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Robert Smith of Vista Equity Partners sits down with Aaron Skonnard to share what he's learned throughout his career and where he sees the future of tech heading.

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Robert Smith of Vista Equity Partners sits down with Aaron Skonnard to share what he's learned throughout his career and where he sees the future of tech heading.

Robert Smith of Vista Equity Partners sits down with Aaron Skonnard to share what he's learned throughout his career and where he sees the future of tech heading.

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Syllabus

Fireside Chat with Robert F. Smith

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by Robert Smith, who has a strong reputation in Vista Equity Partners
Explores the future of technology and innovation
Fireside chat format is creative and approachable
In-depth interview format builds strong foundation for beginners
May require learners to come in with knowledge of tech industry

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fireside Chat with Robert F. Smith with these activities:
Review Fundamentals of Software Development
Ensure a strong foundation in the basics of software development.
Browse courses on Programming
Show steps
  • Review online resources, tutorials, or books on software development principles.
  • Practice writing and debugging simple code snippets.
  • Participate in coding challenges to test your skills.
Join Online Study Groups
Engage in discussions, share perspectives, and learn from fellow learners.
Browse courses on Collaborative Learning
Show steps
  • Identify online study groups or forums related to the course topic.
  • Join the groups and actively participate in discussions.
  • Ask questions, share resources, and provide feedback to peers.
Attend Virtual Tech Conferences
Connect with professionals, learn from industry experts, and stay up-to-date on tech developments.
Browse courses on Networking
Show steps
  • Identify relevant virtual tech conferences.
  • Register and attend the events.
  • Engage with speakers, attendees, and industry professionals.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Interactive Coding Exercises
Apply your knowledge in a hands-on setting and reinforce essential concepts.
Browse courses on Technical Skills
Show steps
  • Access online coding platforms or tutorials.
  • Solve coding challenges and practice coding exercises.
  • Review code examples and solutions.
Explore the Pluralsight Library for Relevant Courses
Enhance your understanding of specific topics covered in the course.
Browse courses on Online Learning
Show steps
  • Browse the Pluralsight library.
  • Identify courses that align with the course content.
  • Watch videos, complete exercises, and engage in discussions.
Attend Industry-Specific Workshops
Gain practical knowledge and insights from experts in the tech industry.
Browse courses on Professional Development
Show steps
  • Identify relevant industry-specific workshops.
  • Register and attend the workshops.
  • Engage with speakers, participate in hands-on exercises, and network with professionals.
Read 'Tech Trends to Watch' by the World Economic Forum
Gain insights into emerging trends and their potential impact on the tech industry.
Show steps
  • Acquire the book or access it online.
  • Read and comprehend the key concepts presented in the book.
  • Summarize the major takeaways and implications for the future of tech.
Develop a Tech Trends Report
Demonstrate your understanding of tech trends and their implications for businesses and society.
Browse courses on Research
Show steps
  • Gather data and conduct research on emerging tech trends.
  • Analyze the data and identify key trends and their potential impact.
  • Create a comprehensive report that presents your findings and insights.
Mentor Aspiring Tech Professionals
Reinforce your knowledge by sharing it with others and contribute to the growth of the tech community.
Browse courses on Mentoring
Show steps
  • Identify opportunities to mentor aspiring tech professionals.
  • Share your knowledge and skills through workshops, Q&A sessions, or one-on-one mentorship.
  • Provide guidance and support to help mentees develop their tech skills and careers.

Career center

Learners who complete Fireside Chat with Robert F. Smith will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Private Equity Investor
Private equity investors acquire and manage companies, typically with the goal of improving their operations and increasing their value. This course may be useful for aspiring private equity investors because it provides insights from a successful private equity investor on topics such as deal sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio management.
Venture Capitalist
Venture capitalists provide funding and support to early-stage companies. This course may be useful for aspiring venture capitalists because it provides insights from a successful venture capitalist on topics such as investing, due diligence, and portfolio management.
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio managers manage investment portfolios for individuals and institutions. This course may be useful for aspiring portfolio managers because it provides insights from a successful portfolio manager on topics such as asset allocation, risk management, and performance measurement.
Investment Analyst
Investment analysts research and make recommendations on investment opportunities. This course may be useful for aspiring investment analysts because it provides insights from a successful investor on topics such as financial analysis, valuation, and portfolio management.
Hedge Fund Manager
Hedge fund managers manage investment funds that use advanced investment strategies to generate high returns. This course may be useful for aspiring hedge fund managers because it provides insights from a successful hedge fund manager on topics such as investment research, portfolio management, and risk management.
Investment Banker
Investment bankers advise companies on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and other financial transactions. This course may be useful for aspiring investment bankers because it provides insights from a successful investment banker on topics such as financial modeling, valuation, and deal negotiation.
Chief Financial Officer
CFOs are responsible for the financial management of a company. This course may be useful for aspiring CFOs because it provides insights from a successful CFO on topics such as financial planning, budgeting, and risk management.
Project Manager
Project managers plan and execute projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course may be useful for aspiring project managers because it provides insights from a successful project manager on topics such as project planning, project execution, and risk management.
Business Analyst
Business analysts analyze business processes and provide recommendations for improvement. This course may be useful for aspiring business analysts because it provides insights from a successful business analyst on topics such as business process analysis, data analysis, and presentation skills.
Auditor
Auditors are responsible for examining the financial statements of a company to ensure that they are accurate and reliable. This course may be useful for aspiring auditors because it provides insights from a successful auditor on topics such as financial accounting, auditing, and risk management.
Financial Advisor
Financial advisors provide financial advice to individuals and families. This course may be useful for aspiring financial advisors because it provides insights from a successful financial advisor on topics such as investment planning, retirement planning, and estate planning.
Controller
Controllers are responsible for the accounting and financial reporting of a company. This course may be useful for aspiring controllers because it provides insights from a successful controller on topics such as financial accounting, auditing, and financial reporting.
Management Consultant
Management consultants advise companies on a wide range of business issues, including strategy, operations, and technology. This course may be useful for aspiring management consultants because it provides insights from a successful management consultant on topics such as business analysis, problem solving, and communication.
Chief Executive Officer
CEOs manage the overall operations of a company, making key decisions that affect the company's success. This course may be useful for aspiring CEOs because it provides insights from a successful CEO on topics such as leadership, strategy, and innovation.
Tax Accountant
Tax accountants are responsible for preparing tax returns and advising clients on tax matters. This course may be useful for aspiring tax accountants because it provides insights from a successful tax accountant on topics such as tax law, tax planning, and tax preparation.

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Fireside Chat with Robert F. Smith.
Discusses the importance of innovation and the creation of new markets. It would be interesting reading for learners who want to hear Robert F. Smith's thoughts on the future of tech and the role of innovation in driving economic growth.
Explores the future of technology and its impact on various industries. It would be interesting reading for learners who want to hear Robert F. Smith's thoughts on the future of tech.
Discusses the challenges that large companies face when innovating. It would be relevant for learners who want to understand the challenges that Robert F. Smith and other tech leaders face when trying to innovate.
Provides a collection of essays on the challenges of building and running a tech company. It would be inspiring reading for learners who want to hear from one of the most successful tech entrepreneurs of our time.
Fable about a young shepherd who follows his dreams to find a treasure buried near the Pyramids of Egypt. It would be inspiring reading for learners who want to hear Robert F. Smith's thoughts on the importance of following your dreams.
Provides a framework for building successful startups. It would be useful reading for learners who want to learn more about the process of building a tech company.
Discusses the challenges of marketing and selling new products to mainstream customers. It would be interesting reading for learners who want to understand the challenges that tech companies face when trying to grow their businesses.
Classic guide to value investing. It would be useful reading for learners who want to learn more about the financial principles that Robert F. Smith uses in his investing.
Explores the power of introversion. It would be interesting reading for learners who want to understand the role that introversion can play in the success of tech entrepreneurs.
Provides a framework for personal and professional effectiveness. It would be useful reading for learners who want to learn more about the habits that drive success.

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