Early Life
Born into a Jewish family in Nazi Germany.
At age 5, she escaped to Britain via the Kindertransport (1939), a rescue mission that brought thousands of Jewish children to safety before WWII.
Lived with foster parents in the UK and later reunited with her biological family.
Changed her name to Stephanie and later adopted the nickname “Steve” to help navigate a male-dominated business world.
Career in Technology
Freelance Programmers (F.I. Group)
In 1962, she founded a software company called Freelance Programmers, later known as F International and eventually Xansa (acquired by Steria in 2007).
Started the company from her dining room table with £6 capital.
Pioneered the work-from-home model, hiring mainly women with dependents, decades before it became common.
Her company became one of the UK’s first tech startups and eventually employed thousands.
Achievements:
First woman to lead a major UK tech company.
Helped develop software for the Concorde supersonic jet.
Became a multimillionaire when she floated her company on the stock market.
Philanthropy
After stepping back from business, she devoted herself to philanthropy, particularly in areas close to her heart:
Autism research and education (inspired by her son Giles, who was autistic and passed away in 1998)
Technology in health and education
Support for women in STEM
She has donated over £67 million to charitable causes, including founding:
Autistica – UK’s leading autism research charity
Prior’s Court School – for young people with autism
The Shirley Foundation – to manage her charitable giving
Publications
Autobiography: Let It Go (2012) – covers her journey from refugee to tech pioneer and philanthropist
Also featured in documentaries and public speaking engagements, particularly on women in tech and social entrepreneurship
Honors and Awards
Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) – 2000
Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) – 2017
Fellowships from:
The Royal Academy of Engineering
The British Computer Society
Numerous honorary doctorates and awards in business and technology
Personal Philosophy
Dame Steve Shirley is known for her belief in:
Empowering women in STEM
Inclusive leadership
Social entrepreneurship
She often says:
“I had to work harder than the men around me, and I used to get pretty angry about it. Now I channel that energy into helping others succeed.”
Legacy
A trailblazer for women in tech, long before diversity was a recognized goal.
A visionary entrepreneur who proved that a business could succeed by doing social good.
Continues to influence policy, philanthropy, and technology innovation in the UK and beyond.
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