Is the World Ready? A Conversation with Thibault Sottiaux, OpenAI’s Head of Product

Those who use OpenAI’s software engineering tool, Codex, might be familiar with Thibault Sottiaux, who resets token limits whenever the product reaches significant growth milestones. OpenAI is now set to extend this excitement to a broader audience with ChatGPT Work, a platform created for white-collar professionals to leverage AI agents. I recently spoke with Sottiaux about our feature on this product and its challenges, and we felt it was essential to share more of our discussion. Below is a lightly edited and streamlined version of our interview, focusing on how to address skeptics, the philosophy of discovery in product design, and the costs related to intelligence.

TechCrunch: As a member of the technical staff, can we say you are the product lead for both Codex and Work?

Sottiaux: I manage all core products, which include the API, agent infrastructure, enterprise solutions, and the entirety of ChatGPT, encompassing both ChatGPT Work and ChatGPT classic, in addition to everything tied to Codex.

Q: Is it true that you report to Greg Brockman?

Sottiaux: Yes, that’s correct. I often joke that ultimately, everyone reports to Greg.

Q: Why is ChatGPT Work such an important initiative for OpenAI?

Sottiaux: Our aim has been to democratize the power of coding agents, transforming a tool once tailored for tech-savvy users into a fun and accessible experience for everyone. We wanted to ensure it is mobile-friendly and widely available. This is why it’s included in the Plus plan for just $20 a month, offering incredible value. Our goal is to make this technology accessible to the largest possible demographic.

Q: Analysts point out that OpenAI has strong economic incentives to maintain a connection with its users.

Sottiaux: The more value and utility we deliver to users, the more likely they are to invest in that utility. We’ve always viewed ChatGPT through this lens: providing significant utility that justifies the $20 monthly fee, with benefits that far outweigh the cost.

Q: How crucial could this technology be in shaping public opinion about AI?

Sottiaux: I believe we have a vital role in guiding everyone through this technological transformation. The question lies in how to effectively disseminate this technology. Codex was initially crafted for a forgiving technical audience, but our technological maturity now enables us to introduce it to a wider user base. It’s about demonstrating that it’s not only helpful for writing or providing personal advice. ChatGPT can autonomously execute intricate tasks in a manner that is both enjoyable and secure. OpenAI’s mission is to engage everyone in this journey.

TC: How do you navigate the balance between allowing the model to take charge and providing buttons or a user interface?

Sottiaux: Our objective is to develop highly capable models while discovering the simplest and most enjoyable ways to integrate them into daily life, optimizing user utility. To do this, we often need to step back and let the model display its capabilities, enabling users to tap into the full extent of its utility. A minimalist product design that emphasizes delightful simplicity creates a natural way for users to interact.

Previously, our only option was text, but we have now introduced ChatGPT Voice, which has experienced substantial growth. Engaging in natural conversation has become incredibly intuitive. The continuous advancement of this technology will foster more natural interactions over time, adapting to human communication rather than requiring users to adjust to a novel application.

TC: Is the model ready? I read Ethan Mollick, a Wharton professor examining these tools, state that ChatGPT Work aims for a magical experience while Claude Cowork involves users in A/B testing to make decisions. Do you believe users are prepared for that level of magic?

Sottiaux: We clearly see a strong openness to this, shown by our impressive growth. We recently announced reaching 20 million users. We’ve successfully launched a product that is both straightforward yet powerful.

TC: When thinking of a product designed to accomplish everything, it can seem daunting. Do you prioritize creating a minimum viable product or solving specific problems? What is your evaluation method?

Sottiaux: This process embodies discovery as well. As we innovate model capabilities, we uncover its potential and strategically focus on the areas where it excels, building exceptional products around those strengths. Discovering these capabilities is often a magical and enjoyable journey for us.

For example, GPT 5.6 marked a significant advancement in general capabilities, enabling it to process extensive documents, create high-quality slides and reports, and conduct thorough research comparable to professional tasks. We center our efforts on those strong aspects, gather feedback, and continuously enhance the product. This iterative approach relies on community insights and practical usage, fostering ongoing improvement.

TC: There seems to be a considerable disparity between the cost of the Plus plan and the number of tokens used. How do you envision this situation evolving? Should users or CFOs be worried?

Sottiaux: We are committed to improving efficiency. Recently, we announced significant price reductions with Luna—an 80% discount—as part of a permanent pricing restructure. This signifies that our cutting-edge capabilities will become progressively affordable. Our goal is to consistently provide more value at the same price. If users wish to utilize more, they certainly can pay for additional usage, but our pledge is for users to be able to achieve the same results with less spending in the future.

TC: What guidance would you offer someone hesitant about permitting access to their email or iMessages, such as the feature you launched today?

Sottiaux: It is crucial to choose models that emphasize safety and alignment. A significant portion of our investment goes into our safety framework and establishing transparent benchmarks. Our models excel in these areas.