Former OpenAI Communications Lead Urges Tech Executives to Abandon Manifestos for Authentic Storytelling

Hannah Wong, a former communications lead at OpenAI, has urged technology executives to stop publishing lengthy manifestos and focus instead on telling relatable stories about how their products help people. Speaking at an event organized by Clipbook, a media intelligence platform, Wong discussed communication strategies in the age of AI with Clipbook founder and chief executive Adam Joseph.

“Companies need to do more showing and less telling,” Wong stated during the roundtable. She criticized the tech sector's reliance on extensive essays and manifestos, noting that they often feel disconnected from reality. She highlighted the contradiction between aspirational corporate messaging—such as claims that AI will create universal opportunities—and recent industry layoffs, arguing that such mixed messaging severely damages credibility.

Furthermore, Wong pointed out that many tech companies lack genuine grassroots community engagement and fail to build trust with broader audiences through influencers. Her remarks follow a recent 6,000-word essay published by Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg titled “The future is for everyone,” which drew widespread scrutiny amid growing public distrust over AI's impact on labor markets and the environment.

In contrast, Wong praised companies like Airbnb and Nvidia for their communication approaches. She commended Airbnb co-founder and chief executive Brian Chesky as an authentic storyteller and lauded Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang for effectively illustrating practical use cases for AI.

Reflecting on her time at OpenAI prior to her departure in early 2026, Wong recalled that chief executive Sam Altman maintained an authentic and approachable leadership style, frequently collaborating with the communications team.