Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

---

During a fireside chat with Harold L. Martin Sr., Ph.D., and former Chancellor of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Robert F. Smith, the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners (Vista), shared his experience pivoting from a career in chemical engineering to investing and ultimately founding Vista. Smith spoke about how the technical skills he learned working as a chemical engineer helped him create efficiencies for the Goldman Sachs mergers and acquisitions team. He mentioned how markets are equilibrium systems and how understanding the catalysts for equilibrium in the marketplace can inform investment strategies. He also shared how his technical background allowed him to create “real-life training” for the investment banking division at Goldman Sachs and create impact beyond just deals.

Watch the full video: youtube.com/watch?v=JuLKVMN2WTg

Like and subscribe to stay up to date: youtube.com/@RobertFSmithOfficial

#robertfsmith #vistaequitypartners #chemicalengineering #investing