Lead
Boldly
Seven Principles from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Leadership insights from one of history's most influential voices.
About “Lead Boldly”
The words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. continue to resonate and inspire people to build a more just and inclusive world. His vision of the “Beloved Community” challenges us to lead with compassion and courage and to build a society rooted in dignity and opportunity for all.
“Lead Boldly: Seven Principles From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” features seven of Dr. King’s most powerful speeches paired with insights from Robert F. Smith, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners (Vista).
Through personal stories and reflections, Smith explores how Dr. King’s message has guided his life’s work and why themes like economic justice, empathy and shared destiny remain essential today. In the book, Smith explores how Dr. King’s words remain relevant today, exploring topics such as the continued stratification of “The Two Americas,” how the endless love within a beloved community is enough for that community to take care of itself and the importance of allies in the fight for equality of opportunity. He also explores pathways to achieving economic equality and how we can all help to reach the Promised Land of which Dr. King spoke.
Published in partnership with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library and HarperCollins Leadership, “Lead Boldly” is both a call to remember and a guide to act, inviting readers to reflect and lead with intention in service of a better future.
More About Smith’s Connection to Dr. King
Smith’s connection to Dr. King runs deep. As an infant, Smith’s mother brought him to the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Dr. King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.
“I was just nine months old then. As I grew up, the stories my family shared about that day became a lasting part of my identity,” Smith reflects. Decades later, he stood on that same stage to speak at the 60th Anniversary of the March.
Under Smith’s leadership, Fund II Foundation supported the purchase and preservation of Dr. King’s childhood home in Atlanta, GA, through the National Park Service, ensuring that this important site will be protected and shared for generations.
Through that experience, Smith became a close friend of Dr. King’s daughter, Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center and author of the foreword for “Lead Boldly.” Their shared commitment to advancing Dr. King’s vision deepens the message of “Lead Boldly” — one of leadership, justice and community.
In recognition of his dedication to advancing Dr. King’s vision, Smith was honored with The Dreamer Award in 2024. Presented by Realize the Dream in partnership with the Drum Major Institute and Legacy+, the award celebrates leaders whose work embodies the values that Dr. King championed.
The Partners of “Lead Boldly”
This work is made possible through the collaboration of leading institutions committed to leadership, equity and social change.
Praise for “Lead Boldly”
Lead Boldly in Your Community
Bring Dr. King’s Legacy and Smith’s Reflections to Life
Anyone, including educators, business leaders and students can use “Lead Boldly” as a tool to foster dialogue and inspire action.
