Interviews
Watch videos of Robert F. Smith’s interviews, speeches and panel discussions on topics ranging from his philanthropic goals to uplifting underserved communities and the future of the digital economy.
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Videos
Robert F. Smith, the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners (Vista), was interviewed by Andrew Ross Sorkin on CNBC’s Squawk Box at the 2025 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. In the interview, Smith discussed the success of the EDISON Alliance’s 1 Billion Lives Challenge, a digital inclusion initiative. He also mentioned a forthcoming book, “Lead Boldly: Seven Principles From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a Reflection on Dr. King’s Most Powerful Speeches,” a collection of Dr. King’s speeches contextualized with Smith’s personal stories and insights.
Robert F. Smith virtually attended “Value. Vision. Voice. Black Men in Leadership Conference 2021.” Smith discussed The 2% Solution and the potential corporations have to create meaningful systemic change.
Robert F. Smith joined NBC’s morning show “Today” to talk about his decision to gift 2,400 students, faculty and staff at Eagle Academies five shares of stock in recently IPO’d Vista Equity Partners companies.
Robert F. Smith virtually attended “Value. Vision. Voice. Black Men in Leadership Conference 2021.” Smith discussed the ability philanthropy gives us to solve problems at scale, specifically pointing to the program Student Freedom Initiative.
Sir Martin Sorrell, Founder and Executive Chairman of S4 Capital PLC interviewed Robert F. Smith, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners in April, 2021. In this first video segment, Smith talked about his early influences, such as family and community. Sorrell asked Smith to talk about his personal experiences of racism in America and how that impacted his choices in business and philanthropy.
Robert F. Smith discusses formulating the idea of paying off the entire Morehouse Class of 2019’s student debt and more during “NAIC Insights Live” hosted by Robert L. Greene, President and CEO of the National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC).
Robert F. Smith was virtually interviewed by Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper during AFRO News’ 2021 Virtual Black Business Matters Expo, where he spoke about Student Freedom Initiative and its impact.
Robert F. Smith virtually joined CBS This Morning to explain the importance of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) when it comes to minority-owned small businesses.
Robert F. Smith virtually sat down with Andrew Ross Sorkin on CNBC Squawk Box to speak about whether the money from the Paycheck Protection Program was going to the right places and the importance of addressing the lack of branch banks in African American communities.
Robert F. Smith speaks to Roland Martin about Susan L. Taylor’s philanthropic impact through the CARES Mentoring Movement, and his own background growing up in Denver and the impact that his youth had on shaping his future career.
