former OpenAI board member Helen Toner has shed light on the dramatic events leading to the ousting and subsequent reinstatement of CEO Sam Altman. The unexpected dismissal of Altman on November 17th, 2023, stunned the tech world, particularly given his role in overseeing the explosive launch of ChatGPT.
Toner, speaking candidly on The TED AI Show podcast, revealed that the board was completely in the dark about the release of ChatGPT in November 2022, only learning about it via Twitter. This revelation highlighted a significant communication breakdown between the board and Altman. Initially introduced quietly as a conversational AI model, ChatGPT soon captivated public attention with its impressive ability to generate human-like text, sparking the current AI boom.
The board’s lack of prior knowledge about such a significant launch was just one example of the growing mistrust towards Altman. Toner explained that Altman failed to disclose his ownership stake in the OpenAI Startup Fund and repeatedly provided inaccurate information regarding the company’s safety processes. This opaque leadership style made it nearly impossible for the board to evaluate and manage the company's safety protocols effectively.
Toner also recounted a personal clash with Altman, stating that he tried to oust her from the board by spreading false information after she published a research paper he found unfavourable. This incident, coupled with testimonies from two executives who described a toxic work environment and accused Altman of psychological abuse and manipulation, pushed the board to take decisive action.
The board, fearing Altman’s potential backlash, decided to act covertly to bring in a new CEO. They believed that any hint of their intentions would lead Altman to undermine their efforts. Toner emphasized that the decision to fire Altman was driven by a culmination of trust issues and his consistent lack of transparency.
Despite the board's decision, the aftermath of Altman's firing was chaotic. The company cycled through interim CEOs, and a significant portion of the workforce, alongside OpenAI’s primary investor, Microsoft, rallied for Altman's return. Toner noted that employees were essentially given a stark choice: support Altman’s reinstatement or risk the company's collapse. This ultimatum, combined with fears of retaliation, swayed many to back Altman.
Bret Taylor, OpenAI’s current board chief, expressed disappointment over Toner’s continued discussions on these matters. He clarified that an independent review found the previous board’s decision to fire Altman was not related to concerns about product safety, development pace, finances, or communications with stakeholders. Taylor highlighted that over 95% of employees advocated for Altman’s reinstatement, underscoring his influence within the company.
In the podcast, Toner reflected on years of accumulated mistrust, stating that the board reached a point where they could no longer rely on Altman’s word. Her insights provide a rare glimpse into the internal dynamics of one of the world’s leading AI companies during a critical juncture in its history. The boardroom drama at OpenAI underscores the complex interplay between innovation, leadership, and governance in the fast-evolving tech landscape.