What it's really like to work at ChatGPT-maker OpenAI, ex-engineer shares surprising insights about company culture

Ever wondered what it’s like to work at one of the most talked-about AI companies in the world? A former OpenAI engineer Calvin French-Owen has shared his experience of life inside the ChatGPT-maker, he has offered a rare look into a company that’s usually known for its secrecy.

In a detailed blog post, Owen, who worked at OpenAI for just over a year, described the company as both exciting and intense. “It’s probably the most ambitious place I’ve ever worked,” he wrote, calling it a mix of cutting-edge science, big product launches, and fierce global competition.

According to him, OpenAI moves at lightning speed. He recalled how his team built and launched a major product, Codex, in just seven weeks, something unheard of in most large companies. “It was exhausting but also the highlight of my career,” he admitted, sharing how the whole team worked late nights and weekends to make it happen.

One of the most surprising details is how OpenAI operates internally. The engineer said the company doesn’t use email at all everything happens on Slack. Employees are encouraged to take action without waiting for approvals, and there’s no strict hierarchy. “If you have a good idea, you just run with it,” he said.