In this episode of the Work It Like a Mum podcast, we chat with Coralie Woodhead – renewable energy expert, mum of two, and co-founder of Vimma Energy. After 10 years in the solar industry, Coralie left her corporate career to launch a start-up while raising two young children.
She shares the highs and lows of building a business from scratch, managing co-founders, and creating a product that helps households save on energy costs – all while juggling family life.
What We Cover:
- Taking the leap from corporate to entrepreneurship
- Building a start-up with co-founders and defining roles clearly
- Launching a product in the clean energy space and making it accessible for everyday users
- Balancing motherhood and business ownership
- Overcoming challenges as a first-time founder
- Strategic decision-making, trialling products, and choosing the right technology
- The importance of support networks, mentorship, and finding the right business coach
Key Takeaways:
- Start-up life is messy but rewarding: flexibility can make a huge difference for working parents.
- Co-founder dynamics matter: leverage strengths and clearly define responsibilities.
- You don’t need to “look like” a founder: passion, focus, and determination drive results.
- Learning on the job is normal: don’t be afraid to make mistakes and iterate.
- Mentorship and support networks are game-changers: find someone who’s been there before.
- Innovation can be simple: making clean energy practical and accessible doesn’t have to be complicated.
Why Listen:
A must-listen for mum founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone juggling business and family. It’s packed with honest insights on building a business, managing co-founders, launching a practical product in the energy space, and creating the flexibility that makes life with kids possible — all without the usual glossy start-up narrative.
Show Links:
Connect with our host Elizabeth Willetts here