This podcast episode explores Sam Altman, the founder of OpenAI, and his unconventional approach to compensation and investment in startups. Altman's focus on mission-driven work and belief in the potential of startups is showcased through his low salary and lack of equity at OpenAI. He takes on high-risk investments in young startups, many of which have paid off. However, his investing style has raised concerns about conflicts of interest and favoritism. The importance of minimizing conflicts of interest in corporate governance to ensure fairness, transparency, and effective decision-making processes is emphasized.