employers seek in a world that is constantly changing.

Emotional benefits of founding

Becoming a founder diversifies your energy automatically. Instead of tying your identity to a single friendship or exam, you invest in building a team, shaping events, and creating community. That spread builds resilience against trauma and anxiety.

The takeaway

Being a founder isn’t just about titles, it’s about proving you can shape change. On campus, it creates healthier communities. Beyond campus, it sets you apart in any career path.

Change begins in small circles. See how HAPHE began and spread, and explore how prevention builds resilience.

 Learn to recognise triggers of student trauma, and discover how to start your own HAPHE team on campus.

 Every conversation can spark a movement — yours might be next.