Events
As a businessman, engineer, and philanthropist, Robert F. Smith has been invited to speak on a wide range of issues.
The second video from the discussion: “Voter Suppression: A Human Rights Issue Or The Battle for the Ballot,” hosted by The Martin Luther King, Jr Center for Nonviolent Social Change. Vista Equity Partners Founder, Chairman and CEO Robert F. Smith and Ken Chenault, Managing Director of venture capital firm General Catalyst Partners, discuss the historic inequities that generations of Black Americans fought through to finally achieve full equality under the law. The two CEOs discuss why Black executives are speaking out to ensure civil rights and voting access are not rolled back by regressive legislation.
The 2021 Presidents Summit Masterclass with Robert F. Smith closes out with Mr. Smith answering a range of questions. He shares the best advice he’s received, inspiration and aspects of his life during the pandemic.
Robert F. Smith considers the future of investing and the goals of growing business quickly, at scale and with more profitability. Mr. Smith also emphasizes the need to promote diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels of businesses. He references the importance of Vista’s employees and the Vista “ecosystem.”
Robert F. Smith expresses the importance of sharing knowledge throughout an organization, citing the success of information sharing at Vista Equity Partners. He notes the benefits of putting individuals from all levels of an organization together to discuss problems and share solutions.
Robert F. Smith discusses solutions for allowing businesses to grow and expand, while being conscious of greenhouse gas footprints and taking action to improve the impact on the ecosystem. Mr. Smith provides examples based on those within the Vista Equity Partners portfolio.
Robert F. Smith shares his opinion on the current state of investments. Mr. Smith considers changes over the past decade and the evolution of businesses coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Robert F. Smith introduces himself and Vista Equity Partners before beginning the Presidents Summit Masterclass Principles for Excelling in the Future of Investing. He discusses his background and more about Vista.
Robert F. Smith and Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper closed out their virtual interview at the 2021 Black Business Matters Expo by discussing how Smith uses his own business expertise to provide free educational materials for Black business owners, entrepreneurs and students. This event was hosted by AFRO News.
Robert F. Smith and Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper continued their virtual interview at AFRO News’ 2021 Black Business Matters Expo, where Smith spoke about the best piece of advice he was given by a business mentor, and the advice he hopes to give current entrepreneurs and business owners.
Robert F. Smith and Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper spoke at the 2021 Virtual Black Business Matters Expo, hosted by AFRO News, about how Black business owners can help drive capital into their communities by utilizing new applications for technology in their businesses. He discusses the need for bank locations in minority neighborhoods and how that can help small business owners.