Robert Smith

In this engaging discussion, Robert F. Smith, the founder and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to leading a $100 billion private equity firm. He delves into how engineering principles shape his investment strategies and how AI is revolutionizing businesses for greater efficiency. Smith highlights the importance of adaptability in the face of technological change and emphasizes the need for collective intelligence in driving innovation. His insights provide a roadmap for those looking to navigate the complexities of modern investing.

Joining the conversation is Robert Smith, the Founder and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, a leader in software-focused investments. He dives into the untapped opportunities in enterprise software and the critical role of understanding customer churn for revenue assessment. Smith highlights how capital cycles shape both traditional and tech industries, stressing the need for disciplined investment practices. The discussion also touches on the importance of nurturing LP relationships and the impact of innovation across the software landscape.

Robert F. Smith, Founder and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, shares his journey from engineering to leading a $75 billion investment firm specializing in enterprise software. He discusses critical strategies for assessing management teams, enhancing operational efficiencies, and the significance of leveraging technology in asset management. Smith reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on private equity, the importance of community in personal growth, and lessons learned from past mistakes, all while advocating for responsible investing and philanthropic efforts.

Robert F. Smith, the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, dives deep into the world of enterprise software investment. He shares insights on the characteristics of enterprise software and strategies for target screening. Their discussion spans operational versus financial leverage and the importance of management teams. Smith reflects on personal mistakes, the role of philanthropy in his life, and unique experiences that shape his leadership, including the value of community and transformative support for institutions like Morehouse University.

Don’t be lucky. Be good. Manufacture your own luck with the right kind of preparation for an interview. We hear from Zoe Chace, Robert Smith, Ira Glass and Jenna Weiss-Berman on how to research, prepare, and execute an interview that will provide exactly what you need. Plus we talk to New Yorker staff writer Larissa MacFarquhar about her interviewing technique and her new book.

Robert Smith, founder and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, dives into the future of investment with a focus on AI and market volatility. He discusses the ever-evolving landscape shaped by the AI arms race and current trade tensions between major nations. The conversation shifts to how enterprise software is transforming sectors, especially post-COVID, while emphasizing the importance of diversity in business growth. Listeners gain insights into navigating uncertainty in the tech stock market and the critical role of adaptability in investment strategies.

In this engaging discussion, Robert Smith, a seasoned professor of Christian preaching with over 25 years at Beeson Divinity School, shares his remarkable journey of recording the entire ESV Bible. He reflects on the emotional challenges and joys of reading scripture aloud, particularly the profound experience of recording Revelation's last verses. The conversation delves into the importance of storytelling in African American preaching and encourages listeners to cultivate a fresh hunger for scripture, approaching it with the curiosity of a child.

Bill Wilson and Dr. Robert Smith, co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, share their remarkable journey in creating one of the world's largest support networks. They discuss the pivotal meeting that started it all and the challenges they faced with the initial low success rates. The significance of the '12 steps' in recovery and its lasting impact are explored, alongside the rising trend of mindful drinking among millennials. They also touch on the intriguing cocktail that ensnared Wilson and the evolving habits of younger generations in their relationship with alcohol.

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.

Robert F. Smith, founder and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, discusses the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. He shares personal anecdotes illustrating how success can align with societal impact, likening businesses to 'Trojan horses' that carry deeper missions. Smith emphasizes the importance of inclusive hiring practices in talent development and highlights the transformative potential of education and community support. His insights call for integrating personal values into business strategies, fostering a collective effort toward a more equitable future.