IC aims to Launch 2019 right

COEUR d’ALENE — Innovators and ordinary folks alike need time for personal growth, said local tech investor Nick Smoot. That’s why the Innovation Collective is planning a two-day seminar designed to help people launch the best new year of their lives.

Launch 2019 takes place Jan. 11-12 at the Innovation Den in downtown Coeur d’Alene, and costs $5 for students and $10 for adults. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, said Smoot, and no registration is required.

Eight speakers from near and far will inspire attendees in eight areas of personal life that the Innovation Collective has termed “the great eight.” Speakers include Arabian Prince, who was one of the founding members of rap pioneer group N.W.A., financial planner Brad Dugdale, Hoopfest CEO Matt Santangelo, and local human rights leader Tony Stewart.

Tech evangelist Robert Scoble will share hard lessons learned from the heart of Silicon Valley on Friday night.

Saturday’s session will include several opportunities for attendees to apply lessons learned to their own circumstances. Smoot said the speakers will offer “raw transparency about the struggle it takes to successfully walk through life.”

The event will include the unveiling of Reflect. The Innovation Collective created Reflect to help “all humans to flourish, give of their best and highest persons to their jobs, community, and families,” said Smoot.

Smoot explained that there hasn’t yet been a good space for contemplating personal growth. Unlike Facebook, which centers on entertainment and drama, Reflect will be a space to chart your own progress through eight areas of growth, and to anonymously talk to others who are also working towards their goals. It will also be a space to get writings, articles, and podcasts that help you ponder “the great 8,” he said. Reflect will allow users to rate themselves on how they did that week in each area of personal development, and will give them feedback on their progress in the form of graphs.

Entrepreneurs, business owners, and those in the creative class often drive so hard to build their businesses that they neglect to take care of themselves, said Smoot.

“Everyone thinks things are great,” he said, but the reality is that many live in darkness. Colin Kroll, the co-founder of Vine and founder of HQ Trivia, was found dead with a drug overdose Dec. 17, said Smoot. Reflect will also function as a modern-day “Dear Abby” where users can anonymously post questions, get feedback, and get or give advice.

For more information on Launch 2019, go to: https://innovationcollective.co

“We’d love to see a packed house,” said Smoot, with “as many people from the region who want to maintain awesomeness in their lives.”