Why OpenAI's chairman prefers his board members to write their meeting prep without the help of AI
Business Insider
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Bret Taylor, OpenAI's board chair, has expressed a preference for his team to avoid using AI when preparing meeting materials. In an interview with the "Uncapped with Jack Altman" podcast, Taylor explained that he values concise, well-crafted written documents over slide presentations, as they allow for deeper strategic discussions during meetings. He believes that writing without AI forces board members to engage in critical thinking and clearly articulate their ideas, which fosters more meaningful dialogue.
Taylor’s approach aligns with his background in leadership roles at companies like Salesforce and Sierra. He emphasized the importance of having board members thoroughly review written materials ahead of time, ensuring that meetings focus on substantive topics rather than presenting new information on-the-fly. Drawing inspiration from Jeff Bezos' memo-driven meetings but favoring brevity over lengthy documents, Taylor highlighted the significance of concise communication as a mark of careful thought and respect for stakeholders.
Despite his stance against AI in meeting preparation, Taylor acknowledged the potential of AI to play a role in high-stakes regulatory environments. He predicted that regulators might increasingly demand AI oversight to mitigate risks associated with human-only decision-making processes. This perspective underscores Taylor's belief in the dual nature of AI—while he discourages its use in certain internal contexts, he recognizes its transformative potential in other areas, particularly when it comes to managing regulated markets.
Taylor’s insights offer valuable lessons for businesses looking to enhance their strategic discussions and decision-making processes. By prioritizing clear, well-considered communication over AI-assisted shortcuts, organizations can foster deeper engagement and more impactful outcomes in their leadership meetings. At the same time, Taylor's acknowledgment of AI's potential regulatory role highlights the broader implications of integrating AI into oversight mechanisms, signaling a shift toward greater reliance on technology to manage risk in the future.
Overall, Bret Taylor’s perspective encourages businesses to strike a balance between leveraging traditional methods for internal communication and embracing AI’s capabilities in other domains. His approach not only emphasizes the importance of thoughtful preparation but also points to a larger trend where AI could play an increasingly significant role in ensuring accountability and minimizing risks in regulated industries.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/23/2026