E181 - Dame Stephanie Shirley: From child refugee to the Sunday Times rich list. What I’ve learned in 90 years

Dame Stephanie Shirley is a businesswoman, technology pioneer and philanthropist. Currently at the age of 89, Stephanie has had a long career championing women in the workplace and new forms of technology, including being part of the team that programmed Concorde’s black box flight recorder. After being born in Germany, Stephanie was brought over to the UK on the Kindertransport during the WWII and lived with foster parents for many years. 

This turbulent childhood has shaped Stephanie’s life and career, teaching her how valuable life is and making her determined to do something good with every day. She discusses this with Jake and Damian in this open and honest conversation, along with the importance of being disruptive and innovative in business, whilst standing up for the people who need it, among much more. 

In the beginning of her career, she used the pen name ‘Steve’ to ensure she was taken seriously by her male counterparts. She pioneered empowering women, disabled people in the workplace by allowing them to work from home, something unheard of in the 1960’s.

Stephanie shares stories of her childhood, her businesses and her personal life, in this moving and inspiring conversation. 

If you would like a personally signed copy of either of Stephanie’s books (‘So To Speak’ or ‘Let It Go’), please email pa@steveshirley.com – ALL proceeds go to Autistica.