OpenAI CEO Sam Altman terminated over lack of candid communication
Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, was fired last week following a review that revealed he had not consistently been transparent in his communication with the board of directors. This decision has garnered attention from top leaders in the industry and has drawn parallels to the situation faced by Ashneer Grover, former co-founder and managing director of BharatPe.
In a post on social media platform X, Grover, who was ousted from BharatPe last year due to alleged financial discrepancies, expressed his solidarity with Altman. He stated that he was going through similar experiences in India, where initial attacks targeted his role and shares and then turned personal. Grover believes this has become a template for startup boards and investors globally, characterized by ego rather than intellect. He also mentioned a list of other founders who had been fired by board members, including Travis Kalanick, Adam Neumann, and Steve Jobs.
However, Grover faced criticism on social media and subsequently deleted the post. Users pointed out that the image he shared of Sam Altman was incorrect, leading to further embarrassment for Grover.
Altman’s termination has resulted in Mira Murati, OpenAI’s chief technology officer, stepping in as interim CEO while the company searches for a permanent replacement.
The comparison between Altman’s firing and Grover’s situation at BharatPe sheds light on the challenges founders face when it comes to open and candid communication with board members. Grover criticizes the lack of ability and independence among board members, referring to them as puppets of investors. To gain an understanding of such boardroom dramas, Grover recommends watching shows like WeCrashed and SuperPumped, along with reading his own book Doglapan.
It is worth noting that Grover and his wife, Madhuri Jain, are currently facing investigations into alleged financial improprieties at BharatPe. The allegations include illegitimate payments, inflated transactions, and forged invoices. Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing has summoned them for questioning.
While Altman’s dismissal has raised questions about leadership and communication within OpenAI, it also highlights the challenges faced by founders in maintaining transparency with board members. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of effective communication and integrity in the startup ecosystem.
