Smarter Living Through Artificial Intelligence

Celia Quillian 22MBA thinks it’s time to stop freaking out about AI — and start having fun with it. In 2023, she launched SmartWorkAI on TikTok and Instagram to help people wrap their heads around tools like ChatGPT and discover how surprisingly useful (and not-so-scary) AI can be in daily life — whether planning a trip, writing a cover letter, or just trying to get through your inbox.

Now with more than 180,000 followers, Quillian’s SmartWorkAI serves up quick, practical tips that make integrating AI into your routine feel less like a tech leap and more like a life hack. Her book “AI for Life: 100+ Ways to Use Artificial Intelligence,” published in January 2025 by Simon & Schuster, expands on that mission. It’s part guide, part confidence boost for anyone curious but hesitant to try AI.

Emory Magazine caught up with Quillian to talk about her journey from Goizueta Business School MBA student to AI influencer — and why she believes there’s never been a better time to embrace the tools shaping the future.

EMORY MAGAZINE: WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN AI AND WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO SHARE THAT KNOWLEDGE WITH OTHERS?

CELIA QUILLIAN: Believe it or not, I launched my SmartWorkAI social media platform just a few months after I tried ChatGPT for the first time. I was excited about playing with AI and was surprised how much it could help me at work and home. However, when I looked at my social feeds for further guidance, I discovered that most content on generative AI tools was presented in an overly technical and complicated way — stuff that would easily overwhelm the average person. So I created posts and videos I felt would be less intimidating and give helpful advice for leveraging the power of AI in everyday life. Deep down, I could tell this technology was going to change how we did everything, how we told stories, how we engaged at work and got things done in our daily lives. And I think being new to AI myself — not some machine learning PhD — helped me present it in a relatable, beginner-friendly way.

EM: WHAT’S THE BEST WAY FOR SOMEONE NEW TO AI TO START USING TOOLS LIKE CHATGPT?

QUILLIAN: The best approach is to pull up one of these generative AI tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google Gemini or Microsoft Copilot — all of which have free versions — and just start a conversation. Ask a question you’re curious about, something you might normally Google. You’ll often get a more detailed and thoughtful answer than a standard search result. Also, try to use it every day, even for small tasks, so you get comfortable and start seeing what it can really do.

EM: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST USEFUL WAYS AI CAN HELP WITH EVERYDAY TASKS?

QUILLIAN: Travel planning is a great starting point. In fact, I say that travel is the “gateway drug” to using generative AI since it can handle so much of the mental load: where to go, what to do, what fits your budget. Input some basic parameters for your vacation and it can suggest sample itineraries, complete with recommended activities, restaurants and hotels. Generative AI is also fantastic for meal planning, grocery lists, brainstorming work ideas, in-depth research, budgeting, and even acting as a sounding board for your thoughts and feelings. My book features more than 100 use cases to explore.

EM: ARE THERE THINGS PEOPLE SHOULD BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHEN USING GENERATIVE AI?

QUILLIAN: Don’t upload ultra-personal information like Social Security numbers or bank account details. You can ask for financial or budget advice from AI, but don’t share sensitive data because these tools are online and at risk for data breaches. Also, always fact-check important details. AI can pull from unreliable sources when browsing for answers or sometimes “hallucinate” — basically make stuff up. And finally, I believe strongly that everyone who uses generative AI should remember that while it’s a helpful tool — it’s not a replacement for your brain.

EM: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST CREATIVE WAYS YOU'VE SEEN PEOPLE USE AI IN THEIR PERSONAL LIVES?

QUILLIAN: My neighbor used the new image model in ChatGPT to help redesign her kitchen. She uploaded a photo of her existing kitchen along with some prompts. ChatGPT, with its new image generation model, was able to visualize for her different countertops, paint colors and cabinet hardware. She was thrilled! I’ve also seen people use AI as an all-in-one partner for healthy living — helping them plan meals, stay on track with fitness and weight loss goals, and offering the kind of personal coaching that keeps them motivated.

EM: WHAT’S COMING NEXT IN AI THAT EXCITES YOU MOST?

QUILLIAN: I'm really intrigued about agentic AI — tools that act like personal assistants and complete tasks for you through your computer. For example, instead of just suggesting a trip, these “agents” may soon be able to actually book the flights, hotels and activities on your itinerary. They could help schedule medical appointments. Or browse and buy personalized gifts online. What perhaps excites me most is that this could actually help us spend less time on screens and more time being present.

EM: YOU CREDIT GOIZUETA MARKETING PROFESSOR MARINA COOLEY IN THE AUTHOR’S FOREWARD OF YOUR BOOK. HOW DID SHE INFLUENCE YOUR PATH?

QUILLIAN: Even after graduation, Marina Cooley continues to be a beloved mentor. She is just a dynamo of a woman. Marina taught a content marketing class on sticky storytelling — how to hook people into your story, especially on visual platforms like TikTok and Instagram. That class was eye-opening. I’d never really used TikTok before, but it inspired and helped me when I started SmartWorkAI. Even now, Marina encourages me to ask tough questions about my work and goals: What are you doing this for? Why? What’s the bigger picture? She’s been a huge influence on my success.

EM: YOU HAVE A DAY JOB THAT USES AI. WHAT IS IT?

QUILLIAN: I am director of AI and Growth at Greenlight Financial Technology here in Atlanta. We offer a debit card for kids and a financial education app that parents manage, along with a suite of safety features for the family. I started as a product marketer during my MBA and now work on the innovation team, where I evaluate AI tools and use them to make our company more efficient and effective.

Deep down, I could tell this technology was going to change how we did everything, how we told stories, how we engaged at work and how got things done in our daily lives.