Breaking Silence: A Strategic Return To The Spotlight
Mira Murati, former Chief Technology Officer of OpenAI and current CEO of Thinking Machines Lab, gave her first major media interview in nearly 18 months during a conversation with Bloomberg in San Francisco. The interview comes as Thinking Machines Lab continues to expand its operations following a period focused on fundraising, hiring and product development.
Redefining The AI Landscape With Interaction Models
The company recently introduced Tinker, an API designed for fine-tuning open-source AI models. Murati also discussed what Thinking Machines Lab describes as “interaction models,” which process continuous streams of audio, text and video at intervals of 200 milliseconds. According to the company, the approach is intended to support more natural interactions by accounting for pauses, interruptions and changes in conversation flow.
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Navigating The Turbulence At OpenAI
Murati also reflected on events at OpenAI in November 2023, when CEO Sam Altman was briefly removed by the board and Murati served as interim CEO. She said decisions made during that period were guided by efforts to support the company’s mission and employees. Looking back, Murati noted that clearer communication and a more structured transition process could have improved the situation.
A Call For Structural Governance In AI
Asked about trust and accountability in the AI industry, Murati focused on governance and decision-making structures. She argued that the concentration of influence among a limited number of organisations increases the importance of effective oversight mechanisms. Her comments highlighted broader discussions within the industry about governance, accountability and the long-term development of advanced AI systems.
Industry Competition And The Talent War
Thinking Machines Lab has faced staffing changes as it continues to build its research team. Discussing competition within the sector, Murati said her focus remains on developing products rather than competing directly with rivals. Her remarks come as AI companies continue to compete for talent and investment amid growing demand for advanced AI systems.
Charting A Balanced Future For AI
Murati also addressed the potential impact of AI on work, security and society. Rather than focusing on either optimistic or pessimistic scenarios, she emphasized the importance of maintaining human oversight as AI capabilities continue to advance. According to Murati, long-term outcomes will depend on how organisations and policymakers manage the development and deployment of the technology.







