How Sam Altman’s communication approach helped get his job back
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Screenshot: X/@samsa
After an executive is fired, they typically go underground — and when they do resurface, it's with legal representation or defensive messaging.
- Altman took the opposite approach.
Why it matters: By being very vocal and striking the right tone, Altman salvaged the reputation of OpenAI and his own.
What they're saying: "It's really impressive that he very much kept his wits about him and really thought about communicating in a smart and strategic way," says one Altman adviser who requested to speak on background. "Sam had a good sense of what the right message should be and how he wanted to communicate about this."
Zoom in: He maintained open communication and reached investors, former employees and the media in a way the board didn't.
- His communication also provided runway for his founder friends — like Airbnb's Brian Chesky and Coinbase's Brian Armstrong — and his former employees to be vocal too.
- They formed a social media army, which rallied around the ousted founder and in turn shaped the public narrative.
Of note, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella was also highly visible throughout the transition, and conducted several media interviews in which he sought to provide context and instill confidence.
Reality check: Board coups happen but rarely do you see employees rising up in defense of the outgoing executive.
- Much of this can be attributed to Altman's communication style, which remained very positive and at times humorous. Not once did he disparage the board — instead he focused on the mission and people of OpenAI.
- "Sam's open, nondefensive way of representing himself made folks very skeptical of the board's decision. His communication reinforced how [employees] were feeling and filled a void left by the board's silence," said the adviser.
The bottom line: Everything communicates — even silence. In this instance, the board's muddled explanation and decision to stay mum gave Altman the upper hand.
