OpenAI CEO Sam Altman described by colleagues as lacking technical coding skills and basic machine-learning concepts, per The New Yorker investigation

Sam Altman, OpenAI’s chief executive and the public face of ChatGPT, has long cultivated an image of an exceptional “AI genius,” with influence that some say extends to the White House. However, an in-depth report by The New Yorker presents a markedly different and more troubling portrayal of the CEO.

Questioning the “technical genius” narrative

Based on interviews with multiple internal OpenAI staff who worked closely with Altman, the article argues that he is not the technical genius the public believes him to be. Instead, Altman is described as a “master manipulator” with a surprisingly thin foundational knowledge of the AI systems his company develops.

Several engineers interviewed said Altman lacks practical experience in programming and machine learning. They also said this sometimes shows up in his use of AI terminology during job conversations.

Altman studied computer science at Stanford University but left the program after two years. While not completing the degree is not presented as a definitive measure of ability, the report frames the issue as more consequential given Altman’s role leading a company that could soon become the world’s most valuable public company.

Reputation management and leadership style

The report suggests that the media-created image of Altman as a “tech genius” may have become a symbolic reputation that helps him navigate difficult situations. Some interviewees describe his ability to handle organizational problems as a strength.

In the industry, some liken Altman’s persuasion and leadership to “Jedi mind tricks,” a reference to psychological influence and decision-making.

Governance mechanisms and internal constraints

Interviews cited in the article indicate that Altman may set governance mechanisms that appear designed to constrain his power on paper. However, when those mechanisms come into effect, they are sometimes adjusted or discarded.

Carroll Wainwright, a former OpenAI researcher, told The New Yorker that Altman often establishes mechanisms that would bind him in the future, but later finds ways to remove the structures when enforcement becomes necessary. Wainwright said: “He often sets up mechanisms that in theory would bind him in the future. But when that time comes, when the constraints need to be enforced, Sam finds a way to remove the very structures that had been put in place earlier.”

Industry skepticism and potential reputational risk

The report also cites a senior Microsoft executive, reflecting skepticism about Altman’s management and public image. It notes that there remains a non-negligible possibility that Altman could be viewed negatively in the future, in a manner similar to Bernie Madoff or Sam Bankman-Fried.

An anonymous source quoted in the article said: “I think there remains a possibility, though not large, that in the end he will be remembered as a Bernie Madoff- or Sam Bankman-Fried-level fraud.”