
Curiosity, Smartest Person in the Org, and Claude vs. GPT
🎁 Day 2 of Shipmas: OpenAI’s O1 and O1 Pro
Nico provides an in-depth breakdown of the latest developments from OpenAI’s 12 Days of Shipmas, focusing on the release of O1 and O1 Pro.
What’s New with O1?
- Higher Reasoning Speed and Accuracy: O1 significantly outperforms GPT-4, with advancements in competition-level math, coding, and PhD-level science questions.
- Pro Subscription: For $200/month, Pro users gain access to O1 Pro mode, offering even better performance for the most complex tasks.
Performance Highlights:
- Competition Math Accuracy: O1 Pro reaches 85.8%, a leap over GPT-4’s 13.4%.
- PhD-Level Science: O1 Pro at its worst still surpasses expert human performance.
Quote: “At its worst, O1 Pro is better than the best human in PhD-level science. That’s the difference in short.” – Nico Lafakis
Reflective Question: How could the advanced reasoning capabilities of O1 and O1 Pro elevate your work or business processes?
💡 The Importance of Communication in AI
George highlights a critical gap in AI advancements—human-like communication. While O1 is exceptionally smart, its ability to write and communicate in a human tone still lags behind competitors like Claude.
Key Insights:
- Communication Training: George shares his approach to customizing AI instructions to improve its communication skills.
- Claude’s Edge: For generative marketing and conversational tasks, Claude often outperforms in creating more natural-sounding content.
- The Future: AI models must become not only smarter but also better communicators to meet human expectations.
Quote: “I’ve met the smartest people who struggle to communicate, and that’s where AI needs to improve—being smart and human-like in communication.” – George B. Thomas
Reflective Question: Are you teaching your AI tools to communicate effectively, or simply relying on default settings?
🧠 Curiosity as a Superpower in the AI Era
The team emphasizes the transformative power of curiosity and asking better questions when working with AI.
Actionable Tips:
- Curiosity Drives Innovation: Use AI to explore blind spots, refine strategies, and unlock new ideas.
- Teach the AI Your Context: George demonstrates how feeding AI tools with detailed instructions can yield better, more tailored results.
- Question Everything: AI is a judgment-free zone for exploring ideas and testing assumptions.
Quote: “In organizations, you might be afraid to ask questions for fear of judgment. With AI, ask the question—it could lead to magic.” – George B. Thomas
Reflective Question: What questions haven’t you asked yet that could unlock new opportunities for you or your team?
🚀 The Bigger Picture: AI as an Equalizer
Nico and Chris discuss the democratizing power of AI, referencing insights from Morgan Stanley’s collaboration with OpenAI.
Key Takeaways:
- Smartest in the Room: AI tools can make every individual as knowledgeable as the smartest person in an organization.
- Generative AI in Business: Adoption is accelerating, and understanding AI is becoming a prerequisite for modern roles, even in highly regulated industries like finance.
- Looking Ahead: Sam Altman predicts mid-2025 will bring unprecedented advancements that challenge our perception of what’s possible.
Quote: “AI can make you as smart as the smartest person—if you’re smart enough to use it effectively.” – Nico Lafakis
Reflective Question: How are you positioning yourself to stay ahead in a world where AI levels the playing field?
🎯 Practical Takeaways for Listeners
- Upgrade Your AI Tools: Explore how O1 and O1 Pro can elevate your workflows.
- Focus on Communication: Customize AI tools to align with your brand’s tone and style.
- Stay Curious: Leverage AI to fill knowledge gaps, refine strategies, and spark innovation.
💡 Final Thoughts: Mastering the Power of AI
This episode underscores the importance of combining intelligence, communication, and curiosity to maximize the potential of AI. As we navigate the rapid advancements unveiled during Shipmas, the team reminds listeners to ask better questions, teach AI how to meet their unique needs, and embrace the tools that will shape the future.
Quote: “You can be as smart as the smartest person—if you’re curious enough to ask the right questions and use the right tools.” – George B. Thomas
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Creators and Guests

Host
Chris Carolan
Chris Carolan is a seasoned expert in digital transformation and emerging technologies, with a passion for AI and its role in reshaping the future of business. His deep knowledge of AI tools and strategies helps businesses optimize their operations and embrace cutting-edge innovations. As a host of Wake Up With AI, Chris brings a practical, no-nonsense approach to understanding how AI can drive success in sales, marketing, and beyond, helping listeners navigate the AI revolution with confidence.

Host
Nick Lafakis
Niko Lafakis is a forward-thinking AI enthusiast with a strong foundation in business transformation and strategy. With experience driving innovation at the intersection of technology and business, Niko brings a wealth of knowledge about leveraging AI to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. His passion for AI as a force multiplier makes him an essential voice on Wake Up With AI, where he shares insights on how AI is reshaping industries and empowering individuals to work smarter, not harder.