In the wake of Sam Altman’s sudden departure from OpenAI, Mira Murati has stepped into the role of interim CEO, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a commitment to the responsible development of artificial intelligence (AI). As the former chief technology officer, Murati played a pivotal role in overseeing the creation of groundbreaking tools like ChatGPT and Dall-E while ensuring they adhere to ethical standards.
In a recent interview with WIRED, Murati shared insights into her journey with OpenAI and the evolution of the organization from a nonprofit research lab to a dynamic product company.
Background and Entry into OpenAI
Mira Murati’s journey into OpenAI began with a background in engineering, spanning diverse fields such as aerospace, automotive, VR, and AR. Having worked on AI applications in real-world scenarios at companies like Tesla and Leap Motion, she recognized the transformative potential of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). OpenAI stood out as the organization uniquely focused on advancing AI capabilities while prioritizing safety—a crucial balance that drew Murati to the company in 2018.
Key Milestones and Evolution of OpenAI
Reflecting on her tenure, Murati highlighted moments like the remarkable translation ability of GPT-3. Despite being trained in English, the model demonstrated an unexpected proficiency in translating Italian—a testament to the astonishing capabilities of OpenAI’s technology.
The transition from a nonprofit research lab to a for-profit entity was not taken lightly, Murati emphasized. Balancing the need for substantial funding
to deploy models at scale with preserving the mission of the nonprofit was a challenging but necessary step for the organization’s growth.
Alignment with Microsoft and Changing Company Culture
Addressing the alignment of OpenAI’s mission with Microsoft’s, Murati acknowledged the collaboration but emphasized the importance of retaining OpenAI’s independent mission. The partnership with a tech giant like Microsoft was seen as essential for garnering necessary support while safeguarding the nonprofit’s objectives.
The transformation from a research-focused entity to a product-oriented company has significantly impacted OpenAI’s culture. Murati noted the need for continuous adaptation, especially in the face of evolving societal needs. The shift to making technologies like GPT-3 accessible via API demonstrated OpenAI’s commitment to responsible deployment and engagement with developers and customers.
Involvement in Dall-E and Addressing Concerns
As a key player in the development of Dall-E, which generates images, Murati discussed the considerations involved in image ownership. Red-teaming and collaboration with creatives were integral to addressing concerns. The decision to make Dall-E available in labs aimed to foster responsible interaction with the technology, encouraging discussions on policy implications and potential impacts on various industries.
AI Impact and Iterative Deployments
Murati acknowledged the questions surrounding the immediate impact of OpenAI’s products on copyright, plagiarism, and jobs. The intentional release of technologies like GPT-4 into the public domain aims to prompt discussions and solutions to these challenges. She stressed the importance of integrating AI responsibly into society, comparing its transformative potential to that of electricity or the printing press.
In conclusion, Murati expressed confidence in the iterative deployment strategy as the optimal path toward AGI. Emphasizing the importance of experiencing and adapting to AI advancements firsthand, she urged society to embrace the technology and collaborate on shaping its ethical and responsible use. As OpenAI continues its journey under Mira Murati’s leadership, the world watches with anticipation for the next chapter in the evolution of artificial intelligence.