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- What happened to OpenAI?
Read Time: 4.5 min
Hi networkers,
OpenAI is the developer of ChatGPT - the language model chatbot spearheading the AI revolution.
And last Wed, they reinstated Sam Altman as their CEO, after firing him just days before!
While this newsletter isn’t for AI stuff, I think Sam’s re-hiring is worth discussing because it is a pretty good example of leadership.
Today, we’ll be breaking down the OpenAI drama and how it teaches us the qualities of a good leader.
🏁 Here’s the route for this week’s run:
🎙️ Sam Altman’s Return as CEO
💡 The 5 Levels of Leadership
📍 Go-To Networking Events
TOPIC
Same Altman’s Return as CEO
Here’s the breakdown of what happened:
Nov 17 - OpenAI made a sudden post on their site announcing Sam Altman’s firing
Later that day, Greg Brockman, another co-founder of OpenAI, announced his resignation
Nov 19 - Multiple media outlets report that OpenAI faces heavy pressure from its employees and investors to reinstate Sam and Greg
Nov 21 - Microsoft makes its own surprise announcement stating that Sam Altman will be joining their AI research branch as CEO
At the same, 700 of OpenAI’s 770 employees threaten to quit unless Sam Altman is reinstated as CEO
Nov 22 - Sam Altman returns to OpenAI as CEO and a new board is put in place
That was a very brief rundown. But I want to emphasize one thing here.
700 out of 770 threatening to quit. That’s 90%!
With that many people putting their livelihoods on the line to fight for his return, it speaks volumes about who Sam is as a leader.
Known for his close connections with his colleagues, Sam sets a good example of leadership done right.
He teaches us that communication and empathy are the foundations of a good leader.
And that being a good leader makes a difference. It affects your network, people’s opinion of you, and how willing they are to support you.
This entire drama, and the support Sam was receiving reminded me of a lesson I learned long ago on leadership.
It’s that you only achieve this level of support as a leader when people follow you…not because they have to, but because of who you are.
For a deeper dive into this story, check out this video.
TIP/TOOL OF THE WEEK
The 5 Levels of Leadership
This week’s tip is John Maxwell’s 5 Levels of Leadership.
We all have our reasons to pursue leadership.
Whether it’s for higher pay or more influence, the levels below outline the different steps in becoming a better leader:
Level 1: People follow you because…they have to
Level 2: People follow you because…they want to
Level 3: People follow you because…of what you’ve done for the company
Level 4: People follow you because…of what you’ve done for them
Level 5: People follow you because…of who you are and your qualities
Actionable Steps
Make an honest reflection of what level you are at
Ask yourself, what actions can you take to move onto that next level?
Until next time, stay warm! 🧤
-Michael Ly
Go-To Networking Events
📍Checkpoints📍
Unlocking Success: BDO Client Cases & Strategies
Analytics Week Virtual Job Fair / Career Networking
Showcase Event with Marcus & Millichap
Time: Dec 1, 1:00 EST (Virtual)
Detail: This showcase is intended to expose students to diverse career paths and highlight leading commercial real estate firms shaping the industry's future. Ms. Lubega will provide an overview of Marcus & Millichap and insights into her role within the company.
Arcteryx Co-Op Information Session for May 2024
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