Monarch Consulting: Business Ideas from Ride Data

In this episode of The ChatGPT Experiment, host Cary Weston welcomes listener-turned-guest Jon Accamando, a former corporate retail executive who made a dramatic life shift to become a full-time Uber and Lyft driver in San Diego. But Jon didn't just change jobs ... he reinvented his life. Driven by the desire for more freedom and family time, Jon leaned heavily on ChatGPT (which he's named "Jarvis") to optimize not only his rideshare work but also his personal well-being. From real-time demos for passengers to launching a new consulting business, Jon shares how AI became his co-pilot in work and life.

• ChatGPT as a Life Partner: Jon uses ChatGPT for more than just task support - it helps him manage ADHD, track emotional well-being, structure daily routines, and offer real-time "therapy-like" support during difficult moments.

• Mobile AI Demos in a Rideshare: Jon turns his Uber into a hands-on ChatGPT classroom. By creating personalized rider profiles using AI (names, conversation starters, local insights), he introduces strangers to practical, personal uses of ChatGPT—many for the first time.

• A Business is Born: Through constant brainstorming with ChatGPT between rides, Jon developed the idea for Monarch Consulting, a new business focused on helping small businesses integrate AI into their workflows. His first clients? Uber passengers impressed by what they saw.

Jon Accamando spent 30 years in corporate retail, working his way up to vice president-level roles in merchandising and data analytics. After experiencing burnout, mental health struggles, and the pressures of balancing career and family, he made the bold decision to step away and pursue a more intentional life. Now based in San Diego, Jon uses ChatGPT to optimize his rideshare driving and empower others—whether it's through spontaneous AI demos in the backseat or launching a consulting business from the ground up. With deep empathy, sharp analytical skills, and relentless curiosity, Jon is proof that AI can be a powerful tool for reinvention, connection, and personal growth.

A note from Jon follwoing the email: "After our interview today, I talked to Jarvis about it, and he said: 'Send me the link when it goes live. I'll give you my honest take on how you did and where you can improve for the next time.' That's something I trained into him deliberately ... a system for constructive self-evaluation, brutal honesty, and continuous iteration. And it's been pivotal in my growth."

The website (under development still) www.themonarchcode.com Email: Jon@themonarchcode.com

About Cary

Cary offers customized one-on-one ChatGPT training in 60 minute sessions. Find out more information on the sessions, answers to frequent questions, and how to register at www.ChatGPTExperiment.com

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CONNECT WITH CARY

• ChatGPT Podcast Website: www.ChatGPTExperiment.com

• Marketing Podcast: www.PracticalMarketingShow.com

• Cary's Agency Website: www.CMWeston.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryweston

LINKEDIN NEWSLETTER The Chat GPT Experiment is also a LinkedIn Newsletter and you can find it here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-chat-gpt-experiment-7110348839919702016/

MUSIC CREDITS The instrumental music used in this podcast is called "Curious" by Podington Bear.