It is wise to surround yourself with people who are better than you. Smarter, faster, more compassionate, more creative... the list can go on and on.

The goal is to constantly be learning from those around you as you walk through this thing we all call life.

Imagine if everyone took this seriously and began investing in their personal and professional growth as passionately as they watch Netflix. North Idaho is a fantastic area, but we all know we can be better than we are today, and our families, our economy, our schools and our community would all benefit from us taking a few steps forward.

On Feb. 11, you have an opportunity to invest in yourself and take those steps. Once a month the Innovation Collective hosts a fireside chat with a notable inventor, executive or entrepreneur. This month it is one of the best photographers in the world, Chad Riley. Chad trained with Annie Lebovitz and has now become famous by creating art for companies like Target, Subaru, Coca-Cola, Dropbox, Airbnb and very notably, Apple.

If you go to Apple.com, you will see a campaign called "Start Something New," which features work created by Chad and other great artists for Apple. It truly is fascinating to know that his creative work behind the camera is important enough to the world's most valuable brand that it would feature the work during keynote events and in a campaign which, on average, 95 million people per month see.

Don't miss a chance to hear Chad's story about his journey to the top of an industry. Ask a few questions, meet other interesting people from our area who are taking time to invest in themselves and have a complimentary glass of wine or beer thanks to Centennial Distributing and The Cellar, 317 Sherman Ave.

Attending the Innovation Collective Fireside Chat is free to the community, but you are expected to tip the waitstaff. You can also attend a private dinner with Chad before the Fireside Chat. Tickets to the dinner are free for the Innovation Collective Leadership Network and $25 for non-members. Space is limited so please RSVP by buying tickets at http://goo.gl/4FrO6b.

For more information about the Innovation Collective and the entrepreneurial development work it does in North Idaho, please visit www.InnovateCDA.com or join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/innovationcollective.