Podcast Summary: The ChatGPT Experiment – Ep 99: Practical AI Advice For Business

Host: Cary Weston
Date: February 5, 2026
Episode Theme: Turning AI Curiosity Into Practical Business Capability

Episode Overview

In this episode, Cary Weston directly addresses a common concern among business leaders: "How do I practically integrate AI like ChatGPT into my business?" Drawing from two recent consulting conversations, Cary demystifies what AI implementation really requires and reframes how businesses—and individuals—should approach AI adoption. Throughout, he stays true to his mission of making AI approachable: focusing on clarity over hype and real-world utility over unnecessary complexity.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Business Leaders’ AI Dilemma: Overwhelm and Uncertainty

[01:37 – 03:25]

• Cary notes increasing anxiety among business owners about "how to work AI into my business" or even where to start.
• He shares two recent real-world conversations typifying this confusion:
  • Case 1: A team unsure how to use AI for efficiency (quotes, customer questions, employee resources) and looking for advice on the "right" tool.
  • Case 2: An experienced business owner recognizing industry change, interested in becoming an AI consultant but lost on where to begin.

2. You Don’t Need an “AI Strategy”—You Need a Business Strategy

[06:05] Cary Weston:

“Businesses don’t need an AI strategy, they need a business strategy. And then figure out how AI can fit into it.”

• Cary emphasizes that AI should serve clear business goals—not the other way around.
• Focus first on the specific problem you want to solve. Ask:
  • “What’s the one problem you’re trying to solve?”
  • “What does success look like if you solve it?”
• Avoid technological “solutionism”—don't force AI onto messy or undefined processes.

3. Lay the Foundation BEFORE AI: Document & Define

[10:15 – 13:00]

• Before seeking AI solutions, ensure the information and processes AI would use actually exist.
  • Example: If you want AI to automate quotes or FAQs, do you have that content documented?
  • If not, you’re “starting from the wrong end of the problem.”
• AI excels at scaling and replicating what’s already clearly defined.
  • Otherwise, you risk muddying the waters and creating more confusion.

[14:39] Cary Weston:

“AI will help you scale and replicate things you can already define. It’s a misconception that the ‘AI tool’ is going to fast-track the work... In order for you to have AI go to work for you, you’ve got to give it a foundation of assets or resources.”

4. The Practical Path to Integration: Start Small, Focused, and Documented

[17:30 – 19:40]

• Take inventory: Do you have the resources, FAQs, process outlines, or knowledge bases to feed into an AI tool?
• If not, “take a breath,” document what you know, and start with a specific use case.
• Compare AI to a “super intern”—very capable but only as effective as the guidance you give.

5. For Aspiring AI Consultants: Leverage What You Already Have

[15:40 – 17:10]

• Don’t think you need to become an “AI person” just because it’s hot.
• Identify your transferable skills, relationships, and industry knowledge.
  • Start “warm” (with your existing network and expertise) rather than “cold.”
• Remember: “AI consulting,” like “software consulting,” is too broad. Get specific and leverage your unique background.

[19:13] Cary Weston:

“Don’t force yourself to do ‘AI’ just because it’s growing and popular. What can I transfer? What can I bring with me? Start warm rather than cold.”

6. Key Takeaways: Overwhelm is Normal, Curiosity is Key

[21:00 – 23:00]

• Replace “AI” with “software” in your thinking—it reveals just how broad the term is.
• Focus on:
  • The problem you want to solve
  • Documenting the process
  • “Test and learn” rather than aiming for perfection from the start
• You’re not behind! Stay curious, start with one useful AI application, and expand from there.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [06:05] Cary Weston:
  “Businesses don’t need an AI strategy, they need a business strategy. And then figure out how AI can fit into it.”

• [14:39] Cary Weston:
  “AI will help you scale and replicate things you can already define… In order for you to have AI go to work for you, you’ve got to give it a foundation of assets or resources.”

• [19:13] Cary Weston:
  “Don’t force yourself to do ‘AI’ just because it’s growing and popular. What can I transfer? What can I bring with me? Start warm rather than cold.”

• [22:30] Cary Weston:
  “Take a breath, inventory yourself, make sure you have resources in place whether there’s software AI involved or not. If you can’t define it, then you’re probably not going to be able to scale it.”

Helpful Timestamps

• 01:37 – Cary introduces the main issue: business owners feeling pressure to "add AI" without clarity on what or why.
• 06:05 – Cary’s friend’s advice: “Don’t need an AI strategy, need a business strategy.”
• 10:15 – 13:00 – The necessity of having knowledge/process/docs before bringing in AI.
• 14:39 – Role of AI as a “super intern”—needs a foundation to be effective.
• 15:40 – Transitioning to AI consulting: leverage what you and your network already know.
• 21:00 – 23:00 – Getting specific, manageable, and test-driven about AI; staying curious rather than overwhelmed.

Tone & Style

Cary’s approach remains warm, conversational, and accessible. He reassures listeners that confusion is normal, encourages practical steps over leaps, and continually returns to curiosity as the root of progress.

Final Message

Cary signs off by reinforcing the episode’s heart:

“...the most important part of learning and of growing and finding comfort and value in any AI tool is your curiosity.” [23:32]

Stay curious—start with one use case, document your processes, and let AI become a resource—not a source of stress.