8 Archetypes Emerging in the Coralus Ecosystem

The Coralus ecosystem is alive with many ways of working, imagining, and tending to change. From Ventures to Pods, we’ve noticed recurring patterns in how people approach their work—through care, courage, disruption, creativity, and connection.

Read more on how this mapping came to be

These archetypes are not fixed identities, but living constellations of practice. We each move fluidly among them, sometimes seeing ourselves, our Venture, or our Pod reflected in one archetype and, at other times, inhabiting another. Taken together, they form a map of creative energies that illuminate the many pathways of collective transformation.

The archetypes are a living constellation of practice. They overlap and intersect, as you’ll see in the map above—many people, Ventures, and Pods are living across these identities as they continuously pursue their work. We each move fluidly among them.

Below, you’ll meet eight archetypes—from the Shadow Dwellers who sit with grief and truth, to the Pollinators who weave relationships across the community. Each one offers a lens to understand and celebrate the diverse ways Coralus members show up, ask questions, and spark change.

Shadow Dwellers

At the edges of what feels safe, Shadow Dwellers bravely face what others turn away from—grief, injustice, and hard truths. They hold up a mirror to systems and ask: “Is this what you want it to be?”

Soil Tenders

Wherever there is wisdom to be shared, Soil Tenders are present. They connect people across generations, nurturing collective growth by asking: “What do you know, and what are you hoping to learn?”

Fire Starters

When the old ways no longer serve, Fire Starters ignite possibility. They imagine bold alternatives, asking: “If we could build this from scratch in a better way for people and planet, what would it look like?”

Tenacious Disruptors

Inside entrenched systems, Tenacious Disruptors persist. They push back, sparking incremental yet meaningful change, guided by the question: “What would be possible if each of us tried to make the world better each day?”

Signal Amplifiers

Listening deeply, Signal Amplifiers catch subtle truths and share them widely. Through storytelling, they ask: “What story do you want to share with others?”—helping people feel seen, connected, and inspired.

Scaffolders

Often behind the scenes, Scaffolders create the conditions for others to thrive. They strengthen what’s working, asking: “What needs support so more people can thrive?”

Cycle Keepers

With one eye on the past and another on the future, Cycle Keepers carry wisdom across time. They ask: “Who are we accountable to beyond our own time?”—reminding us to act with future generations in mind.

Pollinators

Moving across spaces with ease, Pollinators weave relationships and nurture community care. They ask: “How can we create the communities that will connect us?”—reminding us that transformation is never solitary.

Author

Coralus is a bold, self-organizing community reimagining self and systems—freely flowing capital of all kinds to the dreams that dare to build a world where everyone thrives.