A Life of Giving, Innovation, and Resilience – Dame Stephanie Shirley

In this episode, I sit down once again with Dame Stephanie Shirley, the remarkable IT pioneer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, whose extraordinary life journey—from a Kindertransport refugee to one of Britain’s most influential businesswomen—has inspired many.

We discuss:

• From war refugee to tech trailblazer: How Dame Steve arrived in the UK as a child and went on to build a pioneering software company.
• Breaking barriers for women in business: The challenges she faced as a female entrepreneur in the 1960s and how she helped reshape the tech industry.
• The power of philanthropy: Her motivations for giving away over £70 million and how her approach mirrors the rigor of business strategy.
• The impact of giving: Stories of lives transformed, including her focus on autism research and technology for social good.
• Lessons for young people: Her advice on living a meaningful life, pursuing ambition, and surrounding oneself with the right people.
• Reflections on restlessness and legacy: Why, even in her 90s, she continues to push forward with new projects, including a potential TV series about her life.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with a woman who has not only changed industries but also dedicated her life to making the world a better place.