BM icons: Dame Stephanie Shirley

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Tech entrepreneur and Philanthropist

What motivates you?

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My motivation stems from my child refugee days, when I was saved from Nazi Germany in the Kinderstransport. I determined at a young age to embrace change and make mine a life that was worthy of being saved.

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What has been the biggest learning curve in your career?

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I learnt the most, the fastest, during the 1970s recession. Till then, the market had helped to carry my company forward; suddenly, the task was like that of a liquidator: to concentrate on essentials. I’ve kept myself focussed ever since.

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Ambition or talent?

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There are more measures of success than profit and mine was a social business. Yes, talent helps but ambition is less important than perseverance and motivation.

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What advice would you give to your 30 year old self?

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Another 50 years to go! So make sure you spend them on worthwhile things that you enjoy doing.

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Who do you admire?

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People who have known sorrow such as Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa. And Sir Stephen Hawking, amazingly still enjoying life.

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In what place are you happiest?

 

Place isn’t as important to me as people. So long as I’m with my husband of now well over 50 years, I’m happy.

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What’s your biggest extravagance?

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My Friday evening massages.

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How would you change government policy to help women in the workplace?

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With better provision of childcare.

 

Do you believe in quotas?

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I used to loathe the idea of quotas (who wants to be a “token” woman?). But then I began to have doubts. Eventually, I realised that without quotas progress will remain slow. But I still don’t like them.

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Describe yourself in 3 words?

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Inspirational. Hard-working.