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

[@no1no1655]

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

[@jamesharris3109]

I love this comment brotha. Thank you for posting it

[@insideimgold]

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]

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

[@Sandomly]

Agreed, I learned that the hard way.

[@Phillycheeze101]

Thank you

[@sandisombanjwa2813]

@@Sandomly me too

[@lisaperdue8033]

Youll do it. Done.

[@3EBstudio]

Love it

[@wittenberg5]

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]

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]

How were they super unprofessional?

[@kingchris2346]

Very True will continue to spread this message

[@yoursouljustliftupandgetaw7548]

Rotten Brainz we were expecting you

[@gfunkin2]

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]

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

[@philschwartz6874]

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]

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

[@jtelegant1ee]

@@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]

Yes get rich but don't marry the white woman

[@Antonio-pf9hf]

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.

[@DraLaRoc]

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

[@fender1000100]

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]

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]

“Ignorance and dysfunction”? Fuck you

[@Empresskimz]

What a comment! Black people have to turn their backs on ignorance and dysfunction. And move at a different level. That is the only chance there will ever be to rise.

[@Lazaven]

First off your generalization of black people is misguided everyone is not the same and you're on the outside looking in your opinions are based in limited perspective and things you are presented with online thats not the full story

[@christianharbin7979]

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]

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

[@kariml.currey1260]

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!

[@allstarmark12345]

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]

It's worth it. For real.

[@CurvaLish]

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

[@billiebillie678]

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]

EXACTLY!!!

[@Bigtrunkdeeproots]

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?

[@george_carlos]

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

[@Iplayticuw]

After Goldman Sachs?

[@damongwinn]

Brilliant man giving out invaluable words and wisdom.

[@Greg_Chase]

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.

[@je9625]

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

[@didier566]

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]

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.

[@corysmith12345]

My first comment on a KZbin 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]

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]

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!

[@agreen0401]

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

[@HULYRICSTV]

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

[@terrencemusic1]

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

[@CurvaLish]

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

[@FantasyAndAnimation]

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

[@lovethestage]

Excellent opening - excellent video.

[@traceydixon6230]

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

[@nzingha1114]

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

[@benthebartender]

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

[@levarhaffoney6117]

Very inspiring. Thank you for posting.

[@whydoiexist1994]

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.

[@jamespharris2494]

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

[@rachealkibaiya7593]

James Pharris best thing ever

[@donbezi]

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

[@cali.songbird]

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

[@reallogic4991]

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

[@playcousin5497]

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]

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

[@loljk360waver]

I’m going to learn coding not finna

[@miguelbatista4273]

Absolutely awesome interview. Brilliant mind!

[@AnovaLisaDragonfly]

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.

[@MrTheCme]

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

[@pagaihijam5556]

Thanks for posting, great encouragement and energy.

[@josephinebrevig8748]

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.

[@markpegues757]

Powerful information. And I will share. Give thanks!

[@mass_oak]

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

[@Empresskimz]

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

[@WillBarnesActorandVoiceOver]

Knowledge, good to hear some these days.

[@maxoyd11]

Who else is here after Morehouse graduation?

[@MarvinMarshallFit]

Im here

[@dariuskiprotich9094]

Me

[@sherylchapman7809]

Michelle Blackwood yes

[@uruemuesiridjebah8628]

Michelle Blackwood me

[@edenevolution451]

Hand raised

[@emmanuelr710]

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

[@cowlico]

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

[@tyronebeecher2938]

Great interview and questions. Thanks for posting

[@beablebeauty6479]

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

[@user-xm6ux2di6h]

Best conversation ever. National treasure here.

[@FrostyFlameTV]

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

[@taylorchastain6321]

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

[@bemartythree6589]

Doesn't he sound great.

[@stevenhenry75]

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]

this is spot on!

[@tommybrown8775]

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]

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

[@dariusisrael5140]

He has a great coaching style.

[@thouart6606]

I thoroughly enjoyed this ELEVATE CONFERENCE.

[@cushitepeople9165]

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

[@justinewing2211]

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

[@bernadetteoverby5291]

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 🙌🏽

[@chefandsteward]

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

[@crowdpleaserselector5980]

Salute black excellence 🙏🏾

[@royalenterprises8794]

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

[@sonyamoyler9237]

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

[@tiiyoung2210]

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

[@suraphelbogale6563]

Thank you for posting.

[@imhereforthework]

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]

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

[@JohnFrance-ns5ve]

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

[@SimplyDafDaf21]

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.

[@SuperHtownswag]

great talk, thanks for posting

[@thereisnoend]

Brilliant observations..many jewels dropped during this discussion.

[@yangatekane]

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

[@Tlhakxza]

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

[@thomasgarnetto2161]

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

[@Newrootsdev]

Awesome! Thanks for posting!

[@generalblack5556]

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

[@heather-vs9qe]

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

[@caspianhall]

You’re a pale face?

[@Devrhoid]

I learnt a lot here. Really enjoyed the conversation.

[@asiphejohnson6543]

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

[@thegreatdel9679]

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

[@WilkineBrutus]

Absolutely loved this convo.

[@FindYourPhilosophy]

Great talk. Great questions. Really an inspiring interview.

[@godwinokoro839]

I agree with Robert Smith's statement when he said that "China has bought forward contracts on open land in Africa" because as a Nigerian Born in America, when I go back to Nigeria, I see many Chinese Investors and business man buying land In Nigeria and building Chinese based restaurants and other stores on that land knowing that Nigeria will one day become a thriving society once they get their stuff together.

[@herogebrial]

Buying up land and setting up businesses all over Ethiopia too. They will eventually dominate the market and the natives will fail and fail miserably

[@mr.r4910]

And who's fault is that it's yours Chinese will NEVER NEVER allow you to set up shop in their homeland..you Africans are soooo naive...

[@soul.friendagape6788]

Beautiful and Enlightening Conversation

[@dwayneervin1678]

Great talk and very informative...

[@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

[@vanessatheurbantarotgoddes2192]

Need more black men like this

[@tommybrown8775]

Need more black/melanated people with business mindsets overall

[@priscilla7864]

Amen.

[@raresabraleaks8216]

Girls gotta stop greenlighting gangster rappers, and start dating and procreating only with smart niggas.

[@vanessatheurbantarotgoddes2192]

@@raresabraleaks8216 lol fr

[@antoniahyman62]

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

[@cowlico]

This is incredible

[@rachealkibaiya7593]

Courtney Ellis That good thing in us gets stired

[@Curiousviewer22]

I can't believe how cool this guy is.

[@Whalee39]

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

[@fernandozeledon8595]

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.

[@felixmbaka7939]

quite alot to learn from this guy.

[@THEPinballJunkie]

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

[@brianharmon1854]

2019 & Never gets outdated!

[@evelynhaye]

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

[@lenajohnson9824]

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

[@royaltymotivation.r.m1419]

Wow! this some next level information!

[@TK-ne2yo]

Crazy this interview was 7 years ago and he was talking about AI then

[@JElayne9]

Mel Fields, thank you for your kind words of wisdom.

[@MrRedd713]

Congratulations on getting the attorney!

[@GarrickBradley]

Great video!

[@gainlabs]

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

[@EmekaTalksTech]

great interview!

[@AliveBoldTV]

This man is the real deal 26:45 This mindset is key for accomplishing the mission!

[@frederickwortham7084]

I’m just happy to see a black billionaire who got it with entertainment in America ✊🏿

[@ebomays5990]

Don't you mean without entertainment

[@daviddavis1351]

@Adalina it is HIS wealth. He can do with, like all people do, whatever he wants to with his money just like we do. He made a great contribution to the black community and American society with his $20 million gift to the Smithsonian African American museum.

[@daviddavis1351]

@D'Crypto Space I probably realize better than you know since I was a practicing economist for over 15. However, he is still one person. I recently renovated a house. Spent $35k. Spent $9k with AAs. Couldn't even find a AA general contractor to give a quote. My point is our small but collective daily intentional directed spending efforts mean more throughout our communities and country than just one guy. What wealth will I leave my daughter and son? Your children? What wealth in advice can we give them that will save them hundreds or thousands in their purchasing decisions and directions in their careers? We need to take action individually to make sure we leave them better off and not hope a rich person feels super generous one day. Peace!

[@smyzo]

@Adalina Why dont you marry a black woman for him and STFU.

[@beyluv2]

@Adalina His first wife was a black/biracial woman. He has two or three kids with her. Her name is Suzanne Mcfayden.

[@RealTalkkWithEli]

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 💯

[@IbEGoDpiKin]

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]

IbEGoDpiKin make it oligopolistic. Simple!

[@randiaz95]

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]

Thats the game!!!

[@tyronerowesr2858]

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

[@850FloridaWife]

Getting kids to make the most of opportunities and develop their skills... I so wish I knew how to do that.

[@CraszyAsce]

this man's whole demeanor is confidence. I need to work till I get to that level.

[@JElayne9]

Well Mel, hey that rhymes-anyway.I took your advice and I found a resource to get the business method patent done for a couple hundred bucks. thanks again!