Has Sam the Sham become Sensitive Sam with the short temper?
In a recent podcast with a friendly interviewer that is also a shareholder, Sam showed a side of his personality that has not been on public display.
A fairly innocuous question that was non-confrontational, and has even been discussed before by Sam in other interviews, drew a response from Sam that was decidedly non CEO speak.
Brad Gerstner, a podcaster and OpenAI investor in a friendly tone asked:
“How can a company with $13 billion in revenues make $1.4 trillion of spend commitments? You’ve heard the criticism, Sam.”
Sam in a flash of anger retorted:
“If you want to sell your shares, I’ll find you a buyer,”
And then for good measure to show his true anger and annoyance level, Sam added:
“Enough.”
He then went on to tell Gerstner that he could find any number of sukcers investors that would gladly snap up his shares.
Sam’s reaction should worry investors in OpenAI for several reasons.
This was a friendly interview, a podcast from someone that is a believer in what Sam is doing. Gerstner was so surprised by Altman’s response that he let out a laugh.
The angry response shows a decided lack of training and a level of defensiveness that, as an investor, you do not want on public display from your CEO.
If OpenAI goes public, which is being discussed, Sam will get more questions from Wall Street analysts that will be pointed, direct, and even rude.
While all CEOs hate being questioned, they are trained to not react with anger or display annoyance as they know if they do, their stock price will drop, quickly.
It also shows Sam’s imperial nature and the similar personality on display by the small handful of Silicon Valley leaders that lead some of the most valuable companies.
The idea that anyone would openly question their strategy, spending or business plans is met with condescension, anger and retribution.
Not only is the level of spending at OpenAI coming under scrutiny, other investors and Sam himself, have recently discussed the potential of a bubble forming that will soon deflate and cause massive losses.
So Gerstner was just referring to statements that Sam himself has already made in a less angry tone.
The attitude fits with someone that is unconcerned and will not be questioned about his plans for the billions in cash from investors that is not his money. This shows a disdain and lack of respect for his key investors and if he is even responsible or takes seriously his duty to generate a return.
Investors should be concerned about Sam’s angry reply and at the very least, get him some solid training in public relations, which I’m certain he has had some, but clearly needs more.
Angry CEOs can stomp around the office in private all they want. The recent example of Elon Musk and his very open displays of questionable, concerning behavior on his company’s valuation was a reality check for any CEO that throws public tantrums.
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