About the Book
“A guide for those who dare to challenge the status quo and create spaces of equity and opportunity.” —Serena Williams
Leadership insights from one of history’s most influential voices.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated more than 55 years ago, yet his words continue to inspire millions of people, young and old—from all races and backgrounds. During his remarkable life, he embodies bold and compassionate leadership and achieved a level of influence few thought possible for a Black man born in Atlanta just before the Great Depression.
Now, aspiring leaders can reflect on some of Dr. King’s most impactful speeches and integrate his lessons into their modern leadership journeys. Robert F. Smith, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, offers his own insights and experiences on each passage on how themes like “The Beloved Community”, “Economic Justice”, and “Two Americas” played a central role in his own leadership development and why the visionary ideas of Dr. King espoused are so important for leaders to understand and apply today.
About the Author :
Robert F. Smith is an American investor, philanthropist and entrepreneur. He leads Vista Equity Partners, a global technology investor that specializes in enterprise software.
Throughout his life, Smith’s commitments to philanthropy and equality of opportunity have never wavered, and finding ways to make a difference in the communities where he lives and works is central to his character and approach to life. During his 2019 commencement address at Morehouse College, a Historically Black College, Smith committed to eliminating the student loan debt of the graduating class and later expanded his gift to eliminate student loan debt held by the students’ guardians on their behalf. Smith holds many board positions – he is the Chairman of Carnegie Hall and Student Freedom Initiative (SFI), co-lead of Southern Communities Initiative (SCI) and the founding director and President of Fund II Foundation. In addition, he is a major donor to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the King Center, his alma maters, Cornell University and Columbia University, and the Sphinx Organization, among many others. Smith was honored by being listed as one of Forbes’ 100 Greatest Living Business Minds in 2017 and TIME100’s “Most Influential People” in 2020.
Review :
'A call to action for leaders to embody his principles in practical, transformative ways. Robert masterfully bridges the lessons of the past with the challenges of today, making this a must-read for anyone committed to leading with impact.'
'A poignant journey of courage, resilience, and transformational vision. This book serves as an invaluable resource for those committed to building a more inclusive future.'
'Both inspiring and pragmatic, this book offers a clear roadmap for those seeking to make a lasting impact. More than just a leadership guide, Lead Boldly is a testament to how Robert has developed his career and lived his life--with purpose, conviction, and an unwavering commitment to justice. In a time when the call to build the Beloved Community is more urgent than ever, this book serves as a North Star, illuminating the path toward a future rooted in equity, empowerment, and transformative leadership. It is, at its core, a blueprint for those who aspire to relevance and seek to leave a meaningful legacy.'
'In Lead Boldly, Robert F. Smith masterfully weaves together Dr. King's timeless principles with contemporary leadership insights. This inspiring book serves as a blueprint for leaders who want to drive meaningful change while building bridges across communities. It is essential reading for anyone who believes in the power of purposeful leadership to transform lives.'
'Profound leadership insights that resonate deeply in today's world. Smith's commitment to racial reconciliation and inclusion shines through every page, making it a vital blueprint for leaders seeking to create meaningful change. This is not just a book for our time--it's a gift for future generations.'
'Robert's words inspire and challenge us to dismantle barriers, reach across divides, and move forward together toward a future where every child and community can reach their full potential.'
'Lead Boldly is a welcome and necessary guide to leading through change. By combining his unique insights with Dr. King's timeless guidance on striving for progress through courage and compassion, Robert F. Smith provides a practical roadmap for acting with purpose and creating lasting impact.'
'This book is about leadership, yes, but it is also about humanity and the power of one individual to inspire change. Grounded in readings of some of Martin Luther King's greatest speeches, Robert F. Smith's Lead Boldly is a tour de force, challenging each of us to rise to the occasion with integrity and purpose. It is a gift to all who envision a brighter tomorrow.'
'Lead Boldly--deeply anchored in the Black tradition and rooted in family and community-- is interwoven with profoundly moving personal experiences that thoroughly ground Smith's clear, compelling, and original program for delivering on King's urgent plea for economic justice, more than 60 years after Smith attended the March on Washington as a child with his parents. Anyone reading this exciting and urgently needed book will be enlightened, feel inspired, and will be eager to engage in 'the work' needed to make Dr. King's dream, at long last, a reality for all Americans. Lead Boldly is a timely, original, and heroic intervention at a time of crisis in race relations in our country, written by the most successful entrepreneur in African American history and a genuine thought-leader for our times.'
This is a book about leadership, yes, but it is also about humanity and the power of one individual to inspire change. It blends wisdom, vision, and courage into a guide for those who dare to challenge the status quo and create spaces of equity and opportunity.'
