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

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

Update: 2025-02-27
Share

Description

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.

Comments 
In Channel
loading
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

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

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

Michael McKay