Robert F. Smith '94: "Be an expert at your craft."

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  • Опубликовано: 7 апр 2017
  • Robert F. Smith '94, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, speaks with Darius Gant ’17 at the Columbia Black Business Students Association's ELEVATE conference on March 25, 2017.

Комментарии • 470

  • @no1no1655
    @no1no1655 5 лет назад +152

    please people! let's spend our screen time on THIS stuff rather than all the stupidity and negativity available to stream!

    • @jamesharris3109
      @jamesharris3109 3 года назад +2

      I love this comment brotha. Thank you for posting it

    • @insideimgold
      @insideimgold 22 дня назад

      I agree. I grew up not knowing anything about finances. I am a single mom and I am determined to raise my son to be financially independent and responsible. My latest share ❤

  • @inspirationalpostbyleverso6263
    @inspirationalpostbyleverso6263 5 лет назад +189

    My new go to guy, don't tell anyone all about your plans, they will take your ideas. Golden interesting interview.

  • @DraLaRoc
    @DraLaRoc 5 лет назад +72

    "People have put barriers to us for 100's of years, and they have been thoughtful about it" ......Facts, thank you sir :)

  • @wittenberg5
    @wittenberg5 7 лет назад +451

    Great talk. I have to say the people who solicited Robert Smith on stage were super unprofessional, but then again, how many opportunities will you get to pitch a black billionaire. He's right, we have to get into these fields like STEM and private equity and start to create wealth and opportunity for ourselves. Protest won't close the wealth and achievement gap. Sharing hashtags on twitter won't solve our problems. Marches won't solve our problems. We need to start to build. Glad to see people starting to wake up to this fact.

    • @isaiahakaic6386
      @isaiahakaic6386 7 лет назад +24

      Tom Smith you're so right. I have even saying that for the past few months. It can start with us. It has to start with us

    • @EricJohnsonresign
      @EricJohnsonresign 6 лет назад +16

      How were they super unprofessional?

    • @kingchris2346
      @kingchris2346 6 лет назад +5

      Very True will continue to spread this message

    • @yoursouljustliftupandgetaw7548
      @yoursouljustliftupandgetaw7548 5 лет назад +1

      Rotten Brainz we were expecting you

    • @gfunkin2
      @gfunkin2 5 лет назад +18

      You wouldn't be typing this without protests. It had its place and still does. What you're saying is true too but it doesn't have to be either/or.

  • @SamsonBiggz
    @SamsonBiggz 7 лет назад +183

    Robert F. Smith is one of my heroes. He is a role model for all young black men.

    • @philschwartz6874
      @philschwartz6874 6 лет назад +30

      No, Robert F. Smith is a role model for ALL men. I'm an older white guy and he is one of my heroes.

    • @StartTheStory
      @StartTheStory 5 лет назад +5

      @@philschwartz6874 So, please donate time and money to further the growth of people of color, African Americans. Thank you.

    • @jtelegant1ee
      @jtelegant1ee 5 лет назад +7

      @@philschwartz6874
      I here you....
      But you must understand us BM have FEW black business GIANTS WHO OPENLY REACH BACK ....
      "SPECIFICALLY"
      FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN!!!!
      😎😎😎😎😎😎

    • @gobye2447
      @gobye2447 4 года назад +3

      Yes get rich but don't marry the white woman

    • @Antonio-pf9hf
      @Antonio-pf9hf 4 года назад +1

      First and foremost All praises to The Highest, if you think that way you are lost, like Black All street, because our creator came first, no man came first.

  • @nzingha1114
    @nzingha1114 4 года назад +19

    He's right sometimes you have to move in silence you can't always let everybody know what you doing.

  • @kariml.currey1260
    @kariml.currey1260 5 лет назад +23

    So much wisdom in this video. Thank you Columbia for sharing this, and also thanks to Robert F. Smith for loving his community and his craft to share to the world. OOHH SIX!

  • @christianharbin7979
    @christianharbin7979 6 лет назад +70

    I can literally feel Mr. Smith’s energy through the screen. I appreciate how directly he speaks. This is such an awesome interview! I have numerous takeaways I can use from this.
    Thanks for sharing!

    • @hoobartvf1143
      @hoobartvf1143 3 года назад

      Hoobartvf
      12 hours ago
      Hoobartvfmedia4All London 2020 Open Innovation Program is inviting innovative start-ups to apply and support the growth of new joint business collaboration activities.www.f6s.com

  • @fender1000100
    @fender1000100 5 лет назад +107

    You see the mindset of this man. And you can see why he is a major success in life. Black people have to turn their backs on ignorance and dysfunction. And move at a different level.
    Thats the only chance there will ever be to rise.

    • @StartTheStory
      @StartTheStory 5 лет назад +11

      Wish it was as easy as saying the few words that you have here. It is improving, however, not nearly fast enough. It is in the mental programs of masses.

    • @timbuktu93
      @timbuktu93 Год назад

      “Ignorance and dysfunction”? Fuck you

  • @george_carlos
    @george_carlos 6 лет назад +75

    17:00 is an incredible story. RFS started Vista because no other PE firm would hire him.

    • @Iplayticuw
      @Iplayticuw 6 месяцев назад

      After Goldman Sachs?

  • @agreen0401
    @agreen0401 5 лет назад +11

    Book title: “They Don’t” 😂. Best title ever! Thank you for sharing this video. Going to listen ten more times!

  • @maxoyd11
    @maxoyd11 5 лет назад +211

    Who else is here after Morehouse graduation?

  • @damongwinn
    @damongwinn 7 лет назад +48

    Brilliant man giving out invaluable words and wisdom.

  • @billiebillie678
    @billiebillie678 7 лет назад +72

    I continue to be inspired by and in awe of the brilliant RFS! So much knowledge and wisdom in this video. These are the kinds of videos that need to "go viral" in our community!

    • @cardion411
      @cardion411 6 лет назад +1

      EXACTLY!!!

    • @Bigtrunkdeeproots
      @Bigtrunkdeeproots 3 года назад

      Which community needs this the most? The one with nothing to lose right, what about everyone else is they whalecum to watch the vidya too?

  • @CurvaLish
    @CurvaLish 5 лет назад +10

    That last question and Mr Smith’s quick witted response was brilliant!

  • @allstarmark12345
    @allstarmark12345 3 года назад +12

    I’ve watched this video 10 times Over the past few years. Material is golden. Robert Smith is an incredible motivator and I love it!

    • @shodapad07
      @shodapad07 2 года назад +3

      It's worth it. For real.

    • @CurvaLish
      @CurvaLish 9 месяцев назад

      Right. I’m rewatching right now. It’s my 8th time.

  • @HULYRICSTV
    @HULYRICSTV 6 лет назад +30

    Great thinkers in that room. I am super excited, impressed and even more motivated to see my race progressing in such a smooth manner.

  • @crowdpleaserselector5980
    @crowdpleaserselector5980 5 лет назад +51

    Salute black excellence 🙏🏾

  • @traceydixon6230
    @traceydixon6230 2 года назад +8

    He won my heart when he advocated for music education. ☺️

  • @je9625
    @je9625 5 лет назад +13

    This guy has thought deeply about a lot of things.
    59:06 is what the technical people who aspire to become business owners came for.
    Great talk

  • @corysmith12345
    @corysmith12345 6 лет назад +20

    My first comment on a RUclips Video. Fantastic gems of wisdom! It's great to see that Robert F Smith has grabbed the baton from Regenald F Lewis. Now we take it and RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!! God willing & Amen!

    • @villgomez
      @villgomez 6 лет назад +5

      Cory Smith Awesome man. I completely agree. I read "Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun" and it taught me to pay attention to detail and become obsessed with your craft or project you are working on.

    • @JenniferSerenity
      @JenniferSerenity 5 лет назад +2

      Reginald Lewis' daughter asked a question starring at 50:17! What a surprise to hear her voice. Her name is Christina Lewis Halpern. She wrote a Kindle Single called "Lonely at the Top" where she shares her perspective of finding out and learning about her Dad after he passed. Opened my eyes more about him and her! She has a strong work ethic!

  • @donbezi
    @donbezi 5 лет назад +72

    DAMN... this King is the BIG HOMIE. Mad respect.. i'm finna learn coding

    • @cali.songbird
      @cali.songbird 5 лет назад +4

      Where/what way is the best place to start learning coding for a 17 yr old, please?

    • @reallogic4991
      @reallogic4991 5 лет назад +1

      @@cali.songbird Tons of free online documentation for programming, maybe try python and find a book online to follow.

    • @playcousin5497
      @playcousin5497 5 лет назад +2

      A Beautiful Journey he mentioned one way in his talk which is “code.org” also check your local area for a STEM organization. Most of their activities are free or have small fees. Good luck.

    • @cali.songbird
      @cali.songbird 5 лет назад

      @@playcousin5497 Thank you so much for sharing all of that with me.

    • @loljk360waver
      @loljk360waver 5 лет назад +9

      I’m going to learn coding not finna

  • @MrTheCme
    @MrTheCme 7 лет назад +16

    This video makes me proud to be a member of Alpha Phi Alpha..06 to all the brothas

  • @terrencemusic1
    @terrencemusic1 7 лет назад +25

    A true inspiration. Amazing videos like this never go viral --- and I see that as a benefit.

  • @didier566
    @didier566 6 лет назад +39

    Very inspiring! How did I not know Robert Smith? A must-know person as a young person trying to get into private equity and investment banking. Thank you!

    • @cardion411
      @cardion411 6 лет назад +8

      Don't feel bad. He was (and is, I'm sure) a very private person. Mr. Smith didn't really start to do interviews and such until the past few years or so. He just had his head down grinding.

  • @vanessatheurbantarotgoddes2192
    @vanessatheurbantarotgoddes2192 5 лет назад +14

    Need more black men like this

  • @jamespharris2494
    @jamespharris2494 5 лет назад +40

    I'm interested in hearing & learning more from this champion.

  • @dariusisrael5140
    @dariusisrael5140 7 лет назад +21

    He has a great coaching style.

  • @WillBarnesActorandVoiceOver
    @WillBarnesActorandVoiceOver 7 лет назад +19

    Knowledge, good to hear some these days.

  • @Greg_Chase
    @Greg_Chase 2 месяца назад

    I love the fact that RS is giving hope to underserved kids. The positive benefits of that part of his work might be so great, they won't be measurable, and I hope he keeps up that part of his efforts. And thank you for the excellent interview with RFS, he is a great inspiration.

  • @benthebartender
    @benthebartender 6 лет назад +13

    Fascinating discussion! Bringing value to anyone in ANY market place!

  • @markpegues757
    @markpegues757 7 лет назад +20

    Powerful information. And I will share. Give thanks!

  • @justinewing2211
    @justinewing2211 6 лет назад +15

    "Reshapes Positions and opinions on how we think about ourselves".

  • @whydoiexist1994
    @whydoiexist1994 Год назад +1

    So very true, music and dancing are the key component to creativity and growth, the music helped me to cope with my Trauma after surviving genocide in Rwanda when I was just a teenager ORPHAN girl without Father, Mother or Grand parents because they were all killed by my RWANDAN PEOPLE.
    Dancing still helping me even today with my creativities in Business and Entrepreneurship , I am not even talking about innovations ideas to advance my charity of helping Rwanda Orphans at THE WHY DO I EXIST ?/ KUKI NDIHO RWANDA ORPHANS SUPPORT PROJECT and self esteem with Confidence I got from Dancing and listening to Music, Like my High School professor in Rwanda told us in School, Music is the food of our Souls.

  • @beablebeauty6479
    @beablebeauty6479 4 года назад +6

    "Your highest and best use" isn't a static proposition, you can learn and advance your thinking and knowledge into higher uses.

  • @TheReelCutter
    @TheReelCutter 5 лет назад +7

    This is great to listen to for anyone of any race, any gender, and any background. Legendary.

  • @levarhaffoney6117
    @levarhaffoney6117 7 лет назад +21

    Very inspiring. Thank you for posting.

  • @sonyamoyler9237
    @sonyamoyler9237 5 лет назад +2

    Loved this video! Great questions, great answers! Thank you Mr. Smith! God Bless!

  • @mass_oak
    @mass_oak 3 года назад +1

    This is the first interview in my life, i have literally learned few things and enjoyed his lay back ,humble personality.

  • @lovethestage
    @lovethestage 6 лет назад +15

    Excellent opening - excellent video.

  • @taylorchastain6321
    @taylorchastain6321 6 лет назад +25

    Not one slang word, not one. Love this man.

    • @bemartythree6589
      @bemartythree6589 6 лет назад

      Doesn't he sound great.

    • @stevenhenry75
      @stevenhenry75 6 лет назад +9

      Right, so slang is apart of the African American culture, similar to a dialect or a patois. You can use a perfected standard "American" English to be understood amongst mixed cultures, then use slang(African american dialects and vernacular) when your among your own culture and be understood there as well. Also, as a black person you can use perfect standard english to communicate with each other. Either option if fine. Your comment is tantamount to demeaning a Jamaican person by thinking he is smart for speaking grammatically correct standard English in a mixed group setting, even though he switchs to a hard patois and Jamaican dialect when he is amongst other Jamaicans.
      I am an African American Male and I am proud of my communities slang, dialect, and creative use of the English language. Most African Americans like myself use standard english when they need to be understood in mixed company, or when a work environment requires being understood by a mixed crowd that is not from their culture.
      For example, this is why Mexicans use English in a mixed working environment, but do not think of each other as un-intelligent for communicating with each other in Spanish. It is the language their own culture uses and understands more commonly.
      I also live in Chicago where some people in immigrant communities never feel the need to learn English, let alone standard english without their own grammatical flaws. It would be silly if I looked at them as not intelligent because they used slang words common amongst their own culture or didnt speak a form of perfected standard English.
      Robert here used a perfected form of "American" Standard English. Thats easy, what's impressive is his ability to spot fact patterns and replicate them across other businesses to create value in the marketplace.

    • @improv2736
      @improv2736 5 лет назад

      this is spot on!

    • @tommybrown8775
      @tommybrown8775 5 лет назад +2

      Means nothing my real estate mentor makes 40k to 55k a month on average and he uses slang/colloquial terms on the regular we've also had presidents that don't speak as articulate as some others

    • @raresabraleaks8216
      @raresabraleaks8216 2 года назад

      Don’t defend slang gibberish, its childish to be using it into adulthood.

  • @miguelbatista4273
    @miguelbatista4273 5 лет назад +10

    Absolutely awesome interview. Brilliant mind!

  • @imhereforthework
    @imhereforthework 3 года назад +3

    The realest answer given: I started my own firm because I knew no private equity firms wouldn't hire me.. Its the same way in all industries .

    • @herogebrial
      @herogebrial Год назад +2

      It's sad. We het held back but no one baits an eye lid

    • @JohnFrance-ns5ve
      @JohnFrance-ns5ve Год назад

      @@herogebrial that’s why I laugh when you’re nice or help whites at all lol it’s hilarious

  • @suraphelbogale6563
    @suraphelbogale6563 7 лет назад +5

    Thank you for posting.

  • @emmanuelr710
    @emmanuelr710 4 года назад +2

    This man literally speaks my thoughts. Thank you. Our community need this.

  • @pagaihijam5556
    @pagaihijam5556 5 лет назад +7

    Thanks for posting, great encouragement and energy.

  • @Chefandsteward
    @Chefandsteward 2 года назад +1

    May I point out how eloquent and tastefully humorous the introduction of Robert was.

  • @josephinebrevig8748
    @josephinebrevig8748 2 года назад +1

    What an incredible, magnanimous human being. Just love this. When we work together, share stories skills, knowlege, mentor, coach one another.....wow...we can change our world.....exploiting our talent, creativity along the way.

  • @Empresskimz
    @Empresskimz 4 года назад +4

    Thank you so much for this. It truly is important to be an expert at one's craft.

  • @cowlico
    @cowlico 6 лет назад +6

    Giving creative insight to a program that will help an organization and prosper.

  • @tyronebeecher2938
    @tyronebeecher2938 6 лет назад +8

    Great interview and questions.
    Thanks for posting

  • @heather-vs9qe
    @heather-vs9qe 5 лет назад +26

    No private èquity firm will hire me.
    Well done create your own firm Kudos for you...pattern recognition.

  • @FrostyFlameTV
    @FrostyFlameTV 5 лет назад +3

    Robert Smith is a true inspiration and a criminally overlooked role model for today's youth.

  • @AnovaLisaDragonfly
    @AnovaLisaDragonfly 4 года назад +6

    33:25 - 38:50 STEM education and training as a major on-ramp of opportunity for economic uplift. But if that on-ramping doesn’t happen now, 20 years from now there will be little to show for it in our community. The opportunity will have been missed, that arbitrage will be diminished, and with longer-term negative repercussions. Whoa! That was a powerful thing he said there. Let’s take heed of this with our children. Also at 10:53, I really appreciate this distinction regarding U.S. economics.

  • @Newrootsdev
    @Newrootsdev 7 лет назад +4

    Awesome! Thanks for posting!

  • @cushitepeople9165
    @cushitepeople9165 Год назад

    Love him, his words are so deliberate, Robert doesn't use language that will limit you or bring a blockage to your mind....so powerful

  • @royalenterprises8794
    @royalenterprises8794 2 года назад +1

    I love this man, well this entire platform! Excellence on this platform. Powerful info

  • @asiphejohnson6543
    @asiphejohnson6543 3 года назад +1

    This is absolutely amazing... power to our people. Were steadily making moves in all aspects of life 💗

  • @brianharmon1854
    @brianharmon1854 4 года назад +5

    2019 & Never gets outdated!

  • @yangatekane
    @yangatekane 5 лет назад +8

    Robert Smith is excellent design engineer, its amazing how he manages to apply engineering design principles across fields

    • @Tlhakxza
      @Tlhakxza 2 года назад

      I’m a TEKANE too bro,from Dube,Soweto... where are you from??

  • @tiiyoung2210
    @tiiyoung2210 4 года назад +2

    Great Interview and Extremely Insightful. Thanks for those who've made it possible.

  • @SuperHtownswag
    @SuperHtownswag 7 лет назад +6

    great talk, thanks for posting

  • @felixmbaka7939
    @felixmbaka7939 5 лет назад +6

    quite alot to learn from this guy.

  • @thouart6606
    @thouart6606 3 года назад +1

    I thoroughly enjoyed this ELEVATE CONFERENCE.

  • @deniseboothgodchickunivers1385

    Thank you King this interview King Smith did not disappoint so far so great.💎💎💎💎💎👑👑👑👑🙏🏾Watching black excellence at the highest level🗣💎💎💎👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾✊🏿♥️👑👑👑👑👑 King Smith you did not disappoint

  • @thereisnoend
    @thereisnoend 4 года назад +2

    Brilliant observations..many jewels dropped during this discussion.

  • @bernadetteoverby5291
    @bernadetteoverby5291 Год назад

    Good morning. I am so sorry Mr. Robert F. Smith. I intended to give you a thumbs up and 2 high fives for an excellent interview several weeks ago! BRAVO 🙌🏽

  • @generalblack5556
    @generalblack5556 3 года назад +2

    A true business role model for men in the black community to look up too.

  • @cowlico
    @cowlico 6 лет назад +8

    This is incredible

  • @thegreatdel9679
    @thegreatdel9679 2 года назад +1

    The realest thing he said is … we have make it apart of culture not just a exception few.

  • @Curiousviewer22
    @Curiousviewer22 2 года назад +1

    I can't believe how cool this guy is.

  • @WilkineBrutus
    @WilkineBrutus 5 лет назад +8

    Absolutely loved this convo.

  • @RealTalkkWithEli
    @RealTalkkWithEli Год назад

    December 27, 2022 great talk! The interactions at the end were gold ✨👌🏽 and he’s absolutely right about the opportunity being available now for a short time span. We should definitely use all these resources to the fullest extent possible 💯

  • @SimplyDafDaf21
    @SimplyDafDaf21 3 года назад +2

    I’m at a stage in my CPA career where I can feel that exploitation growing. Definitely picked up some key points in this conversation. LOVE IT.

  • @soul.friendagape6788
    @soul.friendagape6788 5 лет назад +2

    Beautiful and Enlightening Conversation

  • @fernandozeledon8595
    @fernandozeledon8595 5 лет назад +7

    We must go to the places where these discussions are being held. to be part of the conversation. I have been to many tech discussions where there are only 1 or 2 maybe 3 people of color in the room eager to learn the new generation of tech innovation. Drop our fears and figure out how and where we fit within the ecosystem.

  • @thomasgarnetto2161
    @thomasgarnetto2161 3 года назад +1

    Who thumbs down this information? I watch this very week.

  • @Devrhoid
    @Devrhoid 6 лет назад +11

    I learnt a lot here. Really enjoyed the conversation.

  • @EmekaTalksTech
    @EmekaTalksTech 7 лет назад +5

    great interview!

  • @gw7682
    @gw7682 7 лет назад +6

    Love It!!!!!!!!!

  • @royaltymotivation.r.m1419
    @royaltymotivation.r.m1419 5 лет назад +4

    Wow! this some next level information!

  • @GarrickBradley
    @GarrickBradley 7 лет назад +6

    Great video!

  • @dwayneervin1678
    @dwayneervin1678 5 лет назад +3

    Great talk and very informative...

  • @gainlabs
    @gainlabs 3 года назад +1

    Good insightful perspectives to use in my Sales pursuits. 👌🏾

  • @Whalee39
    @Whalee39 2 года назад +1

    Mr. Smith is such a stand up guy. Great piece…👌🏽

  • @antoniahyman62
    @antoniahyman62 6 лет назад +8

    Tickets for this year's Black Business Student Association Conference at Columbia Business School are now on sale at www.cbselevate.com

  • @IbEGoDpiKin
    @IbEGoDpiKin 7 лет назад +72

    23.56 "Spot an arbitrage in the market you can take advantage of over a long period of time. Keep the ignorant uninformed. Don't tell everyone how to do it. Build system and barriers so everyone can't come in your marketplave. Ssutain the advantage" - RFS

    • @youngblackbrucewayne2779
      @youngblackbrucewayne2779 6 лет назад +2

      IbEGoDpiKin make it oligopolistic. Simple!

    • @randiaz95
      @randiaz95 6 лет назад +2

      lol that is what everyone got from this situation, so by definition it is actually the worst (Relatively not in magnitude) I think you should also look into what he spoke about in using technology in the abstract to impact various businesses and add value in a systematic way with software.

    • @PROFESSORO313
      @PROFESSORO313 5 лет назад +1

      Thats the game!!!

  • @FindYourPhilosophy
    @FindYourPhilosophy Год назад

    Great talk. Great questions. Really an inspiring interview.

  • @wendyfromtheblock6743
    @wendyfromtheblock6743 3 года назад

    And I will be looking it up!

  • @reodconstructionfacilities1619
    @reodconstructionfacilities1619 6 лет назад +5

    Great job!!

  • @THEPinballJunkie
    @THEPinballJunkie 5 лет назад +9

    27:54 “What is your highest and BEST use?”

  • @wynnrichards
    @wynnrichards 5 лет назад +5

    Amazing talk

  • @evelynhaye
    @evelynhaye Год назад

    I enjoyed this. Very informative. Great questions and answers.

  • @fredwooten14
    @fredwooten14 4 года назад +1

    Great interview!!

  • @BruceMontgomeryTV
    @BruceMontgomeryTV 7 лет назад +5

    #YES

  • @lenajohnson9824
    @lenajohnson9824 Год назад

    My Beautiful 💐💐 Unle and Aunt Lewis and Linda TATEM taught me this same Infrastructure, I am delivering small servitude in my community and I feel comfortable in my bubble knowing future generations will soar

  • @andrecoleman1856
    @andrecoleman1856 5 лет назад +14

    The Marathon Continues

  • @tyronerowesr2858
    @tyronerowesr2858 5 лет назад +4

    Great info, from a very Smart Black Man. #ADOS THE BLACK VETERAN.

  • @ronstud
    @ronstud 5 лет назад +3

    Valuable information!

  • @walkingwiththemosthighgod4507
    @walkingwiththemosthighgod4507 4 года назад

    Really enjoyed this.