Foundering OpenAI Part 5: Beware the Ides of November
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Jun 27, 2024 
Tech entrepreneur Sam Altman's power struggle at OpenAI leads to a board coup, employee revolt, and his triumphant return as CEO. Explore the secrets, betrayals, and political maneuvering behind the scenes in the AI industry.
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Altman's Firing
- Sam Altman, despite seeming dominance, was unexpectedly fired by OpenAI's board.
- This was triggered by Altman's alleged back-channeling and manipulation after Helen Toner co-authored a paper critical of OpenAI.
Altman's Image
- Sam Altman publicly emphasized his fireability and lack of OpenAI equity to appear less threatening.
- This was meant to portray OpenAI as a different kind of company and himself as a new type of CEO.
The Firing Process
- Sam Altman was fired in a surprise Google Meet by four board members, excluding his ally, Greg Brockman.
- OpenAI quickly published a blog post stating the board's lack of confidence in Altman's leadership due to his lack of candor.