Sam Altman, the recently reinstated CEO of OpenAI, has opened up about his experience of being terminated by the company’s former board. Altman, who was attending the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Las Vegas at the time, received the shocking news in a hotel room.
In an interview, Altman described his state of confusion and shock upon learning that he had been fired. The news came as a complete surprise to him and left him feeling disoriented. Following the termination, Altman’s smartphone was inundated with messages from well-wishers, causing it to temporarily freeze up.
Despite the unexpected turn of events, Altman remained focused on his work and the future of OpenAI. He expressed his commitment to advancing the development of advanced general intelligence (AGI). Altman returned to California to meet with various individuals as he tried to navigate the situation.
The termination took a toll on Altman, but he has maintained a positive attitude and believes he will bounce back from this setback. He compared the experience to the sudden death of his father, highlighting the parallels in having to pick up the pieces of his life. Altman expressed his care for OpenAI, its people, users, and shareholders, and described the firing as “unbelievably painful.”
Altman is still processing the termination and expects to have more feelings about it as he takes time to reflect. Despite the initial shock and confusion, he remains dedicated to his vision for OpenAI and the potential of AGI.
Altman’s story serves as a reminder that even in the face of unexpected challenges, it is possible to maintain resilience and focus on the future. As he navigates this difficult period, Altman’s determination and commitment to his work are sure to leave a lasting impact on both OpenAI and the field of artificial intelligence as a whole.
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