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 [email protected] – ALL proceeds go to Autistica.

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In the 1960s, Dame Stephanie Shirley pioneered a unique business model by establishing a software company staffed primarily by women working from home. This innovative approach, prioritizing social impact over solely financial gain, aimed to empower women, disabled individuals, and families with breadwinning responsibilities. By focusing on metrics such as the number of disabled and female employees, job-sharing couples, and flexible work arrangements, Shirley's company became a trailblazer in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.

Her entrepreneurial journey began with a mere six pounds, but through sheer determination and innovative thinking, she grew the company to a valuation of 2.8 billion dollars. Shirley's success stemmed from her ability to recognize the potential of software as a standalone product, separate from hardware. This disruptive idea, coupled with her commitment to social responsibility, set her apart in the male-dominated tech industry.

Despite the initial skepticism and ridicule surrounding her business concept, Shirley persevered, driven by a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of technology. Her innovative spirit extended beyond her own company, as she also played a pivotal role in establishing the Oxford Internet Institute in 2000. This institute focused on exploring the social, economic, legal, and ethical implications of the internet, recognizing the far-reaching impact of technology beyond its technical aspects.

Shirley's pioneering efforts in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the workplace are particularly noteworthy. In an era characterized by rampant sexism, she faced numerous obstacles and biases. To overcome these challenges, she adopted the pseudonym "Steve" to ensure her ideas and proposals received the attention they deserved. This strategic move highlights the pervasive nature of gender discrimination and the lengths women had to go to gain recognition in the professional world.

Despite the progress made in recent decades, Shirley emphasizes the ongoing need for women to support and empower one another, ensuring that future generations do not face the same barriers. She also stresses the importance of men serving as allies, actively challenging sexism and promoting gender equality.

Shirley's remarkable journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the transformative impact of perseverance, innovation, and a commitment to social responsibility. Her pioneering spirit and unwavering dedication to empowering women and driving positive change continue to shape the tech industry and beyond.

**Navigating Life's Challenges with Resilience and Purpose: Lessons from Dame Stephanie Shirley's Journey**

In this episode of the High Performance Podcast, hosts Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Dame Stephanie Shirley, a pioneering businesswoman, technology expert, and philanthropist. The discussion delves into Dame Shirley's remarkable life journey, her unwavering commitment to empowering women and individuals with disabilities, and the importance of resilience, innovation, and social responsibility in achieving high performance.

**Key Insights and Takeaways:**

1. **Embracing Disruption and Innovation:**
- Dame Shirley emphasizes the significance of embracing disruption and innovation in business. She believes that successful ventures are often those that challenge the status quo, provide unique solutions, and have the potential for global impact.

2. **Championing Women and Inclusivity:**
- Throughout her career, Dame Shirley has been a staunch advocate for women's empowerment and the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the workplace. She pioneered flexible work arrangements, allowing employees to work from home, which was unconventional in the 1960s.

3. **The Value of Patience and Long-Term Thinking:**
- Dame Shirley highlights the importance of patience and long-term thinking in achieving success. She shares examples from her own life and businesses, emphasizing that significant accomplishments often take time and dedication.

4. **Finding Hope Amidst Adversity:**
- Dame Shirley's personal life was marked by challenges, including the loss of her son Giles to autism. However, she found hope and purpose in her work, particularly in establishing charities that provide support and resources to individuals with autism and their families.

5. **The Power of Perseverance and Resilience:**
- Dame Shirley's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and resilience. Despite setbacks and personal struggles, she remained steadfast in her commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

6. **The Importance of Legacy and Social Impact:**
- As Dame Shirley reflects on her life and career, she expresses her desire to leave a lasting legacy. She emphasizes the significance of social impact and the fulfillment that comes from using one's resources and talents to make a difference in the lives of others.

7. **Key Non-Negotiable Behaviors:**
- Dame Shirley identifies three non-negotiable behaviors that have guided her throughout her life: maintaining calmness, practicing politeness, and incorporating humor in her public speaking.

8. **Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Leaders:**
- Dame Shirley encourages aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders to take risks, embrace challenges, and focus on doing the right thing rather than merely doing things right. She emphasizes the importance of integrity and ethical decision-making.

9. **The Fulfillment of a Meaningful Life:**
- Dame Shirley leaves listeners with a profound message, emphasizing the significance of living a meaningful life. She stresses the importance of avoiding complacency, making the most of every day, and contributing positively to society.

In conclusion, Dame Stephanie Shirley's journey serves as an inspiration to all who seek to achieve high performance. Her unwavering commitment to innovation, social responsibility, and the empowerment of others makes her a true pioneer and a role model for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs.

# Podcast Episode Summary:

## Introduction:

- Dame Stephanie Shirley, a business pioneer and philanthropist, is the focus of this podcast episode.
- Her remarkable career, marked by disruptive innovation and social impact, is explored.

## Early Life and Childhood:

- Stephanie Shirley's turbulent childhood shaped her perspective on life and resilience.
- She was brought to the UK on the Kindertransport during WWII, living with foster parents.
- These experiences instilled in her a deep appreciation for life and a determination to make a positive impact.

## Career and Innovations:

- Stephanie Shirley's early career involved using the pen name "Steve" to overcome gender bias in the male-dominated tech industry.
- She championed women and disabled people in the workplace, enabling them to work from home, a groundbreaking concept in the 1960s.
- Her innovative approach to empowering marginalized groups earned her recognition as a pioneer in diversity and inclusion.

## Personal Struggles and Resilience:

- Stephanie Shirley candidly shares her struggles with anorexia as a coping mechanism during a challenging period in her life.
- Despite these challenges, she demonstrated remarkable resilience, overcoming adversity and emerging stronger.

## Family and Farm Life:

- Stephanie Shirley's personal life included caring for her ailing father and managing a 250-acre farm.
- She learned to drive a tractor and manage a farm, showcasing her adaptability and resourcefulness.
- The COVID-19 pandemic presented additional challenges, but it also provided an opportunity for reflection and growth.

## Valuable Lessons and Insights:

- Stephanie Shirley emphasizes the importance of finding meaning in adversity and learning from life's challenges.
- She believes that everything happens for a reason and that there is always a positive lesson to be learned from difficult experiences.
- She encourages listeners to appreciate the good moments and find gratitude amidst life's ups and downs.

## Conclusion:

- The podcast highlights Stephanie Shirley's remarkable journey, characterized by resilience, innovation, and a commitment to making a positive impact on society.
- Her story serves as an inspiration for listeners to embrace challenges, pursue their passions, and strive for excellence in all aspects of life.