Robert Smith: AI, Enterprise Software and the Future of Investing

Video Description

Join Creative Planning President and CEO Peter Mallouk and Vista Equity Partners Founder, Chairman and CEO Robert Smith for a conversation on AI in enterprise software and what it means for investors. They explore how AI agents are reshaping SaaS business models, why mission-critical systems must be highly accurate and how enterprise AI is shifting value from seat-based pricing to measurable outcomes. They also discuss durable value creation, market volatility and how long-term investors can stay focused when headlines move faster than fundamentals. 00:00 Introduction 01:24 How early exposure to tech shaped Robert’s edge 02:44 Lessons from Wall Street that still apply today 03:50 Why enterprise software can be a durable investment 04:29 “No finish line” — the mindset behind continuous improvement 06:21 Davos takeaways that matter for markets 07:03 Using AI without giving away enterprise value 09:06 Enterprise software, explained in plain English an insurance example 10:51 When “mostly right” can cost you money 12:16 What investors are getting wrong about AI and subscription software 14:00 From seats to agents: what this shift means for growth and pricing 16:34 Why some software is so hard to replace 19:03 The skills that still pay off as AI reshapes services 22:40 A better way to trust your gut: test, learn, repeat 24:56 Building teams that keep up with constant change 27:00 Discipline and excellence — the advantage that compounds 28:53 Where innovation is happening now and how to keep up 31:43 The messy middle: what change looks like before it works 36:25 Why no sector stays safe forever — and what to do instead 39:16 The Morehouse moment — and a mindset you can use now RESOURCES Follow Peter on his social media accounts: https://twitter.com/PeterMallouk | https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-mallouk | https://www.instagram.com/peter_mallouk/ | https://www.facebook.com/OfficialPeterMallouk/ Follow Creative Planning’s social media accounts: https://twitter.com/CPIWealth/ | https://linkedin.com/company/creative-planning | https://www.instagram.com/creativeplanning_llc/ | https://www.facebook.com/creativeplanninginc/ Browse through all our episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUCaSzO8gAgJga22aWmChI3MDRQov-Osa https://creativeplanning.com/icons-and-ideas/ Like the Icons and Ideas podcast? Check out Peter’s other podcasts! Signal or Noise: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUCaSzO8gAgI2EL9Kbb-QlwQ10t4OOm0X Down The Middle: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cVILMzVpUo5HcAI91qh2S