Masters of Scale Liberating the human spirit, w/Robert F. Smith (Vista Equity, Morehouse Commencement), Recorded live at Summit LA 2019
Jun 23, 2020
Robert F. Smith, founder and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, shares his insights on leveraging business for social change. He discusses how successful companies can serve as Trojan Horses, carrying deeper missions like his groundbreaking commitment to eliminate student debt for Morehouse graduates. Smith reflects on the vital role of mentorship, the harmony between purpose and operations, and the transformative power of community. His journey highlights the importance of integrating personal passions into professional endeavors to uplift and empower others.
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Busing Experience
- As a child, Robert F. Smith was bused to a predominantly white school as part of a desegregation program.
- This experience taught him that people are more alike than different, regardless of race or economic background.
The Lucky Bus
- Robert F. Smith's bus was one of the few that wasn't burned down during protests against desegregation.
- This "lucky bus" allowed a small group of children access to better educational opportunities, highlighting the importance of education for all.
Bell Labs Internship
- In high school, Robert F. Smith persistently pursued an internship at Bell Labs, calling repeatedly for months.
- He got the job due to his persistence and learned the "joy of figuring things out" through mentorship.