An AI CEO explains how much he spent on Codex last month — and why he's still 'very nice' when prompting the tech

Dan Shipper, the CEO of Every, an innovative media, software, and consulting company focused on AI, has revealed that he relies heavily on OpenAI's Codex to manage his daily communications. From sifting through his inbox to suggesting meeting times and drafting responses, Codex plays a crucial role in his workflow. While the AI tool cannot send emails without his approval, Shipper noted that much of the scheduling correspondence related to his interview with Business Insider was generated using AI technology. Founded in 2020 with the support of Starting Line and Reid Hoffman, Every is positioned at the forefront of AI, offering its own technology newsletter, AI consulting, and app development, including a file automation tool called Sparkle. The company has privileged access to advanced models and tools from leading AI firms like OpenAI and Anthropic, providing Shipper with invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of AI. However, this reliance on cutting-edge technology comes at a cost. Last month, Shipper reported a staggering $13,000 in personal overages for using Codex, one of the highest amounts he's encountered. He humorously mentioned receiving some disapproving looks from his COO, Brandon Gell, regarding the expense. In comparison to the previous year, Shipper remarked that costs had skyrocketed, indicating a significant increase in AI-related expenditures. At Every, the integration of AI is viewed as a standard operational expense, akin to health benefits or company-provided laptops. All 27 employees receive a basic $20-a-month subscription, while technical staff are on a $200-a-month plan, with the company covering any additional costs. Shipper emphasized that spending on AI tools is necessary for employee productivity and that there are no strict limits on token usage, as long as it doesn't jeopardize the company's financial stability. The company initially considered providing each employee with their own AI agent but shifted to a more streamlined approach, utilizing fewer agents that cater to specific teams. One such agent, named Claudie, assists the consulting team with tasks like drafting presentations and managing client responsibilities. Despite the advantages AI offers, Shipper firmly believes that human intuition and critical thinking remain irreplaceable. He acknowledges that while AI can aid in drafting and editing, it struggles to identify what is truly engaging or interesting content. He envisions a future where more individuals can step into managerial roles earlier in their careers, as AI takes on routine tasks. As for the competitive landscape, Shipper observes that while Anthropic has gained significant momentum with its new Opus model, he remains confident in the capabilities of OpenAI's Codex. He encourages those working with AI to maintain a positive rapport with the technology, humorously remarking on the need to be 'nice' to robots, just in case they ever gain the upper hand over humans.