Sam Altman’s decision to drop out of Stanford in 2005 to pursue Loopt, a location-based social networking app, was a pivotal moment in his career. This risk, which he saw as a reversible door, ultimately led him to co-found OpenAI.
Echoing Jeff Bezos's "two-way door" philosophy, Altman emphasizes that calculated risks are essential for career growth. "The real danger," he warns, "is not taking those risks." Regret, he says, often stems from inaction rather than failed attempts.
Altman also encourages students to embrace career flexibility. With the rise of AI and rapid technological advancements, the traditional path of college, job, and retirement is becoming less predictable. He suggests that younger generations should be open to exploring different fields and seizing opportunities as they arise.