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Dame Stephanie 'Steve' Shirley, technology pioneer, dies aged 91
//science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. eve-shirley-technology-pioneer-dies-aged-91.html
Published in Science and Technology on Monday, August 11th 2025 at 9:59 GMT by BBC🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Self-made millionaire, philanthropist and technology pioneer Dame Stephanie Shirley has died aged 91.
After the war, Shirley pursued education with vigor, attending a convent school and later studying mathematics through evening classes while working at the Post Office Research Station in Dollis Hill, London. It was here, in the 1950s, that she encountered early computing technology, including the pioneering work on machines like the Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator (EDSAC). Her fascination with computers grew, but so did her awareness of the pervasive sexism in the male-dominated fields of science and technology. Married to physicist Derek Shirley in 1959, she soon faced the societal expectation that women should prioritize family over career. The birth of her son Giles in 1963 further highlighted the lack of flexible work options for mothers, prompting her to take a bold step: founding her own company.
In 1962, with just £6 in startup capital, Shirley established Freelance Programmers from her dining room table. The company's innovative model focused on hiring women—particularly those with children—who could work part-time from home, a revolutionary concept at a time when remote work was unheard of and women were often sidelined in tech. To navigate the gender biases of potential clients, Shirley adopted the professional pseudonym "Steve," signing business letters as such to increase her chances of being taken seriously. This clever tactic paid off, as the company secured contracts that might otherwise have been denied to a woman-led enterprise. Freelance Programmers specialized in software development, tackling complex projects like programming the black box flight recorder for the supersonic Concorde aircraft, scheduling systems for British Rail, and early payroll software. By emphasizing quality, innovation, and a flexible workforce, the company grew rapidly, eventually employing over 8,000 people, with 97% of the programming staff being women.
Shirley's business acumen extended beyond mere profitability. She pioneered employee ownership, turning Freelance Programmers into a cooperative where staff held shares, fostering loyalty and motivation. The company evolved into the FI Group in the 1980s and was later acquired by Steria, becoming Xansa, before its eventual sale to Sopra Steria. At its peak, it was valued at £3 billion, making Shirley one of Britain's wealthiest women. Her success challenged stereotypes, proving that women could excel in technology and that flexible working arrangements could drive productivity. She often reflected on how her refugee background fueled her entrepreneurial spirit, viewing business as a means of empowerment and social change.
Tragedy struck Shirley's personal life when her son Giles, diagnosed with severe autism, required intensive care. His condition, which led to his institutionalization and eventual death at age 35 in 1998, profoundly influenced her philanthropy. Having amassed a fortune, Shirley committed to donating the majority of it—over £67 million—to charitable causes, particularly those supporting autism research and IT initiatives. She founded the Shirley Foundation in 1986, which has funded projects like Prior's Court School, a residential facility for autistic youth, and the Oxford Internet Institute. Her giving philosophy is rooted in "venture philanthropy," where she invests in innovative solutions with measurable impact, much like her business ventures.
Now in her 90s, Dame Stephanie Shirley—knighted in 2000 for services to information technology—remains an active advocate for women in STEM, autism awareness, and ethical technology use. She authored a memoir, "Let It Go," in 2012, which was adapted into a BBC drama, detailing her extraordinary journey from child refugee to tech mogul. In interviews, she emphasizes the importance of perseverance, noting how she turned obstacles into opportunities. For instance, she recalls being dismissed by male executives, only to outmaneuver them through superior service and innovation. Shirley's legacy extends to policy influence; she has campaigned for better support for working mothers and refugees, drawing parallels between her own experiences and modern migration crises.
Her contributions to technology are vast: she helped lay the groundwork for the software industry in the UK, promoting coding as a viable career for women and pioneering practices like agile development and home-based workforces that prefigured today's gig economy and remote work trends. In an era when computers were room-sized behemoths, Shirley envisioned their potential to transform society, from automating tedious tasks to enabling global connectivity. She has received numerous accolades, including the Order of the Companions of Honour in 2017, and serves on boards like the UK Computing Heritage Museum.
Shirley's story is not just one of personal triumph but a testament to systemic change. She challenged the glass ceiling in tech long before terms like "diversity and inclusion" became buzzwords, proving that talent knows no gender. Her philanthropy continues to address pressing issues, such as the ethical implications of AI and the need for inclusive education in technology. In recent years, she has spoken out on topics like data privacy and the digital divide, urging younger generations to use technology for good. As she reflects on her life, Shirley often quotes her motto: "The most important thing is to let it go"—a reference to releasing control, whether in business or personal matters, to foster growth and impact.
Through her endeavors, Dame Stephanie Shirley has inspired countless individuals, particularly women and refugees, to pursue their ambitions relentlessly. Her journey from a frightened child on a train fleeing persecution to a dame of the British Empire encapsulates the power of resilience, innovation, and generosity. In the annals of technology history, she is remembered not only for building a successful company but for reshaping the landscape of work, philanthropy, and social equity. Her influence endures, reminding us that true success lies in lifting others along the way. (Word count: 928)
Read the Full BBC Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/dame-stephanie-steve-shirley-technology-132022695.html ]