Episode 4 of the second season of "Breaking the 20%" features Eleni Antoniou, host of the “Mamma mu” podcast as a guest and explores the life of Dame Stephanie “Steve” Shirley, whose remarkable journey spanned from the turbulent times of Nazi Germany to the pinnacles of technological innovation and philanthropic magnanimity.

Born into the chaotic world of 1930s Germany, Dame Stephanie’s odyssey began as a vulnerable Jewish child refugee. A tumultuous chapter marked by a crucial voyage aboard the Kindertransport in 1939 brought her and her sister Renate to the shores of England, where new challenges and cultural transitions awaited the two young souls.

Early in life, Dame Stephanie exhibited an exceptional aptitude for mathematics, a passion that would profoundly shape the contours of her future. Despite the challenging landscape marred by gender biases, her unyielding spirit saw her defy conventional norms and pursue advanced mathematical studies at an all-boys school.

Navigating through financial hardships and a denied university education in 1951, Stephanie, then eighteen, embraced a new identity as "Stephanie Brook," marking her and her mother’s transformative journey into British citizenship. This phase saw her cultivate the foundations of her technological odyssey as she explored realms of applied mathematics and physics through night classes while working at the Post Office Research Station.

In her explorative journey through the universe of technology and programming, Dame Stephanie encountered ceilings of glass, obstructing paths of progress and recognition. With a visionary spark, she founded Freelance Programmers, a groundbreaking enterprise birthed with a meager capital of £6. Her revolutionary business model primarily engaged women as freelance programmers, fostering a nurturing environment for smaller, home-based enterprises, which was a transformative step ahead of its time.

Personal battles interwoven with professional achievements marked pivotal chapters of her life. Her beloved son Giles' diagnosis with severe autism unveiled layers of unexplored resilience as she navigated the complexities of entrepreneurship while undertaking the poignant challenges of motherhood.

A momentous pinnacle graced her journey in 1996 when her innovative venture, F International, made a grand entry onto the London Stock Exchange, heralding an era of prosperity and success. However, the corridors of triumph also echoed with the sorrows of personal loss, with the passing away of her cherished son Giles in 1998.

Transitioning into a beacon of philanthropy, Dame Stephanie embarked on a selfless journey to redistribute her fortunes towards noble causes. Through initiatives like The Shirley Foundation and substantial contributions towards autism research through Autistica, her philanthropic odyssey blossomed. Her unparalleled contributions to charity have also seen her grace the distinguished position as the UK’s inaugural government-appointed Ambassador for Philanthropy.

At the admirable age of ninety, Dame Stephanie “Steve” Shirley resonates as an embodiment of resilience, perseverance, and a beacon of inspiration and empowerment. Her monumental legacy, interwoven with tales of technological triumphs and philanthropic generosity, continues to illuminate paths of inspiration and hope across global horizons.

You can listen to the full podcase here