Kitti Bradley is the co-founder of Mother Trucking - a dispatch management system that enables SMEs in the trucking industry to manage the day-to-day running of their business. Kitti has owned businesses since she was 24, with Mother Trucking her newest venture.
How did the idea for Mother Trucking come about?
The COVID shutdowns in Europe presented a transformative opportunity for me to retrain as a developer on the same low-code platform that my partner holds the global user experience MVP title for.
When we returned to New Zealand, we established our IT consultancy above my parents' workshop in Nelson. A neighbouring fleet owner sought our help, and we discovered the insufficiency of good, customisable software choices for SMEs in New Zealand's trucking sector. To ensure our idea's viability, we conducted interviews with other companies in Nelson, solidifying our decision to develop the innovative Mother Trucking platform.
What do you love most about being a business founder?
Being able to create something for such an important, yet underserved market in NZ gives me so much energy. Also, being self-employed and able to generate my own income gives me the sense of freedom and independence I crave in life.
What has been your biggest challenge so far in your entrepreneurial journey and how did you overcome it?
One of the most significant hurdles I faced during my entrepreneurial journey was gaining confidence in my ability to be in a room full of people and deliver a pitch at a pitch night.
This can be challenging for anyone, but it was particularly difficult for me due to the physical symptoms I had to overcome after completing PTSD treatment overseas. Despite these challenges, I persevered and worked on building my confidence to engage with others and present my ideas effectively.
What’s a business highlight you’re proud of?
I am really proud of the Ministry of Awesome and Callaghan Innovation pitch night! Standing on stage, giving my pitch standing, without a speech impediment! Not to mention winning the “most investable start-up” award to boot!
What or who inspires you?
I am always inspired by people who have experienced the worst shit in life and still managed to succeed (however success looks to them). Their stories remind me of the remarkable resilience and potential for growth within the human spirit.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Fail fast, learn often.
Do you have any advice for female entrepreneurs?
Feel the fear, do your research, and go do it! Also, there is an amazing community of career driven women out there - you will never be alone.
How do you unwind from work?
NZ gins with soda water, or NZ wine and of course chocolate. Cuddling animals, sleep and surfing are my healthy choices. For every “bad” relaxation habit, I try to have a “good” one.
What three things can’t you live without?
Fresh air, water and good food.
If you won RISE UP, what would you use the money for?
We would love to put the money towards some of our development costs, as we are bootstrapping our company!
RISE UP 2023 is proudly sponsored by Callaghan Innovation.
Get your FREE ticket to our RISE UP Pitch Night in Hamilton on 29 August 2023.