Robert Smith

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.

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.

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.