Robert Smith, Vista Equity Partners, at 2015 Color of Wealth Summit

Robert F. Smith, Chairman & CEO of Vista Equity Partners, in a conversation with Dr. Maya Rockeymoore, President & CEO of the Center for Global Policy Solutions, on The Power of Opportunity. The two discuss how people of color are restricted from certain spaces and opportunities tied to wealth creation, which contributes to the racial wealth gap. For more information on the 2015 Color of Wealth Summit in Washington, DC, visit our website: globalpolicysolutions.org/2015...
For every dollar in wealth held by the typical white family in 2011, the typical Latino and African-American families only own six and five cents respectively. Lost in the conversation about inequality in America has been the fact that racial and ethnic wealth inequality is more stark, has a devastating impact on households of color, and, if left unchecked, will have profound implications for the U.S. economy as the nation’s demographics shift over the next few decades.
The summit seeks to engage Members of Congress, Congressional staff, the media, and the public in a dialogue about the racial wealth gap, its effect on marginalized households, its impact on the U.S. economy, and solutions for closing the gap.

[@abusesay13]

As someone who is looking to make his way in this field, (Finance), I was almost brought to tears the first time I watched this. One of the few guys that not only look like me, but speaks honestly on things that would effect me on my trails. Man, I'm blown away. Hopefully I'll be fortunate enough to meet dude one day and do half as well as he is. (My first comment ever on youtube. lol.)

[@w.t.o.154]

+Abu Sesay I understand and respect that deep feeling of pride and it is a start. Learn from this brother and carve your own niche and bring a few others that look like us along. THEN... this is how we will see as much as us in the genre of success and not just in entertainment and sports.

[@w.t.o.154]

+Ayebatonyeseigha Christ It is a collective effort my brother, but we definitely need to be doing more to pay it forward for our people.

[@billiebillie678]

Your comment touched my heart. I wish you all the best of luck on your journey!

[@w.t.o.154]

billiebillie Love and Respect to you too

[@makehumanitygreatagain8128]

You've already begun on the wrong foot by referring to someone who could perhaps be your father as "dude". You need to work on your manners. One thing you'll notice is successful people can pick and choose who they associate with and they don't like associating with people who devalue them. #freekanye

[@ldjack]

He needs to do more interviews. African Americans need more role models like this to relate to. Smart brother and a lot of good information here.

[@ErickaWilliamsCC]

"i have Investment bankers in my class and I don't like any of them, they think they know everything and arrogant. I am an engineer and we do know everything." "then he told me how much they made." the best comment. Teach one, reach one.. open doors for mentorship. People can not become what they DO NOT SEE. mental map is so important.

[@sjlomax2061]

Smith is a tax cheat, the individual who funded Vista Equity initially (Robert Brockman) has been indicted for tax crimes, money laundering, human trafficking...truly despicable.

[@realballer6106]

@@sjlomax2061 who cares white man, this country was started bc no one want to pay taxes and they used free labor.

[@duncanpinderhughes]

thank u for this comment

[@BirdDogRealEstate]

💯💯💯🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@janicknorman9396]

Holy shit, Black billionaire not from entertainment and sport.

[@JasonAKMitchell86]

This is very encouraging. I don't get to see too many powerful black men and women of color in industries outside of sports, music, and film/tv. Not that I'm complaining I'm in those worlds, but this is just eye opening. We are everywhere leaving our mark, but it needs to be more known so these young kids can expand their beliefs.

[@JasonAKMitchell86]

That's ok. What's important is men, women, boys, and girls of color need to see that there are people like them in positions of power, influence, and wealth. So that when they see it they can get there too in their own way, and make a difference. What's important right now is that they get their eyes and minds opened.

[@duncanpinderhughes]

💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@mzuribeauty4287]

Black entrepreneurs need to come out and speak publicly

[@1967roaddog]

It's nice to see positive news about African American people.

[@darrylllago5115]

I truly enjoyed watching this. Robert is insightful, witty and unpretentious. Great conversationalist and the host did a great job as well. Robert Smith and the late great Reginald Lewis are true pioneers and icons that we need and can relate to!

[@clintonmorgan5627]

He's undeniably brilliant!!!!

[@roland5896]

so are you

[@OmarAli-vq8gs]

@@roland5896 I like that Sir

[@solargod3671]

Robert is super humble and is a motivator . He really an inspiration for others in his field or heading that way . I'm the next big inventor have about 100patents rolling out . Hopefully I attract a good outcome

[@ancrumq12]

How did you get started as an inventor ? I am currently working on becoming one. Here is my email address [e-mail]. I hope to speak with you in the near future.

[@davidmiddlebrooksjr.4051]

God bless Robert F Smith. Hard-working humble reaching back to others Thank you Sir inspirational

[@solargod3671]

@@ancrumq12 InventRight . They are all over youtube and google and Amazon.

[@4berich]

This Guy Should Run For President

[@makehumanitygreatagain8128]

Politics is for puppets. If you're not one you'll get slandered, defamed and/or murdered. He doesn't sound like a puppet to me. #freekanye

[@JustinAEgan]

From my limited perspective, Wealth is best accumulated without notoriety. Once you rise above the radar you become a target. Once you become known, somehow hundreds of people appear out of nowhere - eager to explain how, with their assistance - you can be successful.

[@aseemhetep4504]

very impressive one of the reasons why we never heard of him is because he is not a rapper or a sports figure they do everything they can to keep us pigeonholed in those areas I watch CNN Bloomberg and MSNBC almost everyday for at least 10 years and I've never heard of this man and we both know why they don't want us to see any of us in those areas dealing with economics and money real talk and definitely not technology

[@bcanvid3830]

Adopting companies to teach them what he and Vista Partners knows... that's incredible.

[@dawn220]

+BCanVid It made me emotional! This is so inspiring...

[@justmyopinion9883]

CGPS, thank you for posting this video. Mr. Smith is a very intelligent, inspiring man. Great role model for young African-Americans. I am surprised I haven't heard more about him.

[@33parentino]

Maya Rockymoore thank you !

[@honorablejimmielwilliamsjr4574]

Brilliant discussion... Our world is yet being defined by dollars and cents, and not what make sense in the cultivating of humanity.. We are all born gifted and with a proportion in understanding.... But, those of us who are agile in creativity, should look to build an opportunity for those who's ability is not for institutionalize training but hands on... And, I truly believe that this is our biggest misfortune in this country, is our inability to create opportunities and wealth for all. We have so many people like myself who are hands on intellectuals, who can't graph in a class setting so it's easier for us to learn more physically or hands on... So, in conclusion; I see Dr. Robert Smith as a true inspiration and visionary to people of color. His dictation is very simplistic and not overheaded with a vocabulary, that's out of reach to understand by the average. So, I commend his honestly and his wisdom to foresee what would work for him, and benefit others in creating opportunities through employment... This world needs more leadership, that's capable in managing capitalism, and dividing it amongst its people without denying its people, that's a good shepherd that oversees his sheep... JLwjr CONGRATS AGAIN DR. ROBERT SMITH

[@donaldrumsfield7725]

what a well spoken intelligent african american entrepreneur who earned his success in such a high-tech and complex industry and not in entertainment or sports. what a role model for young african americans proving that success comes from hardwork

[@windell0121]

12:52 Mark he states.."I was leading 5 of them" ( The six most important strategic priorities for the company) "I was half the age of everybody in the room, and i know i was making a third of everybody in the room." The realization of worth and self worth.

[@tsar2509]

+windell0121 that resonated with me greatly, I am halfway done with my B.S in Finance and am 19 years old I've worked in sales environments where I feel like although I'm waay younger than them I'm much more competent than they are should be in a place where I am compensated like it and being much more impactful in the industry

[@cardion411]

I loved this. Some of you may have noticed, this is actually the guy that was on the cover of Forbes. He's something serious.

[@streetwealth13]

yeah I never heard of him either smart dude...

[@Jahguaar]

I am committed to self-development & thriving.

[@ConradWambugu]

Information, mentor ship and know how!!! Thanks Robert Smith and CGPS

[@bernardjohnson7336]

This is so AWESOME...in all personal and professional ways. People like him are God's doing for His glory and AWESOMENESS and for us humans to benefit from.

[@thouart6606]

I thoroughly enjoyed this interview. Thank you.

[@mrsmith677]

I listen to this 2-3xs a yr ….easy to see/ hear why 😊

[@yourdayoff]

Thank You

[@d.powers5827]

Wow this guy is BLACK billionaire tech investor and I never heard of him! lol...lol...crazy

[@humanparadox]

Go look up his wife he just married. Her name is Hope Dworaczyk. I guess when u have billions it doesn't matter what you look like. She is gorgeous

[@d.powers5827]

LOL oh it sure does cause Hope wouldnt be with a broke black guy..

[@bennyehud7944]

+Demetrius Powers Janice Bryant Howroyd may be a billionaire. She is close. Forbes listed her net worth at $610 mil. About 4 years ago, they had her at $200 mil. So, she should be a billionaire soon.

[@bennyehud7944]

***** I read about him about a 1 year ago this time. I was in a hotel room in Fort Lauderdale. His companies "supposedly" were into hiring unorthodox workers.

[@lifeworksndhenterprisesllc6597]

Demetrius Powers it ain't crazy y to me show you tight and I knew one back in 74 on ebony magazine I read and he was going only twenty one. I was five when I read of him.

[@w.t.o.154]

there is absolutely nothing wrong with being a rapper/entertainer. what's wrong is when you see the ignorant group with 15 cars, gold and diamonds in their mouths and excessive jewelry to top it off. they are all too immature and stupid and don't realize how irresponsible that is, until one day when they lose their contract or their album is not selling and the money train has dried up. that's when the light in their heads turn on, apparently. when we in the black community understand and respect wealth, then you will see more robert smith types. wake up black people. the partying has to stop and be about wealthy building for yourselves and community of people.

[@tsar2509]

+D. W. O. I totally disagree with this...it is imperative that you understand where these people are coming from. There are very few people that want to get rich for the sole purposes of helping others, most want the vast amount of wealth to do things that they weren't able to do beforehand. Yes, they should buy more things that can be used as assets but no one is stopping white CEO from buying himself a Porsche, or dozens of Giorgia Armani suits.

[@w.t.o.154]

+occultallienrace13 Please speak for yourself and you can't make a blanket statement for the entire black race. but let's say you're 100% correct. What does that say about our people? How are we ever to play our role in society if all we do is spend, spend spend? I guess if we only did that then, we will contribute to the wealth of the other races. We need to wake up friend.

[@w.t.o.154]

+Joseph Stalin I understand your point too, but we can't use that as the barometer to continue this destructive path. We MUST become more responsible and fastidious about money and wealth building in the black community.

[@dmoe5764]

I love this guy. He is such an inspiration. Living proof that you can become anything you desire.

[@DistortedV12]

So many quotable pieces of wisdom. "It's not an education thing, it's a knowledge thing."

[@bwhite4]

True Trailblazer, thank you big brother

[@WorldsEdge608]

Amazing

[@DavidJSmith-hl6kb]

As one Smith to another Smith!...We need to Stick Together my Brother!...Keep Doing what Your'er Doing!...God Bless!

[@PositivePassionateMotivated]

Lets roll! Fired up and motivated. Black billionaire!

[@ytrbro1041]

very informative

[@yvonnehyatt8353]

Look up- Hamis Kighundu please, thanks

[@jamesjamaica7189]

you would've never know he was that rich u so humble nd real

[@bellaleah3123]

James Jamaica you're so right! I met him once and had no idea who he was until I looked him up. he was so kind and humble, I would have never guessed how wealthy he is.

[@HakiAmmiSuccessScholar1]

Heard him speak at the Congressional Black Caucus.

[@ByRaymondFerguson]

Inspiration.

[@BM12121]

man you are the man Mr. Smith

[@Goontrader2]

Dude is a stud

[@ray1411]

Why did she cut him off after he starting talking about employment opportunitys ability to eliminate rioting?

[@kingahmad07]

Ahmad Ave 2017

[@kaagee1875]

You can be wealthy if you put in the work.. start your own business, start something for your self

[@Frankelmind1]

Never even heard of his name.

[@viderpittman7440]

❤ daddy your awesome ❤😂😂

[@bornjust2003]

He repeatedly spoke about the importance of opportunity or the lack there of. Rap is a industry (opportunity) that inner city Blacks created for themselves. Icons like Diddy, Dre and Jay Z are all practically Billionaires (Puffy if he sold his shares in Vodka and Jay and Byonce's income is over 1 billion) and there are at least 100 Rap artist who are multi millionaires. I'm not a fan of much of today's lyrics, but this is most likely the largest money making industry in Black Amerikkka.

[@bsdguy]

Very interesting talk....and the sista got some nice legs!

[@donaldmbamah4105]

This is Fuzzy math; leverage, scale, mentor, grinding $100, sponsor. Build and develop people, life style business, Dedicated to what craft?

[@phil1980boy]

Tell me about Private Equity investment company. That’s what made you rich not engineering

[@therowgawd]

this brother is legit

[@lifeworksndhenterprisesllc6597]

he is clear thinking just to follow him and I'm a community activist and dollar saving expert. I don't care if he married a loser, she must learn to deal with math when it comes to making wealth a high standard. yes, whoever said they tired of hearing white billionaires that's why we had to open back our business,escrolls and collateral. I'm looking forward to build my richness jahh bless you. thanks Robert f. Smith.

[@yvonnehyatt8353]

Please study. Bruce Lipton and Ernesto Sirolli thanks. Send this to the United Way, and Boys and Girls clubs -This video. Thanks. Oh, Java Discover -Talks about -Neur-Science, please study it. It is -the study of mind-set. Thanks

[@2dasimmons]

VERY IMPRESSIVE MAN. Yet his experiences are typical of black ability where there is none or limited amount in the particular field. Just amazing. Not much different than the plantation system!

[@brandonbailey56]

The money isn't in starting businesses let others do all that work . And you just buy them

[@vincem2759]

Most stop profiting after one year and get sold. Buying one is not that easy

[@vincem2759]

@@KR-ln5qw You can do a lot... in theory...

[@darrellroberson8339]

Oyibo Grand Unified Theorem

[@awreynolds2247]

Has Mr. SMITH written any books and if so what are the names of the books ?

[@samuraixyz22]

He reminds me of Muhammed Ali.

[@detroiter4eva]

Has anyone notice that Black Brothers with fat heads are geniuses at what they do?

[@HaguSlayer]

MESSI

[@russie.russell]

I wonder if she stated the age of a female she's interviewed? any man reading this YOU NOW HAVE THE RIGHT TO ASK A WOMANS AGE THEY WANT EQUAL RIGHTS CORRECT?

[@avtpro]

I need $10M for an "AVATAR" like Animation Company! Brother Help me IN!!

[@lmservices9663]

GRACE... history east to west south to north arctic to antarctic axis to axis naval to naval begins as and becomes a cord; a record (re)cord copying murals from ancient walls of the halls of LUXOR, Timbukto, THEBES, ON, and on, Gala to Mali to Chad; and onto boats from the Nile into seas into the Atlantic; painting white trusts colors to despoil nature's forests of green with the graying of inorganic highways onto streets; sculpting white flesh and ethic mud into bust and human like chest to empty white waste water into rivers of cesspits. If that brain has not thought results after conversation with her human Joshua, Hannibal and Jesus, then her copper wires are not fully connection and her bronze feet are naked and cold; mucous runs from her nose blown into rivers sure to meet.

[@TipToe67]

I'm sure BLM despises this brother!

[@shingaingara9254]

Why do you say so?

[@mwats9929]

Just wonderful, been searching for "what is supreme wealth alliance" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across - Xiyannah Lansaiah Theorem - (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now ) ? Ive heard some great things about it and my partner got excellent success with it.

[@princegriffin2121]

I would ask him how he made his first million dollar deal and what's keeping him from just living abroad or being on vacation 4 the rest of his life i also would ask him why he works ! Because if I had ten million dollars I wouldn't work anywhere I would hire people to run my economic experiments and open a business that sells liquor or something impossible to loose money off

[@Kennan_Davis]

I can help answer your question. Different people have different motivations, and also what you think you would do if you were in someones shoes doesn't always hold true if you get to their caliber. Many people do things like retire to vacation and travel full time. Many of them find that absolutely boring and unfulfilling. It's not as amazing as someone who doesn't have the ability to do it would think. It gets old fast. And you will then sit around wondering what to do with all the time on your hands. Also, people like Robert clearly have a larger vision than "now I've made it, let me just retire and enjoy leisure the rest of my life. It's about purpose and calling. He clearly values what he brings to the world, and that's much more important than being on vacation the rest of his life

[@dmh9540]

Amazing guy. By the way I'm white.

[@WeezyBestRapperAliv1]

...you want a cookie?

[@lisadavis8241]

thefleyeingmonk ....LOL!!!!! Hilarious 😂😂😂

[@dmh9540]

haha yes I see ny comment was silly. But yes, a cookie would be nice.