In this episode of Your Startup Community, Chris Heivly explores one of the most misunderstood forces in ecosystem building: influence.

Drawing from years of experience across startup communities around the world, Chris explains why the most impactful people in an ecosystem aren’t the ones with titles or budgets, but those who show up, connect others, and give first.

He breaks down the five archetypes of community influencers: the Convener, Evangelist, Connector, Mentor, and Optimist, and reveals six key behaviors that define their impact.

Whether you’re running an accelerator, hosting meetups, or simply passionate about helping founders thrive, this episode will help you understand how real influence works and how to build it in your own community.