Microsoft CEO’s Heartwarming Advice to OpenAI’s Sam Altman on Fatherhood
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has shared the heartfelt parenting advice he gave to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, encouraging him to cherish every moment of fatherhood. The revelation came during a Halloween special podcast with investor Brad Gerstner.
Key Takeaways
- Satya Nadella advised Sam Altman to “just enjoy” the fatherhood journey
- Nadella became a father young and wishes he could “redo it”
- Altman became a father via surrogacy in February 2024
- Altman acknowledges energy challenges of being an older father
Nadella, who became a father at a young age, reflected on his own parenting experience and expressed his wish to relive those precious moments. He emphasized that watching children grow represents one of life’s most valuable experiences for parents.
“I said just enjoy it. I mean, it’s so awesome. You know, we had our children so young, and I wish I could redo it. So, in some sense, it’s just the most precious time, and as they grow, it’s just so wonderful. I’m so glad Sam is experiencing it.”
Altman’s Fatherhood Journey
Sam Altman embraced fatherhood in February when his son was born via surrogacy. The OpenAI CEO announced the news on X (formerly Twitter), revealing that his son was born prematurely and required time in the NICU but was otherwise healthy.
The Older Father Perspective
While responding to Nadella’s advice, Altman shared his perspective on becoming a father later in life. He expressed contentment with his timing but acknowledged the energy challenges that come with age.
“I’m happy to be doing it older, but I do think sometimes, man, I wish I had the energy when I was like 25. That part’s harder. No doubt about it,” Altman explained.
During the same conversation, Altman also touched upon the demographic makeup of OpenAI, estimating the company’s average employee age to be in the “low 30s” – relatively young but not exceptionally so for a Silicon Valley startup.
“It’s young. It’s not crazy young, not like most Silicon Valley startups. I don’t know, maybe low 30s average,” Altman added.
