In an inspiring tale of collaboration and innovation, Liz Muller and her father, Rich Muller, are making significant strides in the nuclear industry through their company, Deep Fission. This Berkeley, California-based father-daughter team has a proven track record of launching successful businesses, including Berkeley Earth, a nonprofit focused on climate science, and Deep Isolation, which specializes in nuclear waste disposal. Their latest venture, Deep Fission, aims to revolutionize the way nuclear energy is harnessed by burying small modular reactors a mile underground, an innovative approach to making nuclear power safer and more efficient.

This narrative, shared exclusively with Business Insider, is drawn from conversations with Liz Muller, a dynamic 46-year-old entrepreneur, and her father, Rich Muller, an 81-year-old inventor and Chief Technology Officer (CTO). The duo has created multiple companies together, blending their expertise to tackle some of the most pressing energy challenges.

Lizs journey into entrepreneurship began after spending eight years in France, where she worked as an administrator at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Upon returning to the United States, she embraced her entrepreneurial spirit and saw her father as the ideal partner to embark on this venture. Rich, with his extensive experience in the energy and nuclear sectors, provided invaluable technical knowledge.

She would be my boss, and I would offer technical information, Rich explained, highlighting their unique working relationship. Although they faced challenges with their initial ventures that ultimately didn't succeed, the bond they forged through these experiences laid the groundwork for their success with Deep Fission, where Rich serves as CTO and Liz as CEO.

Their complementary skill sets have proven beneficial. Liz brings a wealth of business acumen, while Rich is a remarkable inventor, capable of generating innovative ideas on demanda skill he describes as rare. Its been wonderful working together. I felt blessed from the beginning, Rich reflected, emphasizing the joy of collaborating with his daughter. She was my mentor, which was wondrous.

Despite the challenges of working together, Liz cherishes the experience. The hardest part is when we go through difficult periods or when the company is reaching significant milestones. But its one of the most meaningful and rewarding aspects of my career. They emphasize the importance of clearly defined roles within the company and leading with mutual respect, ensuring that they challenge each other when necessary while always keeping their family bond at the forefront.

Living arrangements also enhance their working relationship. The Mullers reside in a spacious, beautifully renovated house that was once a set of apartments. Originally tenants, Rich and his wife eventually purchased the property, which now accommodates Liz, her husband, and their two children, aged 11 and 15. The close proximity facilitates daily interactions, allowing Rich to enjoy moments like making coffee for Liz each morning and sharing family dinners on Sundays. However, they also recognize the challenge of finding quality time together amidst busy schedules.

Rich shared a poignant observation, saying, Working with your adult child is one of the greatest joys you can have as a parent. My advice? Let them lead. He underscores the importance of viewing their relationship as a partnership rather than a traditional mentor-student dynamic, urging other parents in similar situations to respect their children's judgment and allow them to shine.

The inspiration for Deep Fission stemmed from a question posed by a customer of Deep Isolation, leading Rich to explore the concept of placing fresh fuel deep in a borehole. This inquiry blossomed into the invention of the Deep Borehole Reactor. Liz played a crucial role in recognizing the potential of this concept, showcasing her ability to bridge the gap between technical innovation and business strategy. Together, they co-invented the original patent, an example of their effective collaboration.

As they reflect on their journey, both Liz and Rich express pride in their achievements with Deep Isolation and Deep Fission, noting the enthusiastic response from the industry and the implications for the future of nuclear energy. People light up when they realize what were building and the impact it could have on the future of nuclear, Liz stated. Their commitment to working as equals, leveraging their distinct expertise, is a cornerstone of their success.

Rich has no intention of slowing down, Liz concludes. This work is his lifes passion, and he remains energized by the science. We continue to think through new inventions every week. Their story is a testament to the power of family, innovation, and the pursuit of a sustainable future in energy.

If you work with a family member and have a unique story to share, the editor, Manseen Logan, invites you to reach out via email at mlogan@businessinsider.com.