Three weeks ago, Calvin French-Owen, an engineer who worked on OpenAI’s Codex, resigned. His blog post reveals the experience of working there and dispels misconceptions.
Fast growth
OpenAI expanded from 1,000 to 3,000 employees in a year. The rapid growth challenges communication, organization, and product development.
Chaos
Scaling quickly causes breakdowns in operations and processes. Despite chaos, the company encourages innovation and autonomy among employees.
Launching spirit
OpenAI operates like a fast-moving startup, with a focus on agility and quick iterations. Codex was developed and launched in seven weeks, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation.
French-Owen addresses misconceptions about OpenAI’s safety practices, emphasizing the company’s attention to practical safety concerns. The company acknowledges the potential impact of its technology and is closely monitored by governments and competitors.
