OpenAI's president opens up about the 5 chaotic days after Sam Altman's firing

In a recent episode of the Tetragrammaton podcast, OpenAI’s President, Greg Brockman, reflected on the whirlwind of events that unfolded over five tumultuous days in November 2023 following the unexpected dismissal of CEO Sam Altman. Brockman described the atmosphere during this period as nothing short of revolutionary, stating, "I cannot capture the intensity of this time." The upheaval began on November 17, 2023, when OpenAI’s board ousted Altman and simultaneously removed Brockman from his role as board chairman. He recounted learning about the board's decision during a Google Meet call, which led him to resign from his presidency that same day. "For me, I knew in that moment it wasn't right," he shared. Following the call, he and his wife decided to leave, marking the beginning of a chaotic series of events. Brockman noted that the dismissal ignited a fervent response among OpenAI employees and investors, who, fueled by a collective sense of urgency, mobilized quickly to reinstate their leaders. Initially, the board tapped CTO Mira Murati as interim CEO, but she was soon replaced by Emmett Shear, former CEO of Twitch. This transition, according to Brockman, sent shockwaves through the company as employees began to exit en masse, desperate for a reprieve from the turmoil. As the situation escalated, many employees canceled their Thanksgiving plans, choosing instead to gather in homes across the Bay Area. These gatherings became a platform for passionate discussions about the company's future. Brockman revealed that about 95% of OpenAI's workforce signed a petition demanding the reinstatement of both him and Altman, an overwhelming show of solidarity that even caused Google Docs to crash due to the influx of signatures. The competitive landscape added to the pressure, with rival companies attempting to recruit OpenAI's top talent. Altman himself was contemplating launching a new venture, and Brockman noted that Microsoft expressed interest in investing in such a possibility. Amidst the uncertainty, Brockman described a sense of rejuvenation among employees, viewing the crisis as an opportunity for reflection and innovation. Ultimately, after significant pressure from employees and investors, Altman was reinstated as CEO on November 22. In hindsight, Brockman acknowledged the lessons learned from this episode, particularly regarding how to manage internal conflict. He stressed the importance of addressing disagreements promptly to avoid future complications. Reflecting on the experience, Brockman emphasized a newfound awareness among employees about the company's precarious situation, stating, "It's not pre-ordained that it succeeds. The thing that is most likely to get in the way of success is tripping over ourselves." He also defended Altman's character, describing him as a "good person" who is often misunderstood by the public.